22nd Century Scholars Summer Internship

The Center for Politics: The University of Virginia Center for Politics is the nation’s preeminent institution for the study and promotion of civics education and political participation. Founded in 1998 by University Professor Larry J. Sabato, the mission of the Center for Politics is to educate and inspire the public to actively engage in practical politics and other civic affairs through programs that are unique, compelling, and open-minded.

UVA Center for Politics
22nd Century Scholars Summer Internship Program

The University of Virginia Center for Politics’ 22nd Century Scholars Summer Internship Program scheduled for July 5-August 1 plus November 21, 2025, and is open to eight currently enrolled UVA undergraduate students (rising Second, Third and Fourth-Year students) who are interested in working in the public sector and/or international relations. 

TIMELINE
Sunday, April 20, 2025: Applications close
Friday, April 25, 2025: Decisions announced
July 5-August 1, 2025 plus November 21: Internship program dates
Friday, August 1, 2025 at 11am-12:30pm: Closing Internship Zoom Presentations

COMPENSATION - $1,000:
Each student who is selected and completes the program will receive a $1,000 stipend paid by August 1, 2025. There is a possibility that the opening period of the program from July 5-11 will be in person with housing and meals provided. More details about this are in the Program Summary.  Those who are selected as 22nd Century Scholars must be committed to participate in person during these activities should the in-person portion of the program occur. If the in-person part of the Program does not occur, the entire period from July 5-August 1, 2025, will be virtual. It is anticipated that 22nd Century Scholars will dedicate a minimum of 10 hours of service during each week of virtual programming. Should the opening in-person week occur, as per U.S. Department of State requirements, a background check will be conducted on all selected 22nd Century Scholars. Only those fully committed to the in-person part of the exchange and willing to participate in a background check should apply to be a part of the 22nd Century Summer Internship Program.

APPLICATION: To apply, submit a resume and cover letter on the Program’s Handshake page. The cover letter is integral to the selection process. Be sure to share why you are motivated to participate in the Iraq portion of the program and provide your top three Center for Politics department internship preferences and why. You may direct any questions to Daman Irby at irby@virginia.edu.

Summary: 22nd Century Scholars Summer Internship Program

Since 2021, the 22nd Century Scholars Summer Internship Program has been united in varying degrees with the U.S. Department of State’s Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP).  The Center for Politics hosts the 6-day orientation of this exchange on the Grounds of the University before the Iraqis divide into groups and depart for other locations in the United States. During the 2024 program, the 22nd Century Scholars assisted exchange staff, lodged, ate meals, and engaged with the Iraqis throughout the exchange orientation.

Due to evolving federal policies, it remains to be determined if IYLEP will occur in 2025. If the Iraq element of the 22nd Century Scholars Program is implemented, it will most likely take place July 5-11, and the selected Scholars will be required to fully embed with the Iraqis from 5pm on July 5 until 11am on July 11 with all meals and lodging provided.  It is anticipated that their participation will be similar to the 2024 program. The Iraqi contingent would include approximately 75 undergraduate students from across Iraq. Exchange participants will be provided activities and workshops meant to unite them as a team, enhance their leadership and civic engagement knowledge and skills, and build bonds with the 22nd Century Scholars. All of the Iraqi students will speak English and will be selected from a pool of over 1,000 candidates. Activities with the Iraqis and 22nd Century Scholars will take place throughout the day.  22nd Century Scholars who are selected must be fully dedicated to this program and have no other plans or outside activities during this period including evenings, and be willing to be assigned Iraqi roommates. There is the possibility that IYLEP could be rescheduled to another time in July. If the dates of IYLEP are changed prior to the announcement of the 22nd Century Scholars selection, finalists will be contacted to determine if they are available to participate in person during the new IYLEP dates. All applicants must include the following statement in the opening of their application cover letter.

“If selected as a 22nd Century Scholar, I am fully committed to participating in-person from July 5-11 should IYLEP take place during that time. I will then serve virtually from July 12-August 1 and in-person at the American Academy of Diplomacy Annual Conference at Montalto from 11am-5pm on Friday, November 21. I would also be available to participate in-person with the Iraq exchange except for (List date ranges between July 12-August 1 that you are unavailable or remove this sentence if you are only available in person from July 5-11). If the Iraq portion of the program does not occur, I understand that the entire 22nd Century Scholars Program will be virtual from July 5-August 1.”

If IYLEP does not occur, the full July 5-August 1 period will be virtual.  Program staff will attempt to incorporate virtual engagements with Iraqis to enhance the experience of the selected UVA students. A series of three required professional development sessions hosted by the UVA Career Center will be incorporated into the 22nd Century Scholars Program.

Outside of the potential Iraq portion of the program, 22nd Century Scholars will serve as interns with departments of the Center for Politics including the Youth Leadership Initiative, Crystal Ball/Communications, Global Perspectives on Democracy (GPD), Programs, Advancement (fundraising), and John F. Kennedy book research. Visit www.centerforpolitics.org to learn about these programs. Applicants should explain their interest in the Iraq program including any related experiences in the cover letter. Applicants should list their top three choices for internships and briefly explain their interests and experiences. For those interested in GPD, there is the opportunity for in-person engagement on Grounds with the High School Diplomats program which includes participants from Japan and the United States, July 24-August 1. Room and board is not provided. Students interested in GPD should include in their letter if they would be available in person during this period. Not being available does not exclude the applicant from potentially being selected for the 22nd Scholars Summer Scholars Program or GPD. All 22nd Century Scholars will be automatically admitted for participation in the American Academy of Diplomacy Conference at Monticello on November 21, 2025.

The Center for Politics’ Global Perspectives on Democracy (GPD) program is one of the hosts of the annual American Academy of Diplomacy Conference which is in partnership with the American Academy of Diplomacy and the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello.  This event will take place in person at Montalto by Monticello from 11am until 4:30pm on Friday, November 21, and will focus on education related to “The Making of a U.S. Diplomat.” 22nd Century Scholars will be a part of a select group of UVA students who will participate in this event and join in a student-only private luncheon with the event panelists to will include former Ambassadors, scholars, renown practitioners, and leaders from the International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello. 22nd Century Scholars will have the opportunity to directly ask questions and network with the guest speakers particularly during the lunch.  It is expected that all 22nd Century Scholars will participate in this event.