How to Host a Zero Hunger Intern »
Apply now through March 15, 2019 to host a Zero Hunger Intern this summer!
Apply Here
Zero Hunger Interns are highly motivated individuals who bring a desire to learn and a commitment to ending domestic and global food insecurity. The goal of the program is for interns to gain experience and on the job training while host organizations to benefit from participants’ skills and hard work.
The Congressional Hunger Center matches Zero Hunger Interns, through a competitive process, with organizations that work on issues of domestic and/or global food security. Eligible organizations are international and national NGOs with a policy focus, U.S. government agencies, multi-lateral organizations, Congressional offices, or private sector entities. Interns work at these organizations for 10 weeks. Intern work plans can focus on advocacy, research, program implementation, development and fundraising, or nonprofit management
Zero Hunger Interns may start and finish the internship based on their availability and the availability of their host organization. However, all interns must be present for the core program dates beginning on June 14, 2019 and ending on August 2, 2019. All interns must complete 10 weeks of work with their host organizations.
We seek placements that:
- Allow an intern to have a meaningful work experience;
- provide active supervision; and
- provide an intern with opportunities to learn about hunger and public policy
Throughout the fellow’s time in the Zero Hunger Internship Program, we depend on open and meaningful communication with host site supervisors to help ensure a positive experience for both the intern and the host organization.
Host Organizations provide the intern:
- Substantive Work Plans: A host organization defines the intern’s scope of work and work plan for the summer. Work plans should provide the intern with substantive experience and the opportunity to integrate him/herself to be part of a program/project team to maximize learning. Internship placements are most useful to both the intern and to the host organization when the intern is given a concrete role and well-defined objectives.
- Active Supervision: A supervisor manages the intern’s work, provides oversight and guidance, and gives regular constructive feedback. Supervisors should be readily accessible to Hunger Center staff and the intern and meet regularly with the intern to assess progress, review work quality, and address any difficulties that arise.
- Office Space/Equipment and Work-Related Travel: Host organizations must provide an appropriate workspace and all supplies and equipment necessary for the intern to carry out their work plan.
- Cost Share: Host organizations are responsible for a cost share of $1,000 per intern to help cover the costs of an intern’s stipend (up to $5,200). The Hunger Center will consider modifying the cost share amount for organization’s who demonstrate a reasonable hardship or inability to contribute.
The Hunger Center provides the intern:
- Financial support (including $5,200 for the stipend and transportation to and from Washington, D.C.)
- Leadership development training
- Membership in a dynamic learning cohort of fellows
- Connection to an extensive professional network
Application Process
The application requires that the host organization answer short questions and create a preliminary workplan. It is recommended that applicants draft their short answer responses before they enter them into the form, as the form cannot be saved. To request a sample work plan, please contact Samantha Stevens
Applications are due on March 15, 2019. Hunger Center staff will contact finalist organizations by early April for short interviews, and selected organizations will be notified by mid to late April.
Host Site Application Timeline
| Timeline |
What We’ll be Doing |
What You’ll be Doing |
| September—January |
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- Prepare your application and communicate questions to Hunger Center staff.
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| January—March |
- Applications are open! We will accept applications from both internship candidates and potential host organizations through March 1st.
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| March—April |
- We review applications, interview candidates and host organizations, match candidates with work plans, and notify candidates and host organizations of their acceptance into the program.
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- Host organization interviews will take place in early April.
- You can expect to hear from us by the end of April with a final decision.
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| May—July |
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| August |
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- Intern completes workplan.
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Have questions about hosting a Zero Hunger Intern? Contact Policy & Strategic Initiatives Specialist Samantha Stevens.