Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Internship Program 2026

📖 About the Program

The Democratic staff of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in the U.S. House of Representatives operates a program of three semester-length, full-time internships per year. The Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Internship Program is designed for enthusiastic upper-level undergraduate, graduate, or law students interested in human rights and foreign policy. Interns will work in the Commission’s Democratic staff offices.

🎁 Benefits

• Stipend: The Democratic staff of the Commission offers a $1,000 per month stipend to one intern per trimester through the House’s paid internship program.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Upper-level undergraduate, graduate, or law students (preference given to those with degrees in relevant fields).
• Demonstrated interest in human rights in U.S. foreign policy and international relations. Prior experience in the human rights field is a plus.
• Demonstrated interest in public policy, the U.S. Congress, and government.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Professionalism, maturity, and discretion while working with the Commission and interacting with other offices in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.
• Ability to work in-person from the Democratic offices of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in Washington, D.C.

📝 Application Process

To apply, submit the following in a single PDF via email to TLHRC@mail.house.gov with “APPLICATION for Eleanor Roosevelt Internship” in the subject line. Specify the trimester for which you are applying in the body of your email.

Required Documents:

1. Cover Letter:

   • Discuss your interest in the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and how it aligns with your academic and professional goals.
   • Explain how your academic, professional, or personal experience would benefit the Commission in carrying out its mandate.
   • Mention how you heard about this internship program.
   • Should not exceed one page.

2. Resume:

   • Include relevant work history, coursework, educational achievements, and honors/awards received.

3. Writing Sample:

   • Provide a writing sample (in English) of no more than two pages and 500 words (double-spaced).
   • It must be your own work and can be an excerpt of a longer piece.

4. References:

   • Provide names, titles, phone numbers, and email addresses of 2-3 references.
   • Recommendation letters are not required.

Important Notes:

• Applications submitted outside of the listed periods will not be considered.
• Specific start and end dates within the internship period are flexible.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.
• No drop-ins or phone calls, please!

📅 Application Deadline

28 February, 2026

🌐 Additional Information

For more details about the program, visit the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Internship Page.

• The Democratic staff of the Commission is able to offer a $1,000 per month stipend to one intern per trimester through the House’s paid internship program.