Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones with the fall 2023 CHIP Interns

Spring 2025 applications are now open!

The Hobby School of Public Affairs' Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP) offers internships with government offices, nonprofit organizations, campaigns, and also with the private sector to University of Houston students each fall and spring semester. Since its inception over 25 years ago, the program has been a resounding success, placing more than 1700 interns in local offices throughout the greater Houston area, many of whom have been able to secure full time positions following their internships.

Meet the fall 2024 interns!

Spring 2025 Program Information

The Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP) is open to University of Houston juniors and seniors, as well as post-baccalaureate students. Sophomores may apply as well but priority is given to upper level students. All majors are welcome. Students with a 3.0 GPA and higher will also be given priority in acceptance and assignment decisions.

Interns work an average of 8 hours per week over the 15-week semester and meet as a class four times during the semester. Grades are based on a daily journal, a term paper, and an assessment by the office supervisor. The internship course counts as 3 hours of upper level political science or public policy credit for University of Houston students. 
Renee Cross, Senior Executive Director and Researcher, is the instructor of record. 

Approximately 40 internships are available each semester, and the selection process has become increasingly competitive.

It is important to note that CHIP internship placements focus solely on government offices, nonprofit organizations, political campaigns, and a few positions within the private sector. If you are seeking opportunities in international affairs or law, please see the International Affairs Internship Program or the Public Law Internship.

Spring 2025 Application

Applications are now being accepted for spring 2025. To apply, please complete the Civic Houston Internship program application here. 

The priorty deadline to submit all documentation is Friday, December 13, 2025.

As part of the application process, you will need to include:

• Typed application form
• Personal statement
• Resume (only use this acceptable format found here)
• Unofficial UH academic transcripts

For general questions about the Civic Houston Internship Program, please contact Program Director Jessica Ruland O'Connor at jlruland@central.uh.edu.

Check out the sample syllabus.

• Students - Check out our Frequently Asked Questions
• Host Office Partners - Check out our Frequently Asked Questions

Civic Houston Internship Program Award

The CHIP Award was established in 2003 to recognize an outstanding local government intern.  A $1,000 award is presented to one recipient each fall and spring semester.  Read more.

Check out previous CHIP participants