Prince William County to Open 2026 Summer Internship Program Applications in January

Prince William County will continue its successful paid internship program in 2026 for a third consecutive year, offering college students a hands-on opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that impacts the community. The program will run from June 8 through July 31, 2026.  The county will begin accepting applications for the 2026 program on Jan. 5, 2026. 

The cohort-based model allows interns the opportunity to explore how government services are delivered, connect with peers across departments and gain insights from county leaders. Participants will visit different county sites and facilities, engage in weekly lunch-and-learn sessions with senior leadership and complete a capstone project presented on the program’s final day. 

“Prince William County is committed to developing the next generation of public service leaders,” said Prince William County Executive Chris Shorter. “Our internship program gives students the chance to work alongside talented professionals, contribute to high-impact projects and see firsthand how local government improves the lives of residents every day. We’re proud to offer a program that opens doors, builds confidence and helps shape future careers in public service.” 

Bhushan Vusirikatala, a senior at Old Dominion University, participated in the 2025 session and said he greatly benefitted from the program.   

“I learned how local government actually works day-to-day, and I got hands-on exposure to many different elements of Prince William County. That really stuck with me,” Vusirikatala said.  

He added that working with county employees made the program exceptional.  

“The team there is incredible and working with them was the best part,” Vusirikatala said. “The leadership in the county was genuinely great. The whole experience would be worth repeating.”  

“Our interns bring fresh ideas, curiosity and energy to our organization,” said Rhieley Jordan, Organizational Development Manager with the Department of Human Resources. “This program is intentionally designed to be immersive and meaningful. Interns don’t just observe government, they actively participate in it. Each year, we see students leave with new skills, new connections and a clearer sense of purpose.” 

Applicants must:  

• Be actively enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college, university, community/junior college, professional/technical school, vocational/trade school or other qualifying institution throughout the program. 
• Be at least 18 years old during the program dates. 
• Have a legal right to work in the United States. 
• Provide their own transportation. 
• Submit one letter of reference. 
• Be able to commit to all program dates.  

Those who have already participated in a previous cohort of the countywide summer internship program are not eligible to apply again this year. This limitation applies only to the countywide program and does not prevent individuals from pursuing other departmental internship opportunities. 

Interns will work up to 37.5 hours per week at $18 an hour in a department aligned with their field of study or interests. 

Visit pwcva.gov/internship-program to learn more and submit an application before the deadline. 

Want to see what the experience is like? Visit the Internship Program’s Instagram account to hear stories, watch behind-the-scenes clips and see how past participants have used their internship to shape their career goals.