The Bright Futures Unpaid Internship Scholarship awards undergraduate students with need-based scholarships ranging from $100-$1,000 to help offset expenses incurred during unpaid internships in the summer with government agencies and non-profit organizations. Scholarships are generously funded by the Eisen Family, the University Career Center & The President’s Promise, and individual donors through Maryland Giving Day.
The Bright Futures Summer 2026 Application will open on Mon, March 30, 2026 and close on Mon, May 4, 2026.
ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES
All registered University of Maryland, College Park undergraduate students returning to campus for the fall 2026 semester, who have an unpaid internship for summer 2026, are eligible to apply. Graduating seniors are not eligible. Preference will be given to juniors and seniors graduating in December. Preference will also be given to those who have not previously received this scholarship.
In order for your internship to qualify for funding support, it must satisfy the following criteria:
1. Unpaid on-campus or off-campus internship with a non-profit organization or government agency.
2. New internship experience during summer 2026 and completed by the start of the fall 2026 semester.
3. Supervised by a professional in the field.
4. Along with your completed Bright Futures application (available March 30, 2026), our Supervisor Agreement form is also completed and submitted by your internship supervisor. Download & save this document onto your computer - do not fill out in the web browser or it will not save properly.
More details can be found at go.umd.edu/brightfutures26
News, Updates & Opportunities for ECON Undergraduates
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Summer 2026 Internship Opportunity with the Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is now soliciting interest for unpaid Interns in the Bureau of Economics for Summer 2026. This is a great opportunity for rising juniors and seniors with coursework in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, or Computer Science. This position is part of a person’s academic course of study (e.g., used for credit or independent study).
Duties
In this role, you will gain real-world experience by working alongside PhD economists to protect consumers and promote competition in the US economy. Interns work with economists to support FTC matters, including:
- Providing economic and statistical analysis in support of antitrust investigations, consumer protection cases, and rulemaking.
- Conducting academic research and developing reports on the functioning of markets in the economy.
The ideal candidate for this position has
- A strong interest in and intuition for applied microeconomics.
- Proficiency in programming languages widely used in economics, statistics, and/or data science such as Stata, R, or Python.
- Excitement about conducting data analysis on a wide range of datasets in support of consumer protection and competition missions of the FTC.
- Interest and aptitude in working with PhD economists on economics research projects that serve the mission of the FTC.
- A desire to grow and build on skills in data analysis and microeconomics.
Position details
- Internships will run approximately from late May/June through mid-August, with exact start and end dates determined based on candidate availability.
- The job location will be on site at the FTC Headquarters Building in Washington DC.
- Candidates should plan to be on-site full-time at the FTC during the duration of the internship.
How to apply
- Send a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript to econ_interns@ftc.gov
- The deadline for applications is 4/12/2026 at 11:59PM EST.
Tips for the application
Cover letter: A strong cover letter will include the following:
- A discussion of your interest in economics and the FTC.
- Details on your experience with statistics, econometrics, and programming, including through coursework, class projects, employment, or any other experience.
- Details about your interest and experience with economic research, including any noteworthy projects, employment, or oral presentations.
- Details about your interest and experience in public policy, including in any topics related to antitrust or consumer protection, though these are not required.
- Any other relevant experience or interest.
Duties
In this role, you will gain real-world experience by working alongside PhD economists to protect consumers and promote competition in the US economy. Interns work with economists to support FTC matters, including:
- Providing economic and statistical analysis in support of antitrust investigations, consumer protection cases, and rulemaking.
- Conducting academic research and developing reports on the functioning of markets in the economy.
The ideal candidate for this position has
- A strong interest in and intuition for applied microeconomics.
- Proficiency in programming languages widely used in economics, statistics, and/or data science such as Stata, R, or Python.
- Excitement about conducting data analysis on a wide range of datasets in support of consumer protection and competition missions of the FTC.
- Interest and aptitude in working with PhD economists on economics research projects that serve the mission of the FTC.
- A desire to grow and build on skills in data analysis and microeconomics.
Position details
- Internships will run approximately from late May/June through mid-August, with exact start and end dates determined based on candidate availability.
- The job location will be on site at the FTC Headquarters Building in Washington DC.
- Candidates should plan to be on-site full-time at the FTC during the duration of the internship.
How to apply
- Send a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript to econ_interns@ftc.gov
- The deadline for applications is 4/12/2026 at 11:59PM EST.
Tips for the application
Cover letter: A strong cover letter will include the following:
- A discussion of your interest in economics and the FTC.
- Details on your experience with statistics, econometrics, and programming, including through coursework, class projects, employment, or any other experience.
- Details about your interest and experience with economic research, including any noteworthy projects, employment, or oral presentations.
- Details about your interest and experience in public policy, including in any topics related to antitrust or consumer protection, though these are not required.
- Any other relevant experience or interest.
U.S. Intelligence Community - Accelerated Hiring Opportunity
An agency in the U.S. Intelligence Community is hosting an Accelerated Hiring Information Session on Friday, April 10 from 1-4pm at the UMD University Career Center.
Join representatives from an agency within the U.S. Intelligence Community for a UMD exclusive three-hour session at the University Career Center. Several directorates will discuss accelerated hiring opportunities and share insight into the application process.
Why Attend:
Why Attend:
- Learn about career paths within the Intelligence Community.
- Hear directly from professionals representing multiple directorates.
- Receive an event specific hiring code.
Registration Process:Register in Handshake (Spots will fill quickly)
This is an in person event and will not be recorded.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis.
There will be a waitlist.
Only register if you can attend.
You are expected to attend as much of the 3-hour event as you can.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Hear directly from professionals representing multiple directorates.
- Receive an event specific hiring code.
Registration Process:Register in Handshake (Spots will fill quickly)
This is an in person event and will not be recorded.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis.
There will be a waitlist.
Only register if you can attend.
You are expected to attend as much of the 3-hour event as you can.
Eligibility Criteria:
- U.S. Citizen, 18 years or older
- Alumni, juniors, seniors & masters-level students
- All degrees and majors welcome
- Willingness to relocate to Washington, D.C.
- Willingness to undergo a background investigation
If you are unavailable or remain on the waitlist, email spayne13@umd.edu for alternate instructions.
Location: University Career Center - Hornbake Library, South Wing, Third Floor, Multi-purpose Resource Room (3135)
- Alumni, juniors, seniors & masters-level students
- All degrees and majors welcome
- Willingness to relocate to Washington, D.C.
- Willingness to undergo a background investigation
If you are unavailable or remain on the waitlist, email spayne13@umd.edu for alternate instructions.
Location: University Career Center - Hornbake Library, South Wing, Third Floor, Multi-purpose Resource Room (3135)
Monday, March 30, 2026
BSOS Career Chat: U.S. Government Accountability Office
Date: Thursday, April 9 from 12-1 pm
Location: Virtual
Register on Handshake
Join us for a Career Chat with a Director at the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
Often called Congress’s “watchdog,” the GAO is an independent, nonpartisan agency that supports Congress by evaluating federal programs and spending, conducting policy analyses, and providing recommendations to improve government effectiveness and accountability.
For BSOS students interested in government, national security, public policy, research, oversight, or careers that blend analytics with real-world impact.
- What it’s like to work at GAO
- Early career pathways and qualifications
- How BSOS majors can prepare for roles in federal oversight and policy analysis
- Practical advice for launching a career in public service
Bring your questions and curiosity—this is your chance to hear directly from a leader shaping federal policy and accountability.
Location: Virtual
Register on Handshake
Join us for a Career Chat with a Director at the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
Often called Congress’s “watchdog,” the GAO is an independent, nonpartisan agency that supports Congress by evaluating federal programs and spending, conducting policy analyses, and providing recommendations to improve government effectiveness and accountability.
For BSOS students interested in government, national security, public policy, research, oversight, or careers that blend analytics with real-world impact.
- What it’s like to work at GAO
- Early career pathways and qualifications
- How BSOS majors can prepare for roles in federal oversight and policy analysis
- Practical advice for launching a career in public service
Bring your questions and curiosity—this is your chance to hear directly from a leader shaping federal policy and accountability.
Flipping the Script: Hiring Managers Reveal Hiring Practices
Wednesday, April 8 | 5–6 pm | Virtual
Hiring managers pull back the curtain on how they evaluate candidates, what catches their eye, and what quietly takes applicants out of the running. Register via Handshake for the Zoom link.
Panelists from: Maryland General Assembly, U.S. House of Representatives, US Probation & Pretrial Services Office, and Cornerstone Montgomery
Hiring managers pull back the curtain on how they evaluate candidates, what catches their eye, and what quietly takes applicants out of the running. Register via Handshake for the Zoom link.
Panelists from: Maryland General Assembly, U.S. House of Representatives, US Probation & Pretrial Services Office, and Cornerstone Montgomery
It's BSOS Internship Week (April 6-10)!
Join us for a series of events and tasks designed to help you take purposeful steps toward your next opportunity.
- Share your internship story at the Feller Center
- Join the BSOS Experiential LinkedIn Group
- Get a free professional headshot at the Photo Booth
- Update your Handshake profile
Full details and registration: fellercenter.umd.edu/intern-week-bsos
Please reach out to Liza Lebrun, LLebrun@umd.edu for more information.
- Join the BSOS Experiential LinkedIn Group
- Get a free professional headshot at the Photo Booth
- Update your Handshake profile
Full details and registration: fellercenter.umd.edu/intern-week-bsos
Please reach out to Liza Lebrun, LLebrun@umd.edu for more information.
Global Business & Leadership Forum on Friday, April 17 at Smith School
When: Friday, April 17, 2026, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: Van Munching Hall
Register
The Global Business & Leadership Forum is a full-day experience connecting students with senior leaders and global employers. Part of the Center for Global Business’s Careers Crossing Borders series and co-organized with the Office of Career Services at the Smith School of Business, the forum will feature an executive keynote, industry panels, intentional networking and a career fair.
Students, register now to explore global business trends, international career pathways and the importance of global competence in today’s business world. Engage with professionals and organizations operating in the global marketplace while building meaningful connections that can shape your career.
Leaders represent organizations that include The Brookings Institution, The Reinventing Bretton Woods Committee, The World Bank Group, McCormick & Co., Pandora, Hyatt, BNY, HSBC, and more.
Confirmed employers include Brookings, Bloomberg, Pandora, RIFE International, BNY, Leidos, Niche Polymer LLC, Tronox and more.
Where: Van Munching Hall
Register
The Global Business & Leadership Forum is a full-day experience connecting students with senior leaders and global employers. Part of the Center for Global Business’s Careers Crossing Borders series and co-organized with the Office of Career Services at the Smith School of Business, the forum will feature an executive keynote, industry panels, intentional networking and a career fair.
Students, register now to explore global business trends, international career pathways and the importance of global competence in today’s business world. Engage with professionals and organizations operating in the global marketplace while building meaningful connections that can shape your career.
Leaders represent organizations that include The Brookings Institution, The Reinventing Bretton Woods Committee, The World Bank Group, McCormick & Co., Pandora, Hyatt, BNY, HSBC, and more.
Confirmed employers include Brookings, Bloomberg, Pandora, RIFE International, BNY, Leidos, Niche Polymer LLC, Tronox and more.
Friday, March 27, 2026
Fellowship opportunity at the Reducetarian Foundation
The Reducetarian Fellowship is a program for students, aimed at empowering young advocates to transform our food system toward greater sustainability. Students from all disciplines and backgrounds are encouraged to apply!
- Application deadline: March 31
- One-year experience open to undergraduate and master's students of many disciplines
- the fellowship includes 30+ in-person seminars and workshops
- one-on-one mentorship from Fellowship staff
- introductions to impactful organizations in our network
- $5,000 stipend
Learn more at https://www.reducetarian.org/fellowship-washington-dc
- Application deadline: March 31
- One-year experience open to undergraduate and master's students of many disciplines
- the fellowship includes 30+ in-person seminars and workshops
- one-on-one mentorship from Fellowship staff
- introductions to impactful organizations in our network
- $5,000 stipend
Learn more at https://www.reducetarian.org/fellowship-washington-dc
Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) Call for Applications
The Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) is seeking students interested in a paid one-year (May 2026 to May 2027) development experience, with a pathway to employment into a career as a civilian at a Department of War organization.
The program is structured as two, 2-week intensive (full-time) development sessions and an 8-week internship at a specified partner organization. The award package for students includes reimbursement for participation in the intensive development sessions, a $10,000 stipend to cover the internship in summer 2026, and a $5,000 completion bonus.
The application deadline is April 3, 2026. Information is available here.
The program is structured as two, 2-week intensive (full-time) development sessions and an 8-week internship at a specified partner organization. The award package for students includes reimbursement for participation in the intensive development sessions, a $10,000 stipend to cover the internship in summer 2026, and a $5,000 completion bonus.
The application deadline is April 3, 2026. Information is available here.
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Summer 2026 BSOS Orientation Peer Advisor Application Now Open
The Feller Center is looking for undergraduates to work as BSOS Orientation Peer Advisors for this summer.
To apply: go.umd.edu/OPA26
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