ABOUT US

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Since its founding in 1949, the Institute has been driving change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most critical challenges facing communities in the United States and around the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners.

ABOUT ASPEN INSTITUTE’S SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Aspen Institute offers an array of internship opportunities. Our positions are designed to provide a valuable educational experience that will allow you to grow your skillset and help connect you with professionals in your area of interest.

From day one, our interns are provided with real-world, hands-on experience. Not only will they work alongside professionals with expertise in a variety of policy and administrative areas, but they will also have the chance to participate in various professional development workshops designed specifically for them, as well as attend events hosted by our Institute programs.

Internships are offered at our offices in Aspen, CO, New York, NY, and Washington, D.C. Applicants should have the ability to work well on diverse teams, be open to new experiences and a drive to excel throughout the internship experience. All internships are paid positions and interns are responsible for securing their own housing. Our standard start date is Monday, June 1, 2026, except for a few roles that will be highlighted during the screening and interview stages.

In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the intern should be willing to be in-person with colleagues a minimum of 40% of the time while having the flexibility to work remotely for the balance. In-person consists of meaningful connections with colleagues in an office, traveling to a different office or location to meet fellow staff members, at an Aspen event, at a meeting outside the office or other opportunities to meet in person with teammates and colleagues.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Various programs and departments across The Aspen Institute have exciting summer internship opportunities available. Information regarding each internship opportunity can be found here.

Ascend (D.C.)

Aspen Conexión (DC & NYC)

Aspen Economic Strategy Group (DC)

Aspen Ideas Festival - Fellows Program (Aspen)

Aspen Leadership Seminars (DC)

Aspen Society (Aspen)

Aspen Strategy Group (DC)

Business & Society Program (NYC)

Education & Society Program (DC)

Financial Security Program (DC)

Public Programs (DC)

The Aspen Conference Services Team (Aspen)

The WIN Challenge Team (Aspen Digital)

TO APPLY

Please note: it is important that you select the option "consider me for other opportunities" when applying/creating a profile. This will allow candidates to be placed into the candidate pools for their opportunities of interest.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave.

The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.

The Aspen Institute welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs, including the interview process. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about accessibility, please email hrsupport@aspeninstitute.org or call 202-736-2127 in advance of your visit. Requests for ASL or CART services should be made at least two weeks in advance when possible. We will make every effort to fulfill requests, subject to availability.