Municipal
Intern
Program
What's MIP?
Local Government Academy’s Municipal Intern Program connects local governments with enthusiastic undergraduate or graduate students seeking real-world experience working at the grassroots level. Eligible placement sites include municipalities, councils of governments, and municipal authorities in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and Act 47 designated municipalities located in Western Pennsylvania.
The Program provides a reimbursement grant to cover a portion of the intern’s wages. LGA facilitates the match between the placement site and a qualified student interested in one or more of the projects listed below. See the schedule for important dates regarding applications and interviews.
The Municipal Internship Program provides paid internships to graduate and undergraduate students who want to work on real issues facing our communities every day. Internships take place during the summer months, generally beginning in late May or early June and concluding in August.
In a separate application process, local municipalities propose projects they would like to undertake during the internship period. Projects may involve various municipal departments, including planning and zoning, budget and finance, economic development, code enforcement, community outreach, public works, or public safety.
Interns in the program will benefit from:
- Practical, significant experience in local government
- The opportunity to test the skills and knowledge gained in the academic setting
- Experience in interpersonal communication and group dynamics
- Networking with local government practitioners and other interns
- Meeting new contacts for possible future employment opportunities
- The opportunity to learn from others through coaching, supervision, and mentoring
- Experience gained from bridging the gap between the academic and professional worlds
ELIGIBILITY
The Municipal Internship Program is open to active undergraduate and graduate students.
COMPENSATION
Interns are hired by the placement site and will be compensated at an hourly rate of $12.00 for graduate students and $11.00 for undergraduate students. Any student placed within an Act 47 distressed municipality site will earn $12.00 per hour. Municipalities are able to pay interns above the reimbursement threshold at their discretion.
SUPPORTED BY
SELECTION PROCESS
Interested students must submit their application and resume online using the "Submit Your Application" button at the bottom of the page. Interns have the opportunity to select up to three projects. Supervisors will contact qualified students for interviews and make their final selection by the date located in the timeline below.
Although successful internships have been completed by students with a wide range of education and experience, the most successful projects have been marked by students who exhibit the following criteria:
- Superior academic credentials, effective interpersonal skills, and strong writing and computer skills
- Past work or applicable volunteer experience
- Interest in or familiarity with local government and community needs such as financial management, planning, computer systems, community engagement, etc.
- Self-motivation and ability to work well with others
PROGRAM TIMELINE
October 29, 2024 – 12:00 - 1:00pm – Virtual Pre-Application Informational Session
Join us for a pre-application meeting on program requirements.
November 4, 2024 – Placement Site Applications Open
Applications for intern projects become available on this page.
December 3, 2024 – Placement Site Applications Close
Selected projects will be notified following the next program committee meeting.
January 6, 2025 – Intern Applications Open
Selected projects will be publicly announced and students may begin applying to the program
February 5, 2025 – Intern Fair
The Fair provides opportunities for municipalities to interview prospective interns. Attendance at the Fair is required by at least one representative from each chosen placement site. Located at Carnegie Melon University Hamburg Hall at 11:00am.
June 3, 2025 – Virtual MIP Orientation for Interns
Intern Orientation Workshop. Mandatory meeting for Interns.
June 24, 2025 – 9:00 - 3:00pm – In person Orientation Session
Intern Development Session required for all interns and supervisors.
July 15, 2025 – 9:00am - 3:00pm – Development Session
Intern Development Session required for all interns.
August 7, 2025 – 11:00am - 1:00pm – Recognition Event
30th Annual Recognition Lunch – required of all interns and supervisors.
August 31, 2025
Internship concludes.