Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/CREDIT/Washington State Senate

One of the most rewarding parts of serving in the Legislature is working alongside bright, motivated students who come to Olympia as part of our internship program. Each year, college students from across Washington have the opportunity to step into the heart of the legislative process, gaining real-world experience, building professional skills, and making a difference in their communities.

Applications for the 2026 session are now open.

College juniors or seniors (by January 2026) in good academic standing, attending a Washington 4-year college/university, or who are Washington residents studying out of state, are eligible. The student must earn academic credit for the internship.

The key deadlines are:

• Priority deadline: October 22, 2025
• Final deadline: October 29, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (no late or incomplete applications will be considered)

Applicants will need to submit:

• A combined PDF including a 1-page cover letter, 1-page résumé, and 1-page essay
• Unofficial transcripts
• Academic reference contact information
• Professional or personal reference contact information

Many of our interns say this program opened doors they never thought possible, whether in public service, law, or other professional fields. If you’re a student from Richland, Pasco, or Kennewick looking for a hands-on experience that could shape your future, I encourage you to apply.

You Can Apply here: 2026 Legislative Internship Application

I always look forward to welcoming interns from our community to Olympia. This program is more than just an internship; it’s a launchpad for future leaders. I encourage Tri-Cities students to apply and be part of the team that helps shape the future of our state.