Summer 2026 National Security Project Internship (hybrid) | ACLU
Summer 2026 Undergraduate Intern, National Security Project
Hybrid-New York City
About the Role
The ACLU seeks an Undergraduate Intern in the National Security Project of the ACLU’s National office in New York City. This position is hybrid.
Qualifying applicants must currently be matriculated undergraduate students and must be based in the U.S. for the entire duration of the internship.
The Team:
The National Security Project fights for people and communities harmed by the government in the name of national security. Recognizing the danger of expansive claims of state power, we advocate for a robust system of checks and balances and for policies that comply with the Constitution, civil liberties, and human rights. Through the courts, Congress, and public education, we strive to ensure that people are able to participate fully in civic life and are free from discrimination, unwarranted suspicion and surveillance, unlawful force and detention, and the stigma and other injustices that result from these abuses.
What You’ll Do:
The National Security Project’s Undergraduate Intern will be responsible for a wide range of administrative and substantive tasks to support our litigation and advocacy efforts in the national security context.
Your Day to Day:
- Reviewing and logging government documents in National Security Project online databases
- Organizing and archiving case files
- Conducting factual research
What You'll Bring:
- Completion of at least three years of an undergraduate degree program prior to the internship start date
- Strong interest in human rights and civil liberties issues
- Excellent research, writing, and communication skills
- Strong computer and web-based research skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Initiative to see projects through to completion
- Preferred: Experience, through personal connection or work experience, working with historically marginalized communities whose civil rights and liberties are harmed by discriminatory or abusive national security policies
Future ACLU'ers Will:
- Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
- Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
- Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts
Internship Logistics
- Location: Our internship program offers a limited number of remote or hybrid intern positions. This internship is hybrid and based in our New York City office.
- Time Commitment: Summer internships require a full time (35 hour/week) commitment.
- Internship Duration: Summer internships span 10 consecutive weeks with a start date of May 26 or June 8.
- Stipend: A stipend is available for those students who are lawfully authorized to work. Undergraduate interns receive a stipend amount $20/hour (stipends are taxed)
- Priority Application Deadline: October 19, 2025
While there is a priority deadline, our project is committed to reviewing all applications on a rolling basis until the closing of posting.
