Resources
DC eligibility
Primary Biographical Requirements
- Are you between the ages of 18 and 26?
- Do you have a documented learning disability, ADHD, or Autism?
- Do you possess a high school diploma or GED by the start of our program?
- Are you college capable (even if you may not yet be college ready)?
Independence
- Are you able to work a 20 hour work week independently and without the assistance of a job coach?
- Are you able to transport yourself to and from BroadFutures training, program events, and internship sites?
- If you are coming from out of state are you able to live independently?
Behavior
- Are you committed to fostering a professional, safe, and respectful learning and working environment while collaborating as a team member with professionalism and respect for others?
- Are you willing to comply with all local laws in the D.C. Metropolitan area (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) as well as national laws and adhere to BroadFutures’ intern expectations?
- Are you highly motivated and receptive to feedback?
Medication
- If you are taking prescription medication, are you able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance, except possibly in emergency situations?
- Are you able to take charge of refilling and keeping your medication?
- Are you willing to disclose medications with BroadFutures staff to be kept for emergency records in the event of a medical emergency?
Concerns?
If there are any concerns about whether a potential applicant will meet these criteria, please reach out to Caitlin Garman, Director of Admissions and Outreach via email at cgarman@broadfutures.org or by telephone at (202) 810-5971.
National eligibility
Primary Biographical Requirements
- Are you between the ages of 21 and 26
- Do you identify as neurodivergent?
- Are you in college, or have you completed your college degree?
- Are you interested in internships nationwide?
Independence
- Are you able to work a 40 hour work week independently and without the assistance of a job coach?
- Are you able to transport yourself to and from work?
- Are you able to live independently and arrange for your own housing?
Behavior
- Are you committed to fostering a professional, safe, and respectful learning and working environment while collaborating as a team member with professionalism and respect for others?
- Are you comfortable with a possible hybrid schedule and receiving BroadFutures support virtually?
- Are you highly motivated and receptive to feedback?
Concerns?
If there are any concerns about whether a potential applicant will meet these criteria, please reach out to Caitlin Garman, Director of Admissions and Outreach via email at cgarman@broadfutures.org or by telephone at (202) 810-5971.
DC internship policies & obligations
These policies are guidelines for our interns and common to many internship and gap year programs. We expect interns to engage in an active role in the self-governance of your own program—take charge of your own experience through self-advocating and utilizing available BroadFutures resources. If you have questions regarding these policies, please contact us.
Attendance Policy
- If there are any concerns about attendance during the program, BroadFutures staff must be made aware of the concern as soon as it arises.
- Be on time and attend all program requirements, including internship, BroadFutures’ training including initial training prior to the start of their internship and for the DC program, all Fridays through the end of the program, as well as mentor and program check-ins.
- Report to work on time and every day that they are assigned to work.
- If late for work, you are expected to stay the equivalent amount of extra time after the work day typically ends.
- Absences should be limited to emergencies. It is your responsibility to notify your supervisor and BroadFutures staff if you will be absent or late. Notification must be timely. Interns are generally not paid for days they are absent.
Professional Behavior Expectations
- Be an active, engaged, and responsible participant and maintain a professional demeanor throughout the entirety of the BroadFutures program.
- Be a positive ambassador for BroadFutures.
- Be flexible and willing to step out of your comfort zone.
- Dress appropriately and maintain proper hygiene at all times during the program.
- Cooperate and communicate with BroadFutures staff and your internship supervisor regularly and in a timely and professional manner.
- Perform all duties as directed by the employer & respond respectfully and effectively to feedback from employers and co-workers.
- Be honest. BroadFutures staff is there to support you and be non-judgmental, however, assistance can only be provided if you are forthcoming and honest.
- Mentors are a part of your professional support system, not part of your social group. When communicating with your mentor, discussions should be kept professional in nature.
- Be mindful of when you contract BroadFutures staff. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm EDT.
- Refrain from accepting or requesting connections, friend requests, or follow requests on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram from BroadFutures staff during the program. This applies to current and past staff. The only exception is the professional platform of LinkedIn.
- Following the program, refrain from connecting with BroadFutures staff members and mentors on any non-professional social media. You are free to email them with any professional requests or updates if needed.
- If you need assistance beyond that which your mentor can provide, contact BroadFutures leadership. If you are unsure, ask your mentor to guide you to the right person.
- All interns are expected to abide by the local laws of The DC Metropolitan area, including the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, or the local jurisdiction of where their internship site is located, as well as national laws.
- Refrain from additional activities or second jobs that compromise your ability to function in the internship and BroadFutures training.
- Refrain from engaging in romantic and/or sexual relationships of any kind with other BroadFutures interns and staff.
- Report sexual misconduct by other students in the program, or staff members.
- This includes but is not limited to, reporting sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, and unwanted sexual advances by other students in the program or by staff members, towards you, towards other students in the program, or towards staff.
- Be responsible for your own medication, if applicable. BroadFutures staff is not permitted to administer medication, so you must be able to take ownership of acquiring and administering medication.
- Determine when you will run out of your medication and make a note of when you will need to refill the prescription.
- As a program, we strongly advise that students do not remove or titrate themselves off of a prescription medication that they are taking when they enter the program without consulting a licensed physician.
- We discourage the use of motorcycles, ATVs, and quads during participation in our program. We encourage the safe and acceptable use of motorized recreational vehicles such as e-bikes and e-scooters.
What is required as an Intern for the BroadFutures program?
- A cell phone to communicate with BroadFutures staff
- An active email account
- A laptop or tablet with a keyboard and a camera with the ability to access Zoom and regularly access email, at least twice a day
- Means of reliable transportation (public or private)
- Professional attire
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn!
Program Participant Probation & Termination Policy
- BroadFutures will place a program participant on probation if the participant fails to fulfill BroadFutures Program requirements that include the below circumstances. If the behavior or activities persist, the participant may be terminated from the program. Such circumstances include:
- Unexcused absences from BroadFutures training and internships
- Failure to attend mentor check-in meetings or to reschedule such meetings.
- Repeated late arrival to training, mentor meetings, or internships.
The following behaviors could result in immediate termination from the BroadFutures program: - Sexual assault, bullying, or harassment (verbal or physical) of a fellow program participant, BroadFutures staff member, or employees at their internship site.
- Intentional physical injury, harm, or intimidation of a fellow program participant, BroadFutures staff member, or employees at their internship site.
- Violation of the BroadFutures alcohol and drug policy while attending BroadFutures programming.
- Making other program participants during BroadFutures programming or employees at their internship site feel unsafe by using:
- Evocative language that is harassing, abusive, or intended to incite violence towards any person’s identity.
- If any of these instances occur, they must be brought to the attention of a BroadFutures staff member within the same day that they occurred. Such instances will be documented by BroadFutures staff and will indicate the program participant’s name, concerning behavior(s), and approximate frequency. If a program participant is put on probation, the participant along with their parent(s)(1) will be contacted directly and made aware of the situation as well as any possible consequences.
- BroadFutures serves some young people who are legal adults, come to us independently, and whose parents are not involved in our programming. In such instances, parents will not be involved in the notification or consultative protocols outlined in this guide.
Housing
We recommend the following housing options.
Summer Only Housing
- American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
(202) 885-3370- Next to Tenleytown/AU metro on the red line
- Apartment, suite, and traditional dorm style
- Rates are $410-$445/week
- Catholic University
620 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20064
(202) 319-5615- Next to the Brookland/CUA metro stop on the Red Line
- Single and shared bedrooms available; breakfast included
- Rates are $50-$60/day
- George Washington University
2121 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20052
(202) 994-2552- Within walking distance of BroadFutures office and next to the Foggy Bottom metro stop on the Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines
- Studio, single and shared bedrooms available; you can also purchase a meal plan
- Rates are $289-$525/week
Year Round Housing
- Elite Intern Housing
118 3rd Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 539-4640- Fully furnished apartment style housing- utilities, wifi, tv included
- Locations mostly in Capitol Hill
- Mostly single rooms with ensuite bathrooms, some doubles
- Average range: $1,700-$2,500/month
- International Student House, DC
1825 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 232-4007- Furnished housing in Dupont Circle- internet, utilities and laundry included
- Single and shared rooms
- Social and communal events for interns
- Generally for interns participating in international or policy work
- Average range: $1,863.00- $2,487.00/month (includes 12 meals a week)
- Roomsie
- Furnished housing for DC interns and recent grads
- Some single rooms, some shared rooms
- Locations throughout the city
- Average range: $1,300-$2,000/month
- The Washington Center
1005 3rd Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 469-8080- You can only apply through BroadFutures. Please contact Caitlin Garman cgarman@broadfutures.org) if interested.
- Furnished apartments in NoMa- laundry, gym and lounges available in the complex
- Shared rooms- most are 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- Average range: $1,600-$2,200/month
- Thompson-Markward Hall
235 Second St NE, Washington DC 20002
(202) 546-3255- Women only- single and double rooms
- Fully furnished apartment style living- utilities, wifi, and meals (breakfast and dinner Monday through Friday, Saturday brunch, and Sunday brunch and dinner) included
- Located in Capitol Hill
- Average range: $1,330/month
- Furnished housing in Dupont Circle- internet, utilities and laundry included
- Washington Intern Housing Network
(202) 579-9446- Fully furnished dorm style apartments
- Private and shared rooms
- Locations across DC: Capitol Hill North, Mt. Vernon Square/Convention Center, & Eastern Market
- Average range: $1,1250-$2,200/month
- Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH)
237 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 548-2720- Fully furnished rooms- utilities, wifi and laundry included
- Single and shared rooms available
- Locations throughout DC: Capitol Hill and in Adams Morgan/Woodley Gardens
- Have mixers and events for interns, including DC tours
- Average range: *rent is per the semester- not month to month: $4,300-$5,500
Rental Platforms
- For the general public, not specifically for interns. Be safe when renting through the web. Do not send bank transfers; go through the organization’s website for security and check for site reviews.
- Sublet: https://www.sublet.com/
- HotPads: https://hotpads.com/washington-dc/apartments-for-rent
- Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/washington-dc/rent/
- PadMapper: https://www.padmapper.com/apartments/washington-dc
- Sabbatical Homes: Has short term furnished apartments and houses (which could be shared). https://www.sabbaticalhomes.com/
- Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/
- DC sublets: https://www.facebook.com/groups/767937806569846
For parents
Parent Communication Guidelines
Communication Expectations
-
- Direct Communication: We encourage you to communicate directly with your child about their progress, achievements, and areas for growth during the program.
- Individual Concerns: Staff will contact parents directly if there are concerns regarding an intern’s performance or ability to successfully complete the program.
- Serious Issues: Should serious concerns arise, parents may schedule an in-person or telephonic meeting with staff.
Employer Interaction
-
- Parents should not communicate directly with their child’s employer or visit the workplace unless specifically invited by the employer.
Events
-
- We host several program events:
- Graduation Ceremonies for the DC programs: At the conclusion of the programs employers and parents are invited to come to our intern graduation and employer recognition ceremonies.
- Summer Celebration Event: The week before the beginning of our DC summer program, we host a celebration event of new families, alumni families, employers and donors to celebrate the kickoff of our summer celebration.
- Fall Gala: Our entire community is invited and encouraged to support and attend our Fall Gala which helps us bridge the gap between our program fees and the costs of our programs, along with scholarship dollars to ensure that our programs are accessible to everyone.
We strongly encourage parents to attend these events, as they provide valuable insights and support for our mission as well as your child’s experience.
- We host several program events:
DC Programs Intern Estimated Budget: Costs and Scholarship Explained
Our programs involve significant investments due to carefully selected internships, an extensive application and matching process, and a comprehensive support model. These elements contribute to our strong outcomes. While participants or employers pay fees, they do not cover the full cost of our programs. As a non-profit, we raise funds to bridge this gap and offer scholarships, ensuring accessibility for all qualified applicants.
Program Cost
- The base costs below reflect expense before considering internship stipends, need-based scholarships and in some cases, housing stipends. Many interns qualify for scholarships, which can substantially lower these figures. If affordability is a concern, please contact us directly to discuss options.
- Winter Program: $7,820.00
- Summer Program: $6,325.00
Housing
- Housing costs vary based on preferences, such as roommates or meal plans. Scholarships may include housing stipends to offset these expenses. Interns can choose from a variety of housing options to fit their budgets.
- Estimated Monthly Range: $900 – $1,822
Food
-
Food expenses depend on whether interns cook at home or dine out. Careful budgeting can help keep costs manageable by shopping at affordable grocery stores in the DC area.
- Estimated Monthly Range: $150 – $200
Travel
- Interns are eligible for DC’s Reduced Fare Program to minimize transportation costs. Click here for details for the Reduced Fare Program ID Card and here for the application for a reduced card fare.
- Regular Reduced Fare: $1.00 per ride
- Express Reduced Fare: $2.10 per ride
- Estimated Monthly Travel Cost: $100
Paid Internships
- All internships are paid and include a stipend:
- Approximate Winter Program Stipend: $3,500.00
- Approximate Summer Program Stipend: $2,500.00
Overall Budget Range
- The following ranges provide an estimate of total costs before accounting for scholarships or stipends, which can significantly reduce these amounts.
- Winter Program: $9,095 – $9,942
- Summer Program: $7,627 – $8,447
Scholarships & Financial Aid
-
We are committed to making our programs accessible to all qualified applicants regardless of financial circumstances. Need-based scholarships and housing stipends are available and can lower, and in some cases eliminate expenses.
For personalized assistance with scholarship applications or affordability concerns, please contact Caitlin Garman, Director of Outreach & Admissions, at cgarman@broadfutures.org.
With scholarships and stipends available alongside transparent budgeting tools, we aim to ensure cost does not deter anyone from participating in this transformative experience!
Join our monthly information session
To learn more about our programs, register for our monthly information session here
All internship applications
The following internships are currently open for enrollment.
DC Winter 2026
Description: Internships in a variety of sectors including nonprofits, policy, hospitality, and marketing.
Application Deadline: October 31, 2026
Program Dates: January 26 – April 17, 2026
Location: Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area
DC Summer 2026
Description: Internships in a variety of sectors including nonprofits, policy, hospitality, and marketing.
Application Deadline: March 6, 2026
Program Dates: June 8 – August 7, 2026
Location: Washington, DC Metropolitan Area