Volunteer Service Program

The EEOC Volunteer Service Program offers externs (unpaid interns) and volunteers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at EEOC Headquarters or Field Offices in their area of interest.

Through the Volunteer Service Program, the EEOC creates rich learning opportunities based on organizational demands. We encourage students of all majors to apply, as our internships allow students to explore career fields in public service while gaining superior work experience. EEOC Externships are open to all eligible students and graduates regardless of age and will include older individuals and veterans who returned to school. The EEOC Volunteer Service Program is separate from our Pathways Programs (Internship Program andPathways Recent Graduates Program), which are paid Federal internship and employment opportunities for current students, graduates, and those with advanced degrees who meet the eligibility requirements.

There are two EEOC Volunteer Service Program paths:

EEOC Externship Program. The EEOC Internship Program provides current high school, college, graduate, doctorate, or law students with the opportunity to gain unpaid (volunteer), hands-on experience with the Agency for a short period. Participants may or may not receive college credit.
EEOC Volunteer The EEOC Volunteer Program provides non-student volunteers with unpaid experience with the Agency. In some cases, these volunteers may receive a stipend or be paid by other external organizations, but receive no salary from the EEOC.

Externs and volunteers work closely with experienced attorneys and specialists on a variety of diverse assignments. Extern work assignments include legal research and writing, research and analysis of public policy developments, correspondence with Commission stakeholders on a range of discrimination-related issues, and assistance with charge intake and investigations.

Read what a former EEOC externs had to say about the program:

"Interning at the Commission I have had the opportunity to perform substantive work to further my understanding of both the legal and policy making facets of the agency. Working first hand with these experienced professionals is a great way to get your feet wet and explore future legal opportunities."

Internships are generally offered year-round on a rolling admission basis. For more information and applying for extern and volunteer opportunities, select the links below.

Externships (Unpaid) – General Information

Who is eligible to apply?

In general, we encourage applications from college (including community college), law, and graduate students. Some Offices may have positions for high school students. Please check Offices’ position descriptions for additional information.

I am a recent graduate. Can I apply to this program?

No. Proof of current academic enrollment is required to participate in EEOC’s externship program. However, if you are applying for a summer externship, you may apply as long as you are enrolled in a graduate level program for the upcoming fall semester.

Are post-graduate positions available at the EEOC?

Yes. Some Offices specifically recruit externs who are currently enrolled in graduate school. In addition, EEOC job vacancies and Pathways Programs are listed at USAJOBS, the official job site of the U.S. Federal government.

What are some examples of extern assignments?

The assignments given to externs vary from Office, depending on the extern’s education level, interest, expertise, and the work available in the Office. Typical assignments for legal externs include legal research and writing, assistance with hearing or trial preparation, and investigatory follow-up on cases. Law students generally work closely with EEOC attorneys conducting substantive legal assignments. Non-legal externs may conduct intake interviews, research and draft responses to congressional inquiries, provide technical assistance to EEOC stakeholders, assist with mediation of employment discrimination claims, and assist investigators in resolving charges. Non-legal externs work closely with EEOC staff.

Are the externships paid?

No; however, some schools offer stipends to students who wish to spend the summer or semester working for the government or public interest organizations. Additionally, some schools may allow students to work in non-compensated positions for course credit or part of a school’s work-study program. You may check with your school to determine whether such funding is available before applying for these positions. We will work with students who are interested in applying for external stipends or academic credit.

How long are the externships?

In general, Offices request that students commit to 8-10 weeks, full-time, in the summer. Internships during the school year may be more flexible to accommodate students’ academic course schedule. Each Office may have different requirements. Students interested in splitting the summer or working for a time period other than that listed in the position description should raise the issue with individual Offices.

How many hours can I work?

In general, externs may work up to 20 hours a week while attending classes. Interns may work longer hours during periods when classes are not in session or when participating in a tailored work-study externship. Offices may have different requirements, so you should address this issue with each Office.

Does every listed Office offer externships?

It is possible that an Office may defer accepting new extern applications at any given time, or that an Office may have filled the available extern positions. We encourage you to apply early and to indicate which semesters (fall/spring/summer) you’re interested in externing in your application material.

Whom should I contact with questions?

Each position description lists a contact person.

Application Process

When is the deadline to apply for an externship?

Many Offices accept applications on a rolling basis; if you are interested in a particular Office, you may want to contact the individual listed on the announcement to determine whether there are still spaces available. In general, it is a good idea to apply several months prior to the semester that you’d like to extern.

When should I apply?

In general, students are encouraged to apply year-round unless a particular Office lists specific application deadlines. It is a good idea to apply several months prior to the semester that you’d like to extern. See announcement for specific information.

How do I apply?

Each EEOC Office conducts its own extern program. Accordingly, you should apply separately to each Office in which you have an interest. Application requirements and deadlines vary by Office, so consult each individual listing for specifics.

Each applicant must complete the steps below:

Submit the necessary documents as outlined in each Headquarters or Field Office announcement (e.g., https://www.eeoc.gov/externship-positions) to successfully apply to the Volunteer Service Program, including:

Resume;
Unofficial transcript disclosing enrollment status (Students Only); and
EEOC Form 386, Volunteer Service Agreement
Complete and submit the appropriate paperwork for the suitability process, including fingerprints; OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment; and EEOC Form 554-A, Identification Credential Request forms.
Complete fingerprinting no later than 30 days from entrance on duty.
Present any forms necessary for academic credit to the EEOC for distribution and signature.
Possess and provide a copy of a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID card.
Some Offices request a list of references. You should also consider including a cover letter that highlights your specific interest in the office in question and any relevant academic, clinical, or work experience.

Some Offices may also participate in and conduct interviews at local job fairs.

What is the preferred method to send application materials?

Due to screening of Federal government mail, we recommend you submit your application electronically, via fax or email. However, each Office may indicate a specific preference for application receipt. Please check the announcement for submission information.

What factors are considered when reviewing externship applications?

Generally, we are interested in students who demonstrate an interest in the mission of the Commission. Academic achievement, demonstrated research and writing skills, relevant work experience, and extracurricular activities are among the factors we consider when evaluating potential candidates.

Will I be notified when my application has been received?

No. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to confirm receipt of applications. We will follow up with applicants with whom we plan to schedule interviews.

Are phone interviews available?

The interview process may vary by Office. See announcement for specific information.

When are decisions typically made?

Positions are generally filled on a rolling basis. See announcement for specific information.

Logistics

Where is the EEOC located?

EEOC Headquarters and the Washington Field Office are located at 131 M Street, N.E., Washington, DC, 20507. By metro, take the Red Line train to the NoMa–Gallaudet U station. EEOC Field Offices are located throughout the country.

Does the EEOC help students find housing?

No, however, many students live in student housing near one of the many colleges/universities in the area close to our Offices.