News
PAUL B. HENRY CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP
October 01, 2026
Each year, the GVSU Department of Political Science runs the Henry
Internship
competition. The Henry Internship places a GVSU student
— the Henry Scholar — in
the Washington, D.C. offices of one of
Michigan's U.S. Representatives or Senators.
Most Henry Scholars
complete their internship during GVSU's spring and summer
semesters, though internships during other semesters have occasionally
been
arranged.
The Paul B. Henry Foundation provides a scholarship of at least
$2,000 for travel and
living expenses, and Henry Scholars receive
a tuition waiver for up to 6 credit hours.
The GVSU Alumni
Association's DC Chapter adds a special dimension to the program
through mentorship and support of GVSU interns. The Henry Scholar will
work with the
department's internship coordinator to identify and
secure a placement.
Eligibility
Open to students in any major. Applicants must have completed a
minimum of 55 credit
hours before the internship begins. Students
graduating before their internship begins
are not eligible. Henry
Scholars are expected to report about their experiences to the
GVSU community during the following academic year.
Application Materials
1. Resume
1. Essay (500-word limit) addressing your reasons
for seeking the internship,
relevant experiences that prepare you
for it, and how it advances your career and
educational goals.
Essays must be original and written without generative AI
tools.
In the body of your email, please include:
- The name and email address of an individual who can serve as a reference on your behalf
- Optional: If there is a Senator or Representative with whom you would prefer to work, please list their name
Submission
Send all materials to the Department of Political Science at [email protected].
Deadline: October 16, 2026