What's MIP?

Local Government Academy’s Municipal Intern Program connects local governments with enthusiastic undergraduate or graduate students seeking real-world experience working at the grassroots level. Eligible placement sites include municipalities, councils of governments, and municipal authorities in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and Act 47 designated municipalities located in Western Pennsylvania.

The Program provides a reimbursement grant to cover a portion of the intern’s wages. LGA facilitates the match between the placement site and a qualified student interested in one or more of the projects listed below. See the schedule for important dates regarding applications and interviews.

 

How does it work?

The Municipal Internship Program provides paid internships to graduate and undergraduate students who want to work on real issues facing our communities every day. Internships take place during the summer months, generally beginning in late May or early June and concluding in August.

In a separate application process, local municipalities propose projects they would like to undertake during the internship period. Projects may involve various municipal departments, including planning and zoning, budget and finance, economic development, code enforcement, community outreach, public works, or public safety.


Interns in the program will benefit from:

  • Practical, significant experience in local government
  • The opportunity to test the skills and knowledge gained in the academic setting
  • Experience in interpersonal communication and group dynamics
  • Networking with local government practitioners and other interns
  • Meeting new contacts for possible future employment opportunities
  • The opportunity to learn from others through coaching, supervision, and mentoring
  • Experience gained from bridging the gap between the academic and professional worlds

2024 Interns
Meet the Interns!


  • Christianne Accurso
    I absolutely would recommend someone to this program. This has been an invaluable experience to be able to network not just with other students but other local government personnel.
    Christianne Accurso
    Intern for the Borough of Crafton, 2024
  • Isaac Stephens
    This internship has also been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations. It has shown me an interest in local government, and I can now see a path for myself in this field.
    Isaac Stephens
    Intern for the Borough of Swissvale, 2024
  • Gwenyth Prince
    I have been able to meet and work with many inspiring local governance professionals who are just as impassioned to help their local communities as I am.
    Gwenyth Prince
    Intern for Jackson Township 2024
  • Jakob Wells
    My internship has been a transformative experience that has equipped me with a diverse range of knowledge, skills, and practical insights.
    Jakob Wells
    Intern for Churchill Borough, 2024
 

What you need to know

ELIGIBILITY

The Municipal Internship Program is open to active undergraduate and graduate students. 

 

COMPENSATION

Interns are hired by the placement site and will be compensated at an hourly rate of $12.00 for graduate students and $11.00 for undergraduate students. Any student placed within an Act 47 distressed municipality site will earn $12.00 per hour.

 

SUPPORTED BY

PA DCED Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority of Washington County

SELECTION PROCESS

Interested students must submit their application and resume online using the "Submit Your Application" button at the bottom of the page. Interns have the opportunity to select up to three projects. Supervisors will contact qualified students for interviews and make their final selection by the date located in the timeline below.

Although successful internships have been completed by students with a wide range of education and experience, the most successful projects have been marked by students who exhibit the following criteria:

  • Superior academic credentials, effective interpersonal skills, and strong writing and computer skills
  • Past work or applicable volunteer experience
  • Interest in or familiarity with local government and community needs such as financial management, planning, computer systems, community engagement, etc.
  • Self-motivation and ability to work well with others