Princeton Internships in Civic Service

group of students and community members eating and listening to a community partner speak

Princeton Internships in Civic Service (PICS) is an alumni-founded program with the John H. Pace, Jr. '39 Center for Civic Engagement that provides Princeton undergraduates paid summer internships in nonprofit organizations. As PICS interns, students engage in meaningful service opportunities, serve with community partner organizations in the U.S., connect academic lessons to real-world problems, and develop leadership skills.

The PICS Model

PICS joined the University through the Pace Center for Civic Engagement in 2019. It was founded as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 1996 by Princeton University alumni from the Class of 1969 at their 25th reunion.

PICS is a transformative experience that thrives at the intersection of students, community, and alumni. Students benefit from immersive summer internship opportunities in collaboration with community partners serving on the front lines of healthcare, education, the environment, and more. Alumni partners guide students as they grow from these professional experiences and introduce students to the Princeton alumni network. Many PICS students, community partners, and alumni form relationships that extend years beyond the initial internship experience.

Explore Internships

Students will be able to explore PICS Summer 2025 internship opportunities through Princeton University's Global Programs System (GPS) starting in early December. Check back here at that time for details.

For Students

PICS offers 8-10 week paid summer internships at nonprofit organizations across the United States, along with a few international locations. Paired with an alumni mentor, PICS students explore opportunities in research, data analytics, environment, energy policy, communications/marketing, community outreach, arts and culture, legal services, youth development, and health. Several PICS internships fulfill requirements of certificate programs. Many PICS interns have found their internships have influenced their career goals and learning paths. After graduating, former interns have worked for their nonprofits, started their own nonprofits, become alumni partners, and connected PICS with new internship opportunities.

Explore Internships

You may apply for a maximum of two PICS internships. Summer 2025 opportunities will be posted on Princeton University's Global Programs System (GPS) starting in December. For help in navigating your search, see this Student Navigation Guide for GPS. If you're wondering if a PICS internship might be right for you, feel free to make an appointment with PICS Program Coordinator Rose Holton at [email protected] via Bookings.

Critical Dates

Monday, 12/9/24 (tentative), Student application opens at noon. Link to be provided on that date.
Wednesday, 1/8/25, Student application deadline at 5:00 PM EST
Monday- Friday, 1/20 - 24, Interview Week (general timeframe - interviews can take place before and after this week as well)
Monday, 2/3/25, Final decisions from PICS Internship Partners due
Rolling between weeks of 2/3 and 2/10 - Round 1 offers to students go out. Students have 3 business days to accept or decline.
Late Feb - early March, Round 2 application is open.
Mid March, Round 2 Interview Week (general timeframe - interviews can take place before and after this timeframe as well)
Rolling between mid to late March - Round 2 offers to students go out. Students have 3 business days to accept or decline.
Early April, Round 3 application is open.
Mid April, Round 3 Interview Week (general timeframe - interviews can take place before and after this timeframe as well)
Rolling between mid to late April - Round 3 offers to students go out. Students have 3 business days to accept or decline.
April, TBD, Internship Orientation
Monday, 5/19/25, Students may begin internships
Summer - Networking and professional development events
August - Fall Capstone projects and evaluations due
September - Fall Reception

Apply to PICS

Check back here in December for application link. This will be a joint form for all Pace Center summer opportunities. Be sure to carefully read through the Eligibility and Program Requirements prior to submitting your application.

For Alumni

Alumni play an important role in helping students envision how they can live lives of meaning and service while at Princeton and beyond. With PICS, alumni are an integral part of students’ learning and growth. Learn how you can support the PICS program as a mentor or regional volunteer on our Alumni Support page.

For Partners

Internship partners play an important role in not only facilitating students’ summer experiences, but also serving as guides and educators along the way. Learn how you can become an internship partner with PICS on the Internship Collaboration page.