The American Association of People with Disabilities runs this annual career-development program for disabled students and recent graduates. AAPD places participants in paid internships with Congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and STEM-focused hosts.
Interns complete a one-week orientation, work 32 hours from Monday through Thursday, and join AAPD programming on Fridays. The program also includes a one-to-one mentor and networking through Capitol Hill, conferences, briefings, and community events.
Benefits & funding
- The 2027 stipend will be at least $20 per hour; AAPD describes it as a living stipend.
- AAPD covers transportation to and from Washington, D.C.
- In-person interns receive accessible dorm-style housing at George Washington University.
- Remote interns can receive technology and internet support plus a housing stipend of up to $2,000 per month when applicable, based on reviewed rent and utility bills.
Eligibility
- Applicants must identify as a person with a disability; no diagnosis disclosure or documentation is required.
- Applicants must be a current student or a recent graduate of a U.S.-based school or program and have a high school diploma or equivalent by May 2027.
- For this cycle, a recent graduate is someone who completed an educational or skills-based program in May 2022 or later.
- Applicants must be based in the United States or a U.S. territory for the program’s duration.
- International students may apply with the required work authorization, although some placements, especially federal agencies and Congressional offices, require U.S. citizenship.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Residence required
USA · Puerto Rico · Guam · US Virgin Islands · American Samoa · Northern Mariana Islands
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Application process
- 1Review the placement categories and choose whether to seek an in-person or remote internship.
- 2Prepare applicant information, placement preferences, essays, and a resume.
- 3Submit the complete application through AAPD’s online portal by October 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET; contact AAPD for an accessibility accommodation if needed.
- 4If selected, work with AAPD on placement matching; AAPD considers career goals and preferences but makes the final placement decision.
Program timeline
Information session with CART and ASL; AAPD plans to post a recording.
September 10, 2026, 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET
Application deadline.
October 1, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET
One-week orientation, paid internship work, Friday programming, mentoring, and community events.
Summer 2027