National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) Internships & Fellowships 2026

If you’re a U.S.-based student, early-career professional, or a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV), this is an opportunity to immerse yourself in meaningful nonprofit work. The National Peace Corps Association is offering its 2026 internship and fellowship programs, where you can gain practical skills, build networks, and contribute to projects advancing peace, service, and community — all while working side-by-side with experienced professionals. Here's everything you need to know.

🎓 Programme Summary

• Location: Washington, D.C. or Remote (U.S. based)

• Host Institution: National Peace Corps Association (NPCA)

• Career Level: Students (undergraduate, early‐career), recent graduates, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers for certain fellowships

• Target Group: U.S.-based applicants; RPCVs for the fellowship; individuals interested in nonprofit, service, advocacy, and communications

• Fields of Focus: Advocacy, Management / Operations, Development / Fundraising, Communications, Social Media, Editorial work

• Value & Coverage:

  • Internships: Unpaid; must receive academic credit

  • Editorial Fellowship: Four months, $5,000 stipend

• Duration: Internships minimum 3 months; Fellowship is 4 months

• Application Deadlines:

  • Spring Semester: January 4, 2026

  • Summer Semester: June 8, 2026

  • Fall Semester: September 7, 2026

  • Editorial Fellowship: September 30, 2025

• Start Date: Semester-based; fellowship runs October 2025 – January 2026

• Eligible To: U.S.-based individuals; students, recent graduates; RPCVs for the fellowship

🌐 NPCA Program Overview

The NPCA Internships & Fellowships programs are designed to let participants work “side-by-side with department heads” across various organizational functions — advocacy, communications, development, operations, etc. Interns can work remotely (if U.S.-based) or in person in Washington, D.C.

• Internships require a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week, and at least three months duration.

• These are unpaid learning opportunities, but interns must receive academic credit through their institution or a formal internship program.

• The fellowship (specifically the Editorial Fellowship) is paid via a stipend, intended for RPCVs who have experience or relevant work/skills in journalism, editing, digital media, etc.

🎁 Benefits of the Internship / Fellowship

• Build professional skills in nonprofit operations, advocacy, communications, and fundraising

• Develop a strong portfolio in writing, media, or donor engagement

• Network with Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and nonprofit professionals

• Contribute to mission-driven projects that create real impact

• Fellowship participants receive a stipend to support living costs

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Must be U.S.-based to apply for internships; remote options available only within the U.S.

• Internships: Students (undergrad / grad), recent graduates; must secure academic credit

• Fellowship: Specifically for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers; prior journalism, editing, or digital media experience required

• Ability to commit at least 20 hours per week

• Strong communication, organizational, or creative skills depending on the chosen internship track

✍🏻 How to Apply

• Application form: Fill out NPCA’s online application (you can apply for multiple internships at once)

• For the Editorial Fellowship: Submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing or multimedia samples to worldview@peacecorpsconnect.org

• Deadlines: January 4 (Spring), June 8 (Summer), September 7 (Fall), and September 30 for the Editorial Fellowship

• Intern applicants must coordinate with their school for academic credit

📚 Available Intern Positions (2026)

• Advocacy Intern

  • Support NPCA’s advocacy network and assist with Capitol Hill actions

  • Prepare advocacy materials, schedule/attend meetings, and contribute to social media, videos, and articles

  • Best for applicants interested in advocacy, government, or international affairs

• Management Intern

  • Support NPCA leadership in improving management systems and processes

  • Work on streamlining group reaffiliation, document management, budget templates, and grant processes

  • Research and expand resources for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers

  • Requires strong organizational and computer skills

• Development Intern

  • Assist in fundraising campaigns, donor communications, and stewardship activities

  • Manage databases, analyze donor data, and explore new fundraising strategies

  • Research corporate partnerships, foundation prospects, and grants

  • Ideal for students interested in nonprofit fundraising and donor engagement

• Communications Intern

  • Write and edit for newsletters, websites, and campaigns

  • Design promotional materials and create social media content

  • Monitor analytics and develop marketing strategies

  • Preferred skills: writing, copy editing, design tools (Canva, Adobe, WordPress)

• Social Media Intern

  • Create engaging posts, reels, and stories for platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn

  • Partner with the communications team to launch creative campaigns

  • Track analytics, monitor trends, and support awareness initiatives

  • Requires creativity, Canva/reel editing skills, and social media savvy

🔗 Apply For Internship

🔗 Official Website

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