Gov. Kay Ivey has opened the application period for the Governor’s Office Summer Internship Program, inviting college students to apply for the nine-week opportunity to gain hands-on experience in state government.

The program, which runs from June 2 through July 31, 2026, places interns within the executive branch, where they work alongside professional staff, assist with special projects and gain exposure to key policy and administrative issues facing the state.

“I am excited to welcome another class of bright, driven students to Montgomery this summer,” Ivey said in a statement. “Working alongside my exceptional staff, our interns play a meaningful role in the work of the Governor’s Office, contributing fresh ideas and supporting the day-to-day efforts that move our state forward.”

Ivey, a former teacher, has long promoted educational and professional development opportunities and encouraged students interested in public service or government to apply.

Former interns say the program provides lasting benefits beyond the summer months. Mary Sullivan, a summer 2025 intern in the governor’s press office and a student at The University of Alabama, said the experience shaped her future in public service. Sullivan was recently selected as a 2026 Capitol Scholar.

“The governor’s internship reshaped my approach to public service by providing valuable opportunities for professional development, mentorship from exceptional leaders and continued support beyond the internship itself,” Sullivan said. “I left knowing I had made a meaningful impact through the responsibilities delegated to me.”

The internship has also served as a pipeline for future roles within the Ivey administration. John Gilchrist, a Tuskegee University graduate who interned in the Appointments Office, now serves as the governor’s constituent services policy correspondent.

“My internship in Governor Ivey’s Office not only served as a vital portal into the daily operations of the Governor’s Office, but into a broader system of state government,” Gilchrist said. “This valuable experience allowed me to excel in roles as a current staffer in the Ivey Administration.”

Applicants must be current college students with a strong interest in public service and government. Selected interns will work directly with staff members and participate in projects supporting the administration’s work.

The deadline to apply is March 13, 2026, by close of business. More information and application details are available on the Governor’s Office website.