David C. Frederick and the William J. Keefe Public Service Internship Awards
Participate in civic engagement and build civic identity by taking part in public service. FHC students may apply to receive up to $6,000 for a summer Congressional internship or other public service internship at a nationally recognized non-profit or government agency. Applications for Summer 2025 are TBA. Check out our 50+ partners that you can intern with in our Civic Engagement Catalog.
Awardees receive:
- Up to $6,000 to cover costs of living or other expenses associated with completing an internship outside of the greater Pittsburgh area or their hometown. The internship is with either a nonprofit organization or government agency over the summer (from approximately mid-May through early-August).
- Support and connections to earn a prestigious placement in your field anywhere in the United States — at a leading international organization, federal bureau, or similar institution working to develop positive social change while addressing specific public policies.
Previous Frederick Interns have worked with leading organizations like Human Rights Watch, the U.S. Department of State, Women in Government, the National Coalition for the Homeless, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Ideal Candidates:
- You must be a full-time Pitt undergraduate student in the semester following your internship.
- You are a high-achieving student with an interest in leadership, public service, policy, and the common good.
- You will bring diversity to the cohort of interns who will support one another virtually throughout their summer internships.
Students may individually apply for internship opportunities of interest or may submit applications with desired internships. The FHC team, in partnership with faculty, will work to support students in their internship interests and choices.
Get started with the application instructions and materials (PDF).
About David C. Frederick
This award is generously funded by David C. Frederick (A&S '83), Honors alumnus and Pitt's first Rhodes Scholar. He also earned his PhD at Oxford and his JD at the University of Texas. He is as an appellate attorney in Washington, D.C., and has notably argued more than 50 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He has advocated for the public and communities in several high-profile cases, and established this award to inspire and enable more undergraduates to enhance their careers in public service.