Since 1992, the TACL Political Internship Program (PIP) has been TACL’s flagship internship program, demonstrating TACL’s commitment to civic participation. PIP’s mission is to empower the best and brightest students to make an impact in our community through civic engagement. We aim to foster the next generation of leaders and increase Taiwanese American representation in our country’s crucial decision-making processes.

The program places college students in local and federal elected officials’ offices for a summer internship that emphasizes identity and community impact while gaining leadership and networking experience. The program typically includes:

  • Internship: Full-time placement in the office of an elected official to learn the inner workings of the political process
  • Workshops: Two-day orientation and sessions throughout the summer on leadership, identity, policy, and networking
  • Advocacy: Summer-long intern group project on an issue important to the TA community, culminating in advocacy visits to the offices of elected officials
  • Mentorship: Meaningful one-on-one relationship with an experienced mentor

All college students interested in Taiwanese American issues — regardless of previous political experience, major, or career goals — may apply. Applicants must be either enrolled in an undergraduate program of an accredited college or university at the time of application or scheduled to be enrolled in an undergraduate program of an accredited college or university in the upcoming Fall term.

For Summer 2022, TACL will be offering a scholarship to students with internships in the offices of elected officials, state or federal government agencies, or non-profits that advance the interests of AAPIs, in lieu of the full internship program. Selected recipients will complete a brief advocacy project to receive their scholarship.

2022 Intern Scholarship Program Key Dates

August 15, 2022: Applications Due

August 23, 2022: Decisions Released

August 29, 2022: Advocacy One-Pager Due

September 2 – 5, 2022: TACL National Convention

*TACL will not be facilitating internship placements for Summer 2022. Applicants must arrange their own internships in order to receive this scholarship. Please e-mail internship@tacl.org for specific questions.

Eligibility

  • Enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university in Fall 2022.
  • Unpaid or paid internship* for a minimum of 7 weeks between May 2022 and September 2022 in any of the following: 
    • Office of elected local, state, or federal official
    • Agency of a local, state, or US federal government
    • Non-profit organization whose mission is focused on the interests of AAPIs

2022 Scholarship Application

Application Checklist:

  • Completed online application
    • 500 word statement of purpose
    • 300 word statement on pending legislation of importance to the Taiwanese American community.
  • List of 1-2 academic or professional referencesTwo letters of reference
  • Most recent unofficial transcript
  • Resume/CV
  • Writing Sample (1-5 pages, double-spaced, open topic)

DEADLINE: All applications must be submitted by Monday, August 15, 2022 at 11:59 PM PDT. For questions, please contact us at internship@tacl.org.

Interviews

Applicants may receive an invitation to schedule a 30-minute online interview via Google Meet or alternative video-conferencing platform.

Offers

Final offers will be announced by August, 23, 2022.

Placements

TACL will not facilitate office placements for Summer 2022. Applicants must arrange their own internships to be eligible for this scholarship.

*Applicants who have formally accepted an offer with TACL and withdraw once the placement process has begun are ineligible to reapply for the program for one full year.

Advocacy Project

Applicants will research and briefly describe a piece of legislation that they feel enhances the quality of life for the Taiwanese American community in their applications (300-word statement). If selected, applicants will expand on their research and create a one-page brief in the voice of TACL that advocates for the passage of this legislation. Program coordinators will assist in completion of this brief, with a final presentation (via 1-2 minute pre-recorded video) that may be presented at the TACL National Convention in September.

GOT QUESTIONS?

E-mail us at internship@tacl.org.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • TACL is not responsible for any internship placements, transportation, or housing.
  • A scholarship of $1,000 from TACL will be granted upon successful completion of the program requirements.