How do I complete my application?

To apply, you will need to create an account on our application platform, Submittable. The application contains short answer questions about your interest in TIPS and what you are hoping to gain from the internship experience. The application also asks about your availability, transportation access, and skills to aid us with selection and placement. You will also need to obtain at two letters of recommendation.

If you are having issues with opening the Intern Application in Submittable, we suggest trying different browser sites (ex. Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.). If you are still experiencing issues, please contact us at apply@teensinpublicservice.org or Submittable’s help desk.

What happens after I apply?

After the 2026 application deadline on March 2nd, TIPS will review all applications. TIPS will then contact a selection of applicants to interview in late March / early April. Please note that interviews are not guaranteed to all qualifying applicants. TIPS is a small nonprofit organization with limited personnel capacity to conduct interviews.

What do TIPS Interviews look like?

Applicants invited to interview with TIPS will attend a virtual interview, hosted by a team of two volunteer interviewers. The purpose of the TIPS interview is for our committee to gain a better understanding of each applicants' skills, interests, and preparedness. Each TIPS interview team will have at least one TIPS alumni, and they will be more than happy to share about their own internship experience and answer questions you may have about the TIPS program.

When will I know if i have been hired?

TIPS sends email updates through the Submittable application platform. Applicants should make sure they are receiving emails via Submittable (checking spam/junk folders or other inbox folders so they do not miss important communications from TIPS).

1. Applicants will be notified whether or not they have been selected for an interview by the end of March 2026. 

2. Internship interviews will take place through mid April 2026.

3. TIPS will then notify all interviewed applicants of our hiring decisions through the Submittable platform by late April/early May 2026.

What happens if I am not offered an internship this year?

Can I get support applying if I am neurodivergent?

We encourage all applicants who are not offered a TIPS internship to reapply next summer, as long as they still meet TIPS’ internship eligibility requirements. We will do our best to prioritize re-applying applicants where possible in the application review, interview, and intern selection process.

TIPS partners with Canopy Neurodiversity Foundation to support neurodivergent teens - specifically teens with ADD, ADHD, and/or autism - with the application process. If you’d like to learn more, click here

If you would like someone from Canopy to reach out to you directly for additional support when applying, please fill out this form.

Who do i contact with questions about tIPS application?

Please email TIPS at apply@teensinpublicservice.org with any questions about the program or application! We will aim to reply within 3-5 business days.