Department of State Student Internship Program Act
Latest action (4 Mar 2021): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 599, the Department of State Student Internship Program Act, would direct the Secretary of State to create a paid internship program giving students exposure to careers in diplomacy and foreign affairs. Eligible applicants would need to be enrolled at least half-time in a U.S. or foreign institution of higher education, be able to obtain a security clearance, and meet other criteria set by the Secretary. Interns would be paid at least the federal or local minimum wage, whichever is higher, and would receive housing support for overseas placements (with discretionary housing and required travel assistance for qualifying domestic placements). The Department would be required to advertise the program broadly, with targeted outreach to underrepresented groups and minority-serving institutions, and could partner with schools to align internships with academic requirements.
The bill primarily affects the State Department and current or prospective college and graduate students interested in foreign affairs internships, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds. It also affects the Department's existing unpaid internship programs, which the Secretary would generally have to convert to paid positions within three years, subject to a limited, reportable waiver.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 4, 2021, by Senators Cory Booker and Tim Scott, and referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. According to the Congressional Research Service, it did not receive a vote before the end of that Congress, meaning it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Department of State Student Internship Program Act
This bill requires the Department of State to establish the Department of State Student Internship Program to offer paid internship opportunities at the State Department to raise awareness of the role of diplomacy in the conduct of U.S. foreign policy.
Participants must be enrolled at an institution of higher education (IHE) and able to receive and hold an appropriate security clearance. The State Department must pay participating interns a specified amount, as well as provide housing and travel assistance. The State Department may also enter agreements with IHEs to ensure these internships satisfy criteria for the academic programs in which participants are enrolled.
Additionally, the State Department must transition all of its unpaid internship programs to internship programs that offer compensation.
Common questions
- What does S. 599 do?
- S. 599, the Department of State Student Internship Program Act, would direct the Secretary of State to create a paid internship program giving students exposure to careers in diplomacy and foreign affairs. Eligible applicants would need to be enrolled at least half-time in a U.S. or foreign institution of higher education, be able to obtain a security clearance, and meet other criteria set by the Secretary. Interns would be paid at least the federal or local minimum wage, whichever is higher, and would receive housing support for overseas placements (with discretionary housing and required travel assistance for qualifying domestic placements). The Department would be required to advertise the program broadly, with targeted outreach to underrepresented groups and minority-serving institutions, and could partner with schools to align internships with academic requirements. The bill primarily affects the State Department and current or prospective college and graduate students interested in foreign affairs internships, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds. It also affects the Department's existing unpaid internship programs, which the Secretary would generally have to convert to paid positions within three years, subject to a limited, reportable waiver. The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 4, 2021, by Senators Cory Booker and Tim Scott, and referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. According to the Congressional Research Service, it did not receive a vote before the end of that Congress, meaning it did not become law.
- Has S. 599 become law?
- Not yet. As of 4 Mar 2021, S. 599 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 599?
- S. 599 was sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker [D-NJ] (Democrat-NJ), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 599?
- Introduced (4 Mar 2021).
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