2026 API Public Service Internship
(Application portal will be open on Jan 24 2026
Alliance of Chinese Americans San Diego (ACA) is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for API Public Service Internship opportunities in San Diego. We encourage college or incoming college students seeking pre-law, political science or related fields in public policy to complete an internship application for consideration.
The API Public Service Internship Program aims to provide college students an opportunity to experience the inner workings of an elected office. The placed interns will work under the auspice of the elected office. They will undertake a variety of assignments, including day-to-day regimen of an elected official’s office. They will assist on local events planning and assist staff on special projects that might include policy research and data gathering. Interns could also assist with constituent casework and opportunities for community outreach and engagement.
The applicants will go through a rigorous selection process with internship placement opportunities in the elected offices or government agencies at the local, city, county, state, or federal levels.
The applicants will go through a rigorous selection process with internship placement opportunities in the elected offices or government agencies at the local, city, county, state, or federal levels.
Upon satisfactory completion of the internship assignment along with a final report of their experience and a positive review by the elected office, the intern will receive a scholarship up to $1,000.
The schedule of each internship varies - most will take place in the summer (June - August), some may begin as early as April, and yet a few others are year-round. All internship positions require a minimum 80 hours.
The inaugural 2019 internship program was a huge success. To read about the graduation ceremony at which a leadership forum was held with interns, please click here.
The schedule of each internship varies - most will take place in the summer (June - August), some may begin as early as April, and yet a few others are year-round. All internship positions require a minimum 80 hours.
The inaugural 2019 internship program was a huge success. To read about the graduation ceremony at which a leadership forum was held with interns, please click here.
ELIGIBILITY
- Residents or students attending schools in San Diego County.
- Must be a U.S Citizen and a descendant of Asian Pacific Island origin.
- Must be a full-time college student or high school graduate, i.e., incoming college student.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A strong interest in civic engagement and community service.
- A strong interest in learning public policy and the legislative process.
- Excellent communication as well as analytical and research skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills in working with both colleagues and community.
- Professional work ethics and independent time management skills.
- Mature judgment and commitment to following all governing rules and ethics laws.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
March 31, 2026
March 31, 2026
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Please click here to start application.
- All candidates will be interviewed before placement.
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions about the application process, please email [email protected] with subject line: 'API Public Service Internship'
If you have any questions about the application process, please email [email protected] with subject line: 'API Public Service Internship'
The participating government offices are listed below. We will update the list as additional elected officials join the program.
Due to vigorous vetting process, interns for this office are generally required to commit an one-year service in the program
ACA sincerely thanks the following organizations or foundations for their generous funding which make the internship program possible -
The Avery Tsui Foundation
Hom Family Fund
San Diego Chinese Women's Association
San Diego API Coalition
Qualcomm (RJGI)
The Avery Tsui Foundation
Hom Family Fund
San Diego Chinese Women's Association
San Diego API Coalition
Qualcomm (RJGI)