The Center for Science in the Public Interest is a national consumer organization that focuses on
health and nutrition issues. CSPI offers internships for a small number of qualified students in
undergraduate, graduate, law, and medical schools each summer and during the school year. A list of
current projects follow. If you are interested in obtaining a spring/summer internship at CSPI
through the Everett Public Interest Internship Program, please note so in your cover letter. To
find out more about the Everett Program, visit their website at www.everettinternships.org.
Background. CSPI was started in 1971 by three scientists who saw the need for an organization to
evaluate the effects of science and technology on society and to promote national policies
responsive to consumers' interests. CSPI focuses primarily on health and nutrition issues, disclosing
deceptive marketing practices, dangerous food additives or contaminants, and flawed science
propagated by profits. Findings are communicated in press interviews and a variety of educational
materials, which include reports, books, posters, software, videos, and the Center's Nutrition
Action Healthletter. CSPI also has a vigorous program focused on reducing the harm caused by
alcoholic beverages.
Generally, an internship is for ten weeks. Undergraduate interns are paid an hourly wage of
$7.00/hour ($8.00/hour for graduate students). The specific dates of an internship are flexible
and depend on our needs and the applicant's schedule. Applications are now being taken for
spring/summer 2008. Application materials should include the following:
- A cover letter indicating issues of interest, future plans, and dates of availability.
- A résumé. Experience with advocacy groups is advantageous.
- Writing sample, if required by the specific project (a popularly written piece is preferred over a technical report).
- Two letters of recommendation from instructors or employers that address your academic/work ability and character.
- An official transcript of courses and grades.
The same materials are needed whether applying to the Everett Program or directly to CSPI.
Mail to: Internships, CSPI, 1875 Connecticut Ave. NW, #300, Washington, DC 20009.
Please submit the application materials as early as possible. Applications are taken on a rolling basis
and until all positions have been filled. Awards for internships are very competitive. Applicants are
advised to follow the application guidelines.
Internship Projects Winter/Spring/Summer 2008
NUTRITION & PUBLIC POLICY
This project covers a broad area of topics related to nutrition and health policies. Current issues
include nutrition education, health-care reform, food additives, restaurant foods, vitamins,
saturated fats, synthetic foods, pesticides and microbial contamination of foods. Projects may
involve research for policy analysis and development, op-ed pieces, reports, tracking legislation and
regulations and assisting in policy advocacy. Applicants should have a strong college-level science,
public policy or law background and must submit a writing sample.
Nutrition Action Healthletter
The Healthletter is read by CSPI's 800,000+ members, as well as by the press and members of
Congress. Interns assist with many aspects of the publication of this newsletter including research
for future articles.
ALCOHOL & PUBLIC POLICY
CSPI has taken the lead in advocating public health-oriented policies on alcohol. Through coalition-
building, media attention, and information campaigns directed at legislators, the project campaigns
to reduce the health and social consequences of alcohol use and abuse and to counter the industry
view that alcohol is a necessary part of the good life. Current issues include tighter restrictions on
marketing strategies aimed at minorities and youths, warning label legislation, and increases in
alcohol excise taxes. Applicants should be senior undergraduates or graduate students and must
submit a writing sample.
GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY
Grassroots interns work closely with CSPI staff to implement field campaigns by engaging citizen
support of obesity and nutrition policy at the federal, state, and local level. Responsibilities include
conducting outreach to CSPI members, organizations and grasstops, coordinating legislative and
activists meetings, and implementing a free-media campaign. Other activities include circulating
flyers and petitions at local community events, some data entry, and other duties as assigned.
Interest in health and nutrition a plus.
FOOD SAFETY
This project covers a broad array of topics, divided into the following areas of concentration; the
production and inspection of meat, poultry, and seafood, sustainable organic agriculture, food
additives, and pesticide safety. Interns must have a strong background in either toxicology,
biochemistry, biological sciences, law or public health. Applicants should have strong writing and
computer skills and must submit a writing sample.
INTEGRITY IN SCIENCE
The Integrity in Science project investigates and publicizes the destructive influence of corporate
interests on scientific research and promotes policies for the ethical conduct and oversight of
science. CSPI seeks greater disclosure and prevention of conflicts of interests that color research
findings, news stories, and public policy decisions. Target audiences for the project include
academic researchers, journalists, environmental and public health organizations, policymakers in
Congress, and federal agencies (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug
Administration). Candidates should possess strong research and writing skills and have an interest
in public policy.
LITIGATION PROJECT
Just this year, CSPI created a Litigation Project. In addition to its longstanding advocacy before
federal and state agencies such as the FDA and the FTC, CSPI will join in existing private consumer
fraud, products liability, and personal injury lawsuits where it can assist private lawyers to have the
insights of CSPI. In addition, CSPI is developing its own advocacy lawsuits, working with private
lawyers across the country to bring them. Many of the legal issues in these cases are developing
issues with many interesting questions of both law and social policy. CSPI will offer at least one law
student internship
working with Director of Litigation Stephen Gardner (a
nationally-recognized consumer advocacy lawyer) either in Washington or in Dallas, where CSPI’s
Litigation Project is based.
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