Mayor Annise Parker with the spring 2013 CHIP Interns

The Hobby Center for Public Policy's Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP) offers government internships to University of Houston students each fall and spring semester. Since its inception, the program has placed over 1000 interns in local political offices. Judging by the feedback from participating offices, the program is a resounding success. Numerous students have had the opportunity to change their status as a part-time intern to a full-time paid staff member.

Program Information

The Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP) is open to University of Houston juniors and seniors, as well as post-baccalaureate students. Sophomores may apply as well but priority is given to upper level students. All majors are welcome.

The interns work an average of 8 hours per week over the 15-week semester in offices with elected officials at the municipal, county, state or federal levels. Some interns are assigned to community service organizations and campaigns. The interns meet as a class four times during the semester. Evaluation is based on a daily journal, a term paper, and an assessment by the office supervisor.

The internship course counts as 3 hours of upper level political science credit for UH Central students. Grades are based on a daily journal, a term paper, and an evaluation by an office supervisor. Renee Cross is the program director and the instructor of record.

Check out the sample syllabus.

Read our Frequently Asked Questions.

Still Have Questions about CHIP? Learn more by attending an Information Session (see dates below). Contact Maggie Manzano at mmanzano@central.uh.edu or call 713 743 4804 to RSVP.

CHIP Information Session Dates (all scheduled from 2:00-3:00 pm in 323 McElhinney):

Wednesday, April 17

Thursday, April 25 

Friday, May 3

CHIP Application

Approximately 40 internships are available each semester, and the selection process has become increasingly competitive. Students with a 3.0 GPA and higher will be given priority in acceptance and assignment decisions.

Download the application for the fall 2013 program. The application must be typed (handwritten applications will not be accepted), and is downloadable in Word. Please note that the application process is not complete until you submit all application materials, attend an information session, and schedule an interview with the instructor. Applications are now being accepted.

UH Students: All registration questions should be directed to the political science academic advisors.

General questions about the Civic Houston Internship Program may be directed to Maggie Manzano at mmanzano@uh.edu or 713 743 4804.

Richard Murray Scholarship

The Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship was established in 2008 for the purpose of honoring Dr. Richard Murray's service to the Houston community and 40 years of teaching and research at the University of Houston.  Click here to read more.

Meet the Fall 2013 CHIP Interns!

Check out previous CHIP participants

Council Member Jarvis Johnson meets with the spring 2007 interns at City Hall.