Michael Dukakis Public Service Internship

Governor Michael Dukakis endowed a public service internship at UMass Dartmouth in 1996 to provide students with an opportunity to gain experience in government service and to encourage them to consider a future career in public service. Dukakis served as Massachusetts' governor from 1975-1979 and 1983-1991, the longest serving governor in the state’s history. In 1988, he was the Democratic Party nominee for President of the United States.

The endowment provides for paid internships in government service, primarily at the state and local levels within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The internship's intent is to rekindle a sense of enthusiasm, optimism, and hope about civil service and to reach out to talented students to encourage them to consider a career in public service. As the Governor has stated, “It is absolutely essential to reach out to our best young people so they can experience public service at the earliest possible age. There is nothing one can do that is more fulfilling or satisfying in a personal sense than being of service to others.”

For 2025-2026, the Dukakis public service intern will receive $6,000 to work for a period of at least three months (at least 300 hours) in a public service or government setting. The work will likely be done during the summer or, by arrangement, during a semester of the academic year. Internship arrangements are made through the student’s academic advisor and the Dukakis Internship Director. Furthermore, students may have the option to earn up to six hours of academic credit through their major department. In no case are students eligible to receive funding from a third party and the Dukakis Award.

Eligibility for the award

Any full-time undergraduate or graduate UMassD student, who will be enrolled at UMass Dartmouth during AY 2025-2026. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply for the award.
Applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average and have completed at least one full-time semester at UMass Dartmouth prior to the application deadline. Applicants may apply at any point in their academic career, but preference will be given to applicants who are further along.
Applicants must demonstrate a current interest in public service and the possibility of a career in this area.
No individual may receive more than one Dukakis Public Service Internship.

Applicants must provide

A completed Dukakis Public Service Internship Award Application form.
A typed statement of no more than 500 words explaining the student’s interest in public service, which should include the applicant’s views on leadership.
A current resume that includes the applicant’s leadership experiences and extracurricular activities.
An official copy of the student’s current academic transcript.
A letter of recommendation from a faculty sponsor.