Working alongside leading researchers at one of the world’s most respected universities can shape a young professional’s career in powerful ways. The Berkman Klein Center Summer Internship Program 2026 offers students and early-career scholars the opportunity to contribute to research projects on artificial intelligence, technology policy, and digital governance while gaining hands-on experience at Harvard.
Quick Facts
- Host Country: United States
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Study Level / Job Type: Internship for undergraduate, graduate students, and early-career researchers
- Funding Type: Paid internship ($21/hour)
- Eligible Countries: Applicants residing in eligible U.S. states
- Deadline: March 22, 2026
About the Berkman Klein Center Summer Internship Program 2026
The Berkman Klein Center Summer Internship Program 2026 provides students and early-career scholars with an opportunity to work directly on research and technology policy projects during the summer.
Hosted by the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, the program immerses interns in ongoing research initiatives exploring topics such as artificial intelligence governance, digital property, online privacy frameworks, and emerging technology policy.
Interns collaborate with researchers, faculty members, and scholars while contributing to meaningful research work. Tasks may include literature reviews, dataset development, software development, model evaluation, and drafting research papers, depending on the role selected.
The program runs from June 1 to mid-August 2026 and operates in a hybrid format, combining remote work with optional or required in-person activities in Cambridge, Massachusetts, depending on the team.
This opportunity is officially offered by the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, and applicants should apply through the official application portal.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Berkman Klein Center Summer Internship Program 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an undergraduate or graduate student, or an early-career scholar
- Be residing in an eligible U.S. state during the internship period
- Have work authorization in the United States
- Be available for the entire duration of the program (June–August 2026)
- Have reliable internet access and a computer
Eligible U.S. States
Applicants must live and work in one of the following states during the internship:
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington State
Academic Background
Applicants may come from fields such as:
- Computer Science
- Public Policy
- Law
- Technology and Society
- Artificial Intelligence or Data Science
For technical roles, experience with software development, coding tools, or machine learning research is strongly preferred.
Benefits
The Berkman Klein Center Summer Internship Program 2026 offers several professional and financial advantages.
Paid Internship
Selected interns receive $21 per hour, the standard research assistant rate at Harvard.
Hands-On Research Experience
Interns contribute to cutting-edge projects exploring topics such as:
- AI governance and policy
- Model interpretability
- Agentic AI systems and risk mitigation
- Technology and its impact on society
Professional Mentorship
Participants work closely with Harvard researchers, scholars, and project leaders, gaining insights into academic research and technology policy development.
Networking and Collaboration
Interns join a cohort of students and researchers, creating opportunities for peer collaboration, academic networking, and professional growth.
Internship Lecture Series
Participants take part in a summer lecture series, learning from experts working at the intersection of technology, law, and society.
Who Should Apply
The Berkman Klein Center Summer Internship Program 2026 is best suited for:
- Undergraduate or graduate students interested in AI, technology policy, or digital governance
- Early-career researchers seeking experience in academic or policy research
- Students with strong writing, research, or technical skills
- Individuals eager to contribute to interdisciplinary research projects
Applicants who want to explore the societal impacts of technology while gaining practical research experience will benefit most from this program.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the internship:
- Review the internship descriptions and choose one role that fits your skills.
- Prepare information about your academic background and relevant experience.
- Complete the online application form before the deadline.
- Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews between March 23 and April 17.
- Final decisions will be communicated by April 21, 2026.
The internship will begin on June 1, 2026.
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How to Apply for Berkman Klein Center Summer Internship Program 2026
If you are interested in gaining research experience at Harvard while working on real-world AI and technology policy projects, the Berkman Klein Center Summer Internship Program 2026 is an excellent opportunity to consider.
Applications are reviewed carefully, so submitting early is strongly recommended.
