Projects may be focused in any area of public service, including the arts, civil and human rights, education, environment, health, housing, international development, and youth development and they may address need at the local, national or international level. Interested applicants must complete an initial application that is due in early October. The applications are available on the organization's web site beginning in June. The organization will screen the initial applications and then choose suitable projects to apply for the full application process. Applicants for Director's Internships must demonstrate a genuine interest in the position for which they are applying, as well as a dedication to public service.
Most internships last eight weeks.
A committee made up of three IOP staff members is responsible for selecting the participants. Internships must be full-time for at least eight weeks. One stipend will be awarded for work in political journalism. Up to 30 awards may be offered in a given year. The application deadline is usually in early spring.