Richard B. Kirchhoff Public Policy Internships

The Richard B. Kirchhoff Public Policy Internship program is an opportunity for college and graduate students to develop knowledge and insights on key health policy issues; the challenges and opportunities related to preventing suicide and improving mental health at a systems-wide level; and the role of public policy and advocacy in public health.

The Richard B. Kirchhoff Public Policy Internship is currently operating in a hybrid format and located in Washington, D.C.

Candidates can intern during their fall or spring semesters and may extend to both semesters if approved.

Interns must be enrolled in a higher education institution and receive academic credit for participating in the internship with AFSP.

Internship responsibilities include:

• Assist with legislative, regulatory, and grassroots advocacy activities aligned with AFSP’s public policy priorities
• Track and research federal and state policy issues, legislation, and regulation
• Attend relevant Congressional hearings and coalition meetings
• Complete at least one special / long term project

Applications will be open late Fall 2026. A link to the posting on our AFSP careers portal will be posted here while applications are open. For further inquiries, email [email protected].

• Take action TODAY on the AFSP Action Center
• Sign up as an AFSP Volunteer Advocate to stay connected to AFSP Advocacy and get updates on new opportunities to take action
• Go to our Advocacy Resources page for additional learning resources.
• View our Policy Priorities, including University and College Campus Suicide Prevention
• Attend an Advocacy Action Day, an annual event where AFSP advocates can meet with their state legislators to discuss top suicide prevention and mental health policy priorities
• Host an Out of the Darkness Campus Walk

During the 2025-26 academic year, I had the privilege of working with the AFSP Public Policy and Advocacy office to complete my practicum for my Master’s of Public Health degree. Since beginning my higher education journey, I had my eyes set on working for this office. This opportunity was everything I could hope for and more. I gained real-life policy analysis experience, created policy materials, and helped plan and implement the annual advocacy forum. It was a fun challenge to work both on federal and state suicide prevention policy, ultimately giving me transferable skills. I was also able to practice adapting and shifting priorities due to the fast-paced nature of suicide prevention policy. AFSP has dutifully prepared me for the remainder of my career in suicide prevention policy.

Are you interested in becoming a Volunteer Advocate? By signing up as a volunteer advocate, you join thousands of other advocates as a vital part of AFSP’s large grassroots network with the resources and tools to speak out for suicide prevention and mental health at all levels of government.