Since 1974, the University of Illinois Springfield has partnered with state and local government agencies as well as some non-profit agencies to provide highly qualified, highly motivated graduate students for internships at these agencies. GPSI has a strong track record of placing exceptional students in governmental agencies. GPSI has placed more than 3,500 graduate students in over 45 state agencies and organizations.

The cost to secure an intern covers the tuition waiver, monthly stipend, professional development allotment, and administrative costs. For up-to-date cost information, please contact the GPSI Team. For participation in the program, the expectation is that the internship supervisor will serve as both mentor and internship supervisor to the intern.

The GPSI program is designed to provide a long-term internship experience, but internship experiences also can be as quick as two school semesters depending on the student's graduation date. Participation in the GPSI program requires execution of a Master Services Agreement between the sponsoring agency and the University. The GPSI office prepares a Statement of Work for each individual intern which outlines the costs for that student.

Potential internship supervisors conduct their own interviews and make all determinations on internship offers. Internship supervisors are under no obligation to make an offer.

GPSI interns are highly motivated graduate students with experience in professional proficiencies.  Core competencies include environmental studies, public health, business administration, accounting, management information systems, computer science, public administration, legal studies, and communication.

To request an intern, please use our form: Intern Request Form

At the annual GPSI recognition breakfast held on April 3, 2019, Ginger Mullin, AuD., Illinois Department of  Public Health, received the the Sagarika Madala Memorial Award for Exemplary Leadership in recognition of her outstanding leadership as a GPSI supervisor and mentor. Dr. Mullin is pictured with Alexandra Scherba, Ginger’s GPSI intern, who nominated her for the award.