All internships are located in Washington, D.C. unless otherwise indicated.
Academy for Educational Development
A nonprofit organization working globally to improve education, health, civil society and economic development - the foundation of thriving societies. Focusing on the underserved, AED implements more than 250 programs serving people in all 50 U.S. states and more than 150 countries.
Paid and unpaid internships are available. Interns are involved in a variety of activities such as research and writing; coordination of itineraries and meeting schedules for consultants, visitors, and students; and proposal preparation and production.
Alliance for Excellent Education
A national policy and advocacy organization that works to make every child a high school graduate - to prepare them for college, work, and to be contributing members of society. Founded in 2001, the Alliance focuses on America's six million most at-risk secondary school students - those in the lowest achievement quartile - who are most likely to leave school without a diploma or to graduate unprepared for a productive future.
Interns will be responsible for assisting policy staff in Alliance efforts. Duties may include (but are not limited to): conducting legislative research; developing policy fact sheets; tracking federal legislation; and attending congressional hearings conferences, briefings, and forums.
Alliance for Justice
A national association of environmental, civil rights, mental health, women's, children’s, and consumer advocacy organizations. Since its inception in 1979,AFJ has worked to advance the cause of justice for all Americans, strengthen the public interest community's ability to influence public policy, and foster the next generation of advocates.
Interns must be able to work a minimum of twelve hours per week. Duties vary but it is expected that interns will gain substantive experience in a wide range of areas, working with professional staff in the Nonprofit Advocacy, Outreach, Communications or Fundraising departments.
American Bar Association- Center on Children and the Law
A full-service technical assistance, training, and research program addressing a broad spectrum of law and court-related topics affecting children. These include child abuse and neglect, adoption, adolescent and infant/toddler health, foster and kinship care, juvenile status offenders, custody and support, guardianship, missing and exploited children, and children's exposure to domestic violence.
Approximately 5-7 unpaid internship positions available during the summer months, and 3-5 throughout the school year. Intern duties are wide-ranging and may include: researching and detailing memos; and attending conventions and conferences.
American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy
A private, nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution dedicated to research and education on issues of government, politics, economics, and social welfare
Internships are unpaid, and the hours and days are flexible, either part or full time. Approximately fifty internship opportunities are available in the fall, winter, and summer in the areas of: economic policy, foreign and defense studies, social and political studies, media affairs, The American magazine, publications editing, information systems, marketing, and human resources.
The Brookings Institution
Nonprofit public policy organization whose mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research and, based on that research, to provide innovative, practical recommendations that advance three broad goals: 1) Strengthen American democracy; 2) Foster the economic and social welfare, security and opportunity of all Americans and 3) Secure a more open, safe, prosperous and cooperative international system
Unpaid internships are available in both research and non-research programs, such as Communications, Press, Metropolitan Policy, and Global Economy and Development. Duties vary by position.
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
One of the leading organizations in the country working on public policy issues affecting low-income families and individuals.
Full-and part-time paid internships available for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Internships are available in the following areas: Media, Federal Legislation, Health Policy, Housing Policy, International Budget Project, Food Stamps, National Budget and Tax Policy, Outreach Campaigns, State Budget and Tax Policy and Welfare Reform and Income Support Division. Intern duties may vary depending on the Center's needs and the abilities and interests of each intern.
Center for Community Change
A national social justice non-profit organization committed to building the power and capacity of low-income people, especially low-income people of color, to change their communities and public policies for the better.
Offers a variety of internship opportunities.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest
A non-profit consumer organization conducting innovative programs in nutrition, alcohol, and food safety.
Paid internships are available. Intern duties vary by position but may include: data entry; research for policy analysis and development; assisting in policy advocacy; and tracking legislation and regulations.
The Century Foundation
A nonprofit public policy research institution that is committed to producing publications and participating in events that (1) explain and analyze public issues in plain language, (2) provide facts and opinions about the strengths and weaknesses of different policy strategies, and (3) develop and call attention to distinctive ideas that can work.
A variety of internships are available. Duties may include: undertaking research; helping to organize events; assisting with report dissemination and publicity; including events; database and mailing list maintenance; assisting with content development for the Web site; and general clerical assistance/administrative support.
Children’s Defense Fund
A non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for 35 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. CDF champions policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure their access to health care, quality education, and a moral and spiritual foundation.
Offers internships in the following divisions: non-profit management; programs and policy; movement building, youth and outreach programs; and state and regional offices. Duties vary by division and program.
Child Welfare League of America
Sets internationally recognized standards for child welfare practice, proposes national public policy initiatives, publishes innovative child welfare materials, and provides consultation, training and technical assistance to public and private child welfare agencies
Unpaid internships are available during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. On average, internships last between three to five months. Duties vary by position but may include: engaging in policy analysis; attending Congressional hearings, markups, forums, briefings, and coalition meetings; assisting staff in formulating and implementing policy agenda; and researching relevant topics/information.
Common Ground Community
A pioneer in the development of supportive housing and other research-based practices that end homelessness.
Offers summer internships through the Everett program. Internships may be available in the following departments: Fundraising & Communications (duties include assisting with fundraising endeavors through program research and analysis, special events planning, and individual donor relations); Research and Evaluation (duties include compiling and analyzing data collected through client interviews to determine relevant statistics on the population served); and Central Intake (duties include learning the complex process of selecting tenants appropriate for housing and exposing them to external factors, such as Low Income Housing Tax Credits LIHTC, Fair Housing Law, and Section 8).
The Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems
Has been preparing young people for leadership since 1970. After debating important issues of public policy amongst themselves and with experts, students return to their college campuses with a better understanding of the critical issues facing the United States. This mission is accomplished through classes, an internship experience and a variety of leadership activities including guest lectures, site briefings and panel discussions.
Internships are available only for the summer months. A single application provides enrollment at Georgetown University, on-campus housing, and an eight week internship. Intern duties often include: attending congressional hearings; conducting research; coordinating events; managing databases; writing reports for publication; and general administrative work.
Families USA
A national nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans.
Summer internships are available in the following departments: Communications, Health Policy, Publications, Online Advocacy, and Field. Interns at Families USA attend weekly staff meetings and internal team meetings to discuss Families USA's advocacy strategy and new initiatives to ensure health care access to all U.S. residents. In addition, Families USA encourages interns to take part in the active political community of Washington, D.C., by attending hearings on Capitol Hill, press conferences at the National Press Club, and policy forums at other major organizations and think tanks such as the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Center for American Progress. Interns are also expected to participate in “brown bag” discussions of advocacy work and political issues.
FRAC: Food Research and Action Center
Organization working to improve public policy to eradicate hunger and under-nutrition in the United States.
Offers a variety of internship opportunities throughout the academic year. Tasks may include: working with FRAC's state and local grassroots network, engaging in research and information analysis, working with Congressional policymakers, attending Congressional hearings, assisting in the production and release of FRAC's special reports, and assisting with the organization's fundraising and development activities.
The Fund for American Studies
Internship program committed to instilling in young people an appreciation for the American form of government and the free enterprise system. Twelve Institutes around the world bring college students together for educational programs engaging them in a rigorous examination of economic concepts, political systems and moral philosophy. Each Institute offers classroom study, internships, and special events.
Fall, spring, and summer internships are available through a variety of organizations. International opportunities are also available. Intern duties vary by organization and location.
The Heritage Foundation
The nation’s most broadly supported public policy research institute committed to formulating and promoting conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.
Academic year and summer internships are available in the following departments: Accounting, Asian Studies, Center for American Studies, Center for Data Analysis, Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, Coalition Relations, Communications and Marketing, Development, Domestic Policy, the Executive Offices, External Relations, Foreign Policy, Government Relations, Information Systems, Lectures and Seminars, Online Communications, Personnel, Publishing Services, and Special Events. Intern duties include but are not limited to: attending weekly seminars designed to introduce them to conservative ideas; participating in current policy debates; meeting top Heritage Fellows and other outside scholars; and participating in tours of places like the United States Capitol, the Library of Congress, Mount Vernon, and the Pentagon.
Human Rights Watch
One of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights.
Offers unpaid academic internships at both the undergraduate and graduate level in the regional and thematic divisions, as well as the organizational support departments. Undergraduate internships are primarily administrative and clerical in nature, but other projects that match the student's interests and abilities, including research, drafting documents, translating, and helping researchers prepare for missions, may be assigned. Graduate-level interns monitor human rights developments in various countries; draft reports on human rights conditions; and engage in advocacy efforts aimed at curtailing human rights violations.
The Institute for Policy Studies
A policy studies non-profit think-tank for progressive or liberal causes based in Washington, D.C. IPS’ work is organized into over a dozen projects, all working collaboratively and strategically to pursue three overarching policy goals: Peace, Justice and the Environment.
Offers a variety of unpaid summer and academic year internships. Intern duties vary by position but may include: conducting research; writing projects independently; assisting in marketing/outreach; and administrative work.
Institute for Women’s Policy Research
Works with policymakers, scholars, and public interest groups around the country to design, execute, and disseminate research that illuminates economics and social policy issues affecting women and families, and to build a network of individuals and organizations that conduct and use women-oriented policy research. Focuses on issues of poverty and welfare, employment and earnings, work and family issues, health and safety, and women's civic and political participation.
Offers a variety of unpaid, part-time internships throughout the academic year. Duties may include but are not limited to: conducting literature reviews; assisting with data collection; designing charts, graphs, and tables; answering phones; filing; assisting with proofreading; article clipping; assisting with media outreach; and assisting with direct mail, data entry, grant research, grant-writing, and fundraising.
Legal Momentum
Oldest legal advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the rights of women and girls.
Offers a variety of unpaid internships throughout the academic year. Internships are typically available in the following areas: public policy and advocacy, communications and marketing, accounting, development, and other non-profit management areas. Duties vary by position.
National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy
Serves as the country’s independent watchdog of foundations. Over time, institutional grantmakers, federal and state governments, and individuals have taken NCRP’s recommendations and turned them into policy, such as their promotion of comprehensive financial reporting for foundations as well as the inclusion of advocacy organizations in the Combined Federal Campaign—now both widely accepted as "good practice."
Offers Research and Policy Internships. Intern duties will involve: assisting with data management; data analysis; data verification; fact-checking; and other duties as assigned.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Dedicated to eliminating prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people at the local, state and national level.
Offers paid graduate and undergraduate internships each school session for college and university students or recent graduates covering a variety of disciplines. Internships are offered in the following areas: Organizing and Training; Holley Law Fellowships; Media and public relations; Fundraising and development; Los Angeles Internship; Information systems; Accounting and finance; Conference and event logistics and management. Duties vary by position.
The National League of Cities
The oldest and largest national organization representing municipal governments throughout the United States. Its mission is to strengthen and promote cities as centers of opportunity, leadership, and governance.
Offer a limited number of paid internships each semester in the areas of education, information resources, policy and federal relations, public affairs, research and municipal programs, and youth, education, and families. Intern duties vary by position but may involve assisting NLC staff with program development and implementation.
National Partnership for Women and Families
A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that uses public education and advocacy to promote fairness in the workplace, quality health care, and policies that help women and men meet the dual demands of work and family.
Offers a variety of unpaid internships throughout the academic year. Duties may include but are not limited to: assisting in advocating for legislation on employment issues; representing the National Partnership in coalitions; research and writing; educating the public about laws and proposals in the area, including developing fact sheets and other informational materials; attending and reporting back to staff about relevant Congressional hearings, briefings, and other meetings; advocating for legislation on employment issues; and representing the National Partnership in coalitions.
People for the American Way
A national advocacy organization committed to mobilizing Americans to fight for progressive values: equal rights, freedom of speech, religious liberty and equal justice under the law for every American.
Offers a variety of unpaid, full-or part-time internships. Interns will work with staff to track legislation, monitor congressional hearings, assist with program activities, and help with current research and writing projects, as well as some support duties.
Progressive Policy Institute
A research and education institute dedicated to defining and promoting a new progressive politics for America in the 21st century.
Offers a variety of unpaid internships throughout the academic year. Internships are available in the following areas: Social Policy, Trade Policy, Education Policy, Energy and Environmental Policy, Health Care Policy, Technology and New Economy Policy, Economic Policy, and Defense and Foreign Policy. Duties vary by position but may include: researching and preparing summaries regarding existing legislation; participating in policy meetings; attending conferences in the academic community; and various administrative tasks.
Public Citizen
Public Citizen is a nonpartisan, nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that fights for public health and safety, champions corporate and government accountability, and campaigns for fair trade, clean and safe energy, and consumer rights.
Offers a variety of paid and unpaid internships in the advocacy arena. Responsibilities vary by position but may include: drafting Congressional testimony; preparing lobbying documents; drafting regulatory comments; drafting consumer-education correspondence; researching issues; and providing office support as needed.
Search for Common Ground
Works with local partners to find culturally appropriate means to strengthen societies' capacity to deal with conflicts constructively: to understand the differences and act on the commonalities.
Unpaid internship positions are available in a variety of SFCG programs – including the Individual Giving program, the Leadership Wisdom Initiative, Partners in Humanity, Children and Youth Division, and Common Ground productions. Intern duties are wide-ranging and vary with the position and department.
Urban Institute
Gathers data, conducts research, evaluates programs, offers technical assistance overseas, and educates Americans on social and economic issues — to foster sound public policy and effective government.
No formal internship program but often hires research assistants on a temporary basis for full-or part-time positions during the academic year and through the summer. Duties may include assisting senior researchers in various policy areas such as housing, welfare, population studies, health, and education policy; conducting literature reviews, analyses and programming tasks; and participating in reporting research findings and presenting data.
Urban Justice Center
A nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy on behalf of New York City's most vulnerable residents.
Offers a variety of legal intern positions throughout the academic year and summer months. Responsibilities may include: interviewing clients; representing clients at administrative hearings; researching and writing briefs; and working on class actions, systemic reforms, and test cases.
USAF Youth Program
Offers a number of activities to educate, guide, and entertain the young
Offers national and international internships in various areas, including but not limited to: Child Development, Youth Programs, School Age Care, TRAIL programs, and Family Child Care. Internships are located on Air Force Bases and are available throughout the academic year and during the summer months. Duties vary by position and department.
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
Committed to addressing the needs and rights of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide by advancing fair and humane public policy, facilitating and providing direct professional services, and promoting the full participation of migrants in community life.
Provides a variety of paid internships with a minimum 20 hour/week requirement. Duties may include: conducting telephonic intake interview of children in their native language; orienting children and their sponsors to the immigration court process; updating the Center’s website by posting research; serving as the point of contact for regional training sessions for attorneys; performing web-based research on country conditions; researching important legal decisions related to immigrant children; and maintaining and updating the Center’s Database.
Voices for America’s Children
Nonpartisan, national organization committed to speaking out for the well-being of children at the federal, state and local levels of government.
Unpaid internships are offered in the following divisions: Communications, Policy, Membership, and Executive Office. Duties are wide-ranging and include research, writing, attendance at professional meetings, and other tasks related to Voices’ mission.
W.A.V.E.: Work, Achievement, Values, and Education
A nationwide organization devoted to school dropout prevention and recovery.
Unpaid internship opportunities are available year-round. Duties include: writing reports on program progress; researching, prioritizing, and cataloging potential funders; attending forums and national briefings on youth policy; researching and summarizing legislation; representing WAVE at meetings and networking activities; assisting with youth leadership workshops; writing appeals, letters of inquiry, and grant proposals; writing letters and information pieces; assisting with the design and layout of materials; managing tasks related to events; supporting communications systems and databases; editing extensively; and perform various administrative duties.
Women’s Refugee Commission (located in NY)
Committed to improving the lives and defend the rights of refugee women and children, including the internally displaced, returnees and asylum seekers.
Offers a variety of internships throughout the academic year. Duties may include: researching; attending meetings and conferences; advocacy; administrative duties; and other department or program-specific tasks.
World Family Policy Center (located in Utah)
Facilitates international policy debate by serving as an exchange point for the discussion and evaluation of emerging international legal norms and as an active participant in the examination of U.N. documents.
Academic internships for undergraduates are available for 1-3 credit hours. Each intern is expected to complete an administrative assignment and a research assignment. Special arrangements can be made for graduate students with a particular interest. Responsibilities vary by position.
Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
The nation's leading nonprofit for advancing the importance of the first three years of life.
Offers a variety of unpaid internships in the following areas: Human Resources, Policy, Social Work, and Public Health. Please see the website for further information.
