The Pell Institute

Education Policy Internship

The Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education offers paid internship opportunities for graduate students. Our internships provide a hands-on research experience and allow graduate students to develop or refine research skills, become experienced in presenting research findings, and cultivate an understanding of the nexus between education research, public policy, and educational practice.

Education Policy Internship

Given our commitment to equity, internship opportunities are flexible and can last for four, eight, or twelve weeks, depending on the applicant’s experience, goals, and interests.

Interns should be highly motivated, organized, and able to work well independently. Interns may work closely with researchers at the Pell Institute, and, on occasion, assist Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) staff. Primary responsibilities will include conducting research for literature reviews and collecting and analyzing data for current projects. The internship experiences are crafted around interns’ skills and interests. The types of education research and policy analysis the Pell Institute is or has engaged include but are not limited to:

  • Researching and synthesizing “best practices” for (a) supporting students’ academic achievement, college persistence, and completion; (b) recruiting and enrolling students in college; and (c) transferring students from two-year to four-year postsecondary institutions.
  • Developing toolkits to support campus-wide retention initiatives and the evaluation of college access and success programs.
  • Identifying and compiling college student funding opportunities in a scholarship directory.
  • Surveying and assessing the use and impact of college access curricula.
  • Providing research and analytical support for COE on federal TRIO programs.
APPLY HERE

We accept applications throughout the year, but internships are only offered to qualified applicants on an as needed basis. To apply, please fill out the application.

All applications should include a cover letter (not to exceed two pages) describing your interest in the internship, background and experiences, research focus, and future professional goals. Applicants should also submit their CV/Resumes and a list of up to three academic or professional references. Applications are reviewed upon submission. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Questions should be directed to [email protected].

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The Pell Institute is the first research institute to specifically examine the issues affecting educational opportunity for low-income, first-generation, and disabled college students. Learn more about the Pell Institute, including our mission, purpose, goals, and history.

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