Research Intern (Summer 2026)
About The Position
IHEP is seeking a research intern to join our team remotely for the 2026 summer semester (May/June – August/September 2026). The research team focuses on federal, state, and institutional policies related to racial and socioeconomic equity; postsecondary data and transparency; college access, affordability, success, and value; and projects that further the practical application of promising practices that drive postsecondary attainment, particularly for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and underserved Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students and students from low-income backgrounds. In this role, interns are likely to participate in team and staff meetings, perform literature reviews, participate in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, summarize information from postsecondary-themed events, external meetings, and/or new research studies, support the development of research and policy reports, blogs as well as advocacy materials/efforts on topics such as postsecondary data, college completion and affordability, and support the preparation of convenings. Although IHEP is headquartered in Washington, D.C., we operate fully remotely on a day-to-day basis and welcome remote applicants for this position.
Requirements
- Availability to work close to full-time, between 30-40 hours a week, through the summer.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- A keen interest in public policy, postsecondary education research and advocacy, and the commitment to work in an equity-minded organization.
- Excellent organizational and follow-through skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a dynamic group of partners and consultants.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience with video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience with quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis, data collection, and higher education data sets preferred.
- Experience with project management preferred.
Responsibilities
- Summarize findings from relevant higher education reports, news, and publications to be shared in a biweekly data-focused newsletter.
- Support IHEP’s research team with quantitative and qualitative research and analysis of policy- and practice-relevant postsecondary education issues, including conducting literature reviews, legislation, and policy scans, writing blog posts, and performing data analyses.
- Prepare PowerPoint presentations, memos, and other content to inform the work of the research team.
- Support the research team in preparing responses to time-sensitive requests from media and policymakers.
- Attend select external meetings and events and identify/report back on key takeaways aligned with IHEP focus areas.
- Support with planning and logistics for convenings.
- Collaborate with and provide assistance to other departments and staff as needed.
Benefits
- IHEP values a healthy work-life balance and offers sick and holiday pay, flexible work arrangements, and a $100 technology stipend at the end of each semester.
- Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and the hourly pay range for our internship program is $20-24 per hour.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
