Policy & Nonprofit Leadership
Policy & Nonprofit Leadership internships offer a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to gain experience in public policy and nonprofit leadership while addressing issues of poverty in communities. This program was specifically designed for students who have completed SHECP’s traditional client-facing internship. The students will bring their experiences and perspectives gained from coursework and working with clients at community partners engaged in anti-poverty work to understanding the challenges of leading these organizations and the development of anti-poverty policy. The program includes networking opportunities, workshops, seminars, mentoring from experienced professionals in the field, and presenting at the SHECP Annual Conference.
The internship will run for 8-weeks, June 6th – August 1st and interns are expected to work 35-40 hours per week. SHECP will provide housing, a $2,800 living stipend, and a travel stipend. Move-in is on June 6th, and internships will begin June 8th. Students will be expected to attend the SHECP Annual Conference at the end of their internship.
To be eligible, students must have completed the SHECP Summer Internship Program. Preference will be given to rising juniors and seniors, but graduating seniors are encouraged to apply. Applications and supplemental materials are due by Tuesday, February 17th.
Policy & Nonprofit Leadership Internship
2026 Internships
We are still finalizing the 2026 Policy & Nonprofit Leadership Internship listings — stay tuned for full descriptions and additional placements! In February, applicants will have the opportunity to rank their preferred internship listings.
Brookings Institution
Rural Policy Intern
The Rural Policy Intern will work with the Global Economy and Development (“Global”) program at Brookings, a program that aims to shape the policy debate to improve global economic cooperation and fight global poverty and sources of social stress. The intern will gain exposure to a broad set of policy topics related to domestic federal policy and international development, while developing their analytical thinking, organizational, and writing skills. Specifically, the intern will support a dynamic effort to inform federal policies that promote prosperity and equity for America’s rural communities and Native American nations. The intern will assist a senior fellow of the Center for Sustainable Development with a project to reimagine federal policy for rural community and economic development, alongside other projects.
National Community Action Foundation
Policy Intern
Working both individually and as a part of the NCAF team, with supervision from NCAF Chief of Staff, the policy intern will conduct research and prepare written products that support NCAF's legislative initiatives that support and advance the work of Community Action Agencies. Such topics may include: the Community Services Block Grant, Weatherization Assistance Program, Rural Broadband Expansion, Environmental Justice, Community Financial Development Institutions and Social Determinants of Health.
National Urban League
Washington Bureau Policy Intern
The Washington Bureau of the National Urban League focuses on policy and advocacy goals grounded in the local program experiences of the Urban League’s more than 90 affiliates throughout the U.S. The Washington Bureau Policy Intern will report to the Senior Vice President, Policy and Advocacy at the National Urban League and will be expected to support a range projects. This work will include reviewing and preparing detailed summaries on relevant legislation and proceedings before federal agencies, researching and tracking litigation, preparing memos on congressional proceedings, developing advocacy materials, and attending a range of briefings and meetings in the area.