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Applications Open for 2026 Policy & Nonprofit Leadership Internship

  • SHECP
  • 2 days ago
  • 3 min read

Thank you for your interest in SHECP’s 2026 Policy & Nonprofit Leadership (PNPL) Internship! This internship program offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to gain experience in public policy and nonprofit leadership while addressing issues of poverty in communities. 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. 


Ready to apply? Please review the program component and eligibility requirements below before completing your application. Applications are due Tuesday, February 17th, and interviews will begin the following week. For questions about the internship program or the application materials, please contact Jen Handy at jen.handy@shepherdconsortium.org.


Program Components:

  • Internship Academy (June 1 – 4): PNPL interns are not expected to participate in all of the virtual Internship Academy, but they are expected to be part of living cohort discussions during that week. Additionally, interns are encouraged to attend the various speaker sessions throughout the week.

  • On-site Internship (June 8 – July 30): PNPL interns are expected to work 35-40 hours per week during their internship. Selected students will work with their community partner and SHECP staff to finalize the details of their internship.

  • SHECP Annual Conference (July 31 – August 1): PNPL interns are expected to participate in the Conference and provide some logistical support during the two-day event. This will include co-hosting the Welcome Dinner on Friday night.

  • Compensation: SHECP will provide housing for the 8-week on-site internship, a $2,800 living stipend, and up to $500 in travel reimbursements. 

  • Cohort-based Housing: Cohort living is a pillar of both SHECP Internship programs. PNPL interns will be housed with the DC-based SHECP Summer Interns, and are expected to engage with their cohort in a way that contributes to community and follows the guidelines agreed upon by the cohort. All interns will move into housing the weekend before the start of their on-site internship.

  • Cohort-based Events: Each cohort will have local events to help them get settled in their new community, reflect on their experience, and build their professional network. PNPL interns are expected to attend when possible. There may be additional events scheduled specifically for the PNPL interns.

  • End of Internship Reflection: SHECP staff will provide additional details at a later date.


Eligibility Requirements:

  • In good standing at a current SHECP Member School. Preference will be given to rising juniors and seniors, but graduating seniors are encouraged to apply. Graduating seniors are eligible to apply for the PNPL internship AND the SHECP Fellowship.

  • Has completed the SHECP Summer Internship Program

  • Available to work 35-40 hours per week from June 8 – July 30 (Some placements may require a remote meeting or training ahead of time.)

  • Can attend the SHECP Annual Conference on July 31 and August 1


Internship Application:

Applications are due Tuesday, February 17th, and interviews will begin the following week. To apply, please complete the four steps below.

  1. Submit the online application – https://forms.gle/6m3i8XHCqAbHjQMQA

  2. Email your resume to jen.handy@shepherdconsortium.org

  3. Ask someone from your home institution to fill out the SHECP Intern Reference Form and email it to jen.handy@shepherdconsortium.org

  4. Complete the internship preference survey. Here you can rank your preference for the different PNPL internships.

    • [Note: This survey is not available yet. We are waiting for final details from a Summer 2026 placements. If you submit the online application before the survey is ready, we will email you with the survey link once it is live.]


Pictured above: 2025 PNPL Interns at the Annual Conference – Lizuly Meraz (UPO), Annie Huang (Brookings Institution), Kevin Martinez (Brookings Institution), Jen Handy (SHECP Director), Katie Schadler (National Alliance to End Homelessness), Taniyah Johnson (National Urban League's Washington Bureau), and Luke Spumberg (NCAF)

 
 
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