Policy Research Intern

Support Giving Foundation for Children with nonpartisan, evidence-based research related to children, families, education, disability inclusion, nonprofit systems, public policy, and community well-being. This role is designed for students interested in research, policy, public affairs, social science, education, international development, nonprofit work, or related fields. Interns help GFC review credible sources, compare policies and programs, synthesize evidence, prepare concise research briefs, and identify lessons that may inform GFC Programs, partnerships, campaigns, and organizational learning. The role is project-based and remote. Interns may work primarily within one research track or contribute across related areas depending on their interests, experience, and current GFC Projects. Potential Research Tracks - Child & Family Policy - Global Development - Public & Nonprofit Systems - Education & Literacy Policy - Disability Inclusion - Local Government & Community Systems These tracks are areas of possible research, not separate jobs or guaranteed Project assignments. Interns may work primarily within one area or contribute across related topics depending on their interests, experience, and current GFC priorities. Global Development is a research specialization focused on international and comparative approaches. It does not imply international travel, overseas placement, UN affiliation, or guaranteed international Projects.

Depending on current GFC priorities, examples could include: Comparing child and family support approaches across communities or jurisdictions Researching public or nonprofit models serving children, families, and caregivers Reviewing international approaches to child development, education, literacy, inclusion, or community development Comparing nonprofit and public-sector partnership models Researching education, literacy, reading-access, or school-community approaches Reviewing disability-inclusive practices, accessibility approaches, or family-support models Mapping how local governments, school systems, libraries, nonprofits, and community institutions support children and families Preparing a short policy or issue brief for a proposed GFC Initiative Summarizing research and evidence for leadership decision-making

A thoughtful student with strong research, writing, and analytical skills. Helpful qualities and backgrounds may include: - Ability to identify and use credible sources - Comfort comparing policies, programs, systems, or approaches - Strong written communication and analytical thinking - Attention to evidence, context, accuracy, and source quality - Ability to explain complex information clearly - Interest in public policy, political science, public administration, international affairs, sociology, economics, education, public health, social work, nonprofit management, global studies, disability studies, psychology, child development, or related fields - Ability to work independently on clearly scoped Projects and respond to reviewer feedback No single major is required if the candidate can demonstrate strong research, writing, and analytical ability. This role is primarily designed for undergraduate students. More advanced graduate-level research would generally fit a Research Fellow or Policy Research Fellow role rather than expanding the scope of this internship. Research must remain nonpartisan and evidence-based. Interns do not speak for GFC on political positions, lobby, advocate for candidates or parties, make legal or regulatory determinations, make commitments to external organizations, or present exploratory research as established GFC policy. External outreach requires separate authorization.

This is a remote, unpaid volunteer / internship-style opportunity with Giving Foundation for Children Inc. Hours, participation dates, university requirements, academic-credit requirements, and approved variations are confirmed individually with GFC. Work is completed through structured GFC Projects with defined outcomes, deliverables, and reviewer feedback. Project availability may vary based on current GFC priorities, and selecting or discussing a research track does not guarantee a specific Project. Academic credit, CPT/OPT approval, recommendations, and future employment are not guaranteed.