Youth Policy & Advocacy Intern

Published: 6/14/2022

Education

Job Description

Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Position Type: Internship
Schedule: Flexible — approximately 2–7 hours per week
Work Arrangement: Remote/Hybrid with occasional Boston-based activities
Cohort: Fall 2026
Compensation: Unpaid Internship / Academic Credit Eligible

Overview

RISE Foundation is seeking passionate, curious, and community-minded Youth Policy & Advocacy Interns to support initiatives focused on youth voice, civic engagement, public policy, and community advocacy.

This internship is designed for students and emerging professionals interested in public policy, government, political science, social justice, youth development, public administration, law, social services, or community organizing.

Interns will work alongside RISE Foundation's policy and advocacy leadership to research issues affecting young people, support advocacy initiatives, and help elevate youth perspectives in community and policy discussions.

Position Description

The Youth Policy & Advocacy Intern will assist with research, policy analysis, community engagement, advocacy campaigns, and youth leadership initiatives.

Interns will gain practical experience understanding how policy affects young people and how nonprofit organizations can use research, partnerships, storytelling, and civic engagement to advocate for positive change.

Key Responsibilities

Research federal, state, and local policies affecting youth and young adults.
Monitor legislative and policy developments relevant to the Foundation's mission.
Assist with policy research, briefs, fact sheets, and presentations.
Research community needs and emerging issues affecting young people.
Support youth civic engagement initiatives.
Assist with advocacy campaigns and public education efforts.
Help identify opportunities for youth participation in policy discussions.
Support community outreach and stakeholder engagement.
Research elected officials, government agencies, community organizations, and advocacy partners.
Assist with preparing meeting materials and talking points.
Support policy-related events, forums, workshops, and community meetings.
Help collect and organize information from youth and community members.
Assist with developing youth-focused educational and advocacy materials.
Track policy developments and prepare updates for leadership.
Collaborate with Programs, Social Services, Marketing & Media, and executive leadership.
Assist with special policy and advocacy projects.

Areas of Experience

Interns may gain experience in:

Youth policy
Public policy research
Legislative research
Advocacy
Civic engagement
Community organizing
Government relations
Public administration
Youth leadership
Social services policy
Policy communications
Community outreach
Research and writing

Qualifications

Required

Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college, university, graduate program, or career program.
Strong interest in youth policy, advocacy, government, public service, or community development.
Strong research and writing skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to research complex topics and summarize information clearly.
Professionalism and reliability.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Commitment to empowering youth and young adults.

Preferred

Coursework in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Sociology, Social Work, Law, Government, Education, or a related field.
Experience with research, writing, community organizing, or civic engagement.
Student government or campus leadership experience.
Volunteer experience with community organizations or advocacy initiatives.
Familiarity with legislative or government research.

Previous policy or advocacy experience is not required.

What You'll Gain

Hands-on public policy and advocacy experience.
Policy research and writing skills.
Exposure to government and nonprofit advocacy.
Experience supporting youth civic engagement.
Community organizing and outreach experience.
Professional mentorship from policy and nonprofit leaders.
Networking with community organizations and public-sector professionals.
Experience developing policy briefs and advocacy materials.
Professional development and career-readiness experience.
Opportunities to contribute to initiatives affecting youth and young adults.

Schedule

The internship requires approximately 2–7 hours per week with a flexible schedule designed to accommodate academic, employment, and personal commitments.

Specific hours will be coordinated with the intern's availability and organizational needs.

About RISE Foundation

RISE Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and young adults ages 15–25 through mentorship, education, leadership development, career readiness, workforce opportunities, and community engagement.

Our Boston initiatives connect young people with resources, relationships, and opportunities while creating pathways for youth to participate in civic life and advocate for issues that affect their communities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

RISE Foundation is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment. We welcome qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds and provide equal opportunity without discrimination in accordance with applicable law.

\nCompany Description

RISE Foundation is a mission-driven organization dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for young people and strengthening communities. We bring together passionate individuals who want to make an impact, develop their skills, and contribute to work that matters. Through collaboration, leadership development, education, service, and community engagement, RISE provides opportunities for people to grow while helping others rise.