Health Policy Intern (Graduate Student)

AARP•Washington, DC

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

AARP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older, is seeking a summer intern with an interest in health care policy for its Public Policy Institute (PPI). The Health Policy Intern will support research and communication activities on various health care and public health policy areas affecting older adults, including Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, food security, preventive care, and health care delivery. This paid summer internship is scheduled to begin in Summer 2026 and may extend to additional semesters.

Requirements

Graduate student currently enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college or university, or a postdoctoral student, and must remain academically enrolled for the duration of the internship
Pursuing a Master of Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Health, or similar program
Strong research skills are essential, along with comfort working with data and in Excel (statistical software knowledge not required)
The ability to translate complex data or policy issues into clear, accessible language
A strong interest in health policy and aging-related issues
The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and adaptable.
They should be flexible, interested in working across a range of projects, and able to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively
The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, anticipate project needs, and prioritize tasks is essential
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required
Regular and reliable job attendance
Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with policymaking processes and relevant policy topics is helpful
Experience creating data visualizations
Familiarity with social media platforms like LinkedIn and X

Responsibilities

Providing data and research support, such as gathering, extracting, organizing, and interpreting public use data; creating charts or basic data visualizations; conducting literature reviews and environmental scans; or compiling state examples of relevant health policies or programs
Monitoring and analyzing federal and state health policy developments relevant to PPI’s work
Assisting with drafting and editing policy summaries, internal briefing memos, and other written materials; proofreading reports; and preparing meeting notes from external convenings
Drafting social media content (especially for LinkedIn or X) related to new publications or events; assisting with slide deck preparation; and organizing or updating content for the PPI website
Assisting with planning and logistics for events such as roundtables or webinars, and researching potential speakers, partners, or topics for future work