Strada Education Foundation Internship: Policy & Communication Intern

Strada Education Foundation • Washington, DC

28d • Hybrid

About The Position

Are you currently enrolled in a postsecondary education program (an education or training program after completing a diploma or GED)? Are you eager to make a meaningful impact in communities across the nation and gain practical experience at the same time? Join Strada Education Foundation's summer internship program and be part of a national philanthropic organization focused on better connecting education after high school to meaningful employment and economic opportunity in the U.S. The Policy, Advocacy, and Communications (PAC) Department is hiring two positions this summer. A Policy intern and a Communications intern. Policy Intern: This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain high-impact experience and exposure across key areas that advance Strada’s mission. As a Policy Intern, you will support the policy team’s efforts to advance the organization’s recently released policy agenda at both the federal and state levels. You will also help the policy team prepare to provide technical assistance to policymakers through the organization’s advocacy team. Responsibilities include content development (e.g., writing background memos, landscape analysis, policy memos, and actively participating in meetings with grantees and potential grantees) and project management (e.g., meeting agenda development, taking meeting notes, and PowerPoint development). Communications Intern: As a Communications Intern, you will support the Strategic Communications team’s efforts to advance Strada’s core messages through a variety of channels, including earned and digital/social media. More specifically, you will engage in planning, project management, and editorial support related to the production of the 2026 State Opportunity Index, which is Strada’s flagship publication. Additionally, you will participate in team strategy meetings and assist with the maintenance of Strada’s editorial and external engagement calendars. About Strada Strada Education Foundation is a national nonprofit social impact organization that supports programs, policies, and organizations that strengthen connections between education and employment in the U.S., with a special focus on helping those who have faced the greatest challenges securing economic opportunity through postsecondary education or training (PSET). Our strategic plan focuses on five focus areas: clear outcomes, quality coaching, affordable PSET, work-based learning, and employer alignment. Strada works with partners in education and training, nonprofit organizations, industry, startups, and public policy. We leverage strategic philanthropy, investments, research, communications, advocacy, and collaborating organizations as tools to help advance equitable pathways to opportunity. Strada aspires to be a nonprofit partner of choice working with education and training providers and leaders, policymakers, and peer organizations. Strada offers a dynamic, collaborative, and inspiring professional environment that provides learning and professional development opportunities, both within the organization and with external partners. Internship Overview: Duration: May 19, 2026 - August 14, 2026 Hours: Minimum of 30 hours per week (seasonal employee) Pay: $22.75/hour undergrad; $25/hour grad Location: (Hybrid) Indianapolis, IN or Washington, DC (in-office on Tuesdays + department-specific days and other days as needed for special events) Travel: Up to 15% for Professional Development The Strada summer internship program offers a paid, 13-week, hands-on learning experience for students who are at least one year post-high school. This opportunity is ideal for those seeking to gain experience in social impact while engaging in meaningful functional work. As part of this cohort-based program, interns will gain exposure to nonprofit operations, engage with leadership, and build a network that spans both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Interns will work on impactful projects, participate in skill-building activities, and attend professional development events such as speaker series and informational interviews. The internship program will run from May 19, 2026, to August 14, 2026, and interns must be based in Central Indiana or the Washington D.C. area and available for the entire duration of the internship. Interns will work out of the office at least two days per week (Tuesdays and one other department-specific day). There will be times when additional days may be required for professional development workshops and special guests. There may also be an opportunity to travel to conferences and workshops throughout the program. What You’ll Gain: Exposure to Nonprofit, Postsecondary Education, and Workforce Development Sectors: Participate in leadership speaker series, lunch-and-learns, and industry interviews. High-Impact Work Experiences: Gain functional skills through rotational work and real-world projects with colleagues across diverse teams. Coaching, Mentorship, and Professional Networking: Receive quality mentorship and coaching from supervisors and executives. Build your professional network through community events and leadership exposure.

Requirements

• At least one year out of high school and currently enrolled in or accepted into a postsecondary education or training program (college, apprenticeship, boot camp, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and contribute in a collaborative environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent attention to detail, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Office
• Self-motivated, able to work independently while being open to feedback.
• Passionate about promoting equitable opportunities in education and employment.
• Positive attitude with a strong willingness to collaborate, contribute, and enhance the experience of the entire internship cohort.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Zoom and Slack is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Content development (e.g., writing background memos, landscape analysis, policy memos, and actively participating in meetings with grantees and potential grantees)
• Project management (e.g., meeting agenda development, taking meeting notes, and PowerPoint development)
• Engage in planning, project management, and editorial support related to the production of the 2026 State Opportunity Index
• Participate in team strategy meetings
• Assist with the maintenance of Strada’s editorial and external engagement calendars

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed