2026 REFORM SUMMER INTERN

REFORM Alliance•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

REFORM is seeking candidates for our 2026 summer internship program. The ideal candidate is passionate about criminal justice reform, a self-starter, and eager to learn in a team environment. People who have been directly impacted by or involved with the criminal justice system are encouraged to apply. The internship is a dynamic opportunity for interns to contribute meaningfully to our organizational objectives while gaining experience and mentorship in a collaborative and engaging environment. This is an hourly position. Interns will be compensated at an hourly rate for up to 20 hours per week and will gain hands-on experience through project-based work designed to build knowledge, practical skills, and professional development. Interns will also have exposure to organizational leadership and key initiatives, with focused opportunities to deepen their experience in either policy, marketing & communications, or community engagement. The internship will run from June 22 through August 14. Interns will work (in office) Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a 30-minute lunch break (20 hours per week). Each intern will participate in weekly one-on-one meetings and have structured opportunities to engage with staff in a formal capacity. The program will culminate in a capstone presentation on the final day, during which interns will present to staff and summarize their projects, key learnings, and accomplishments. REFORM is seeking a total of six (6) interns: most likely three (3) in Policy, two (2) in Marketing & Communications, and one (1) in Community Engagement. Interns will be assigned to specific, project-based work within their respective focus areas.

Requirements

Strong written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in team settings
Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Proficiency in standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders
Commitment to the mission and values of the organization
Must be 18 or older
Authorized to work in the U.S.
Live within commuting distance of New York City (Midtown) and ability to work in-person four (4) days per week

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated coursework in topics concerning or intersecting with criminal justice policy (e.g., Political Science, Public Policy, Law, or a related field)
Experience working or volunteering with criminal justice advocacy organizations, reentry services for justice-impacted individuals, public policy, or government relations
Knowledge of federal and state legislative processes, and familiarity with statutory code language
Experience conducting research and analyzing data
Currently pursuing a degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Public Policy, Sociology, or a related field
Proficiency in R strongly preferred; Python, SQL, or other data tools also welcomed
Experience with data visualization libraries (e.g., ggplot2, Shiny, Matplotlib, Tableau, or similar)
Familiarity with statistical analysis and working with large or messy real-world datasets
Strong written and verbal communication skills — ability to translate data findings for non-technical audiences
Comfortable using Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Sheets)
Familiar with social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.)
Basic experience with Canva or similar design tools
Interest in writing, storytelling, or content creation
Strong communication skills (clear writing and speaking)
Organized and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
Willingness to learn, take feedback, and try new things
Able to work independently and as part of a team
Curious about marketing, media, and how content connects with people
Interest in video production, editing, or photography, and willingness to support content creation
Experience with community organizing, advocacy, or campus engagement
Experience working or volunteering with justice-impacted communities
Highly organized with the ability to manage correspondence, track outreach, and maintain accurate records
Creativity and curiosity in identifying new ways to engage young people, particularly college students and Gen Z audiences
Ability to think strategically about outreach, participation, and relationship-building
Courage and curiosity to try new things, embrace challenges, and grow through experiences that stretch beyond one’s comfort zone

Responsibilities

Assess jurisdictions for alignment with the Work Matters policy framework – Building on the 50-state survey of occupational licensure systems, begin compiling a more holistic assessment of state alignment with the rest of the Work Matters policy framework.
Deep dive into financial burdens for supervision – Research monetary penalties (fees, etc.) and develop potential alternatives.
Research recent legislative supervision victories – Research and compile a database of significant legislative victories in the past 1-2 years to gain a greater understanding of the coalitions and institutional supports behind policy campaigns and the legislative process.
Supporting our County Initiatives Program – Research possible counties that would be supportive of REFORM’s work and partnership. Additionally, provide support to policy implementation in current partner jurisdictions through research and memoranda.
Data Science/Analysis – Write scripts to help automate updates for REFORM’s data dashboards, inclusive of our state work. Create a mapping of (and possibly scrapers for) state or county-level probation/parole reports.
Supporting national marketing campaigns – Assist with planning and executing campaigns across social media, email, and web platforms. Contribute to campaign coordination and help bring ideas to life by supporting day-to-day marketing and communications activities.
Content creation and storytelling – Develop content that tells compelling stories and connects with audiences across digital channels. Support the production of social media posts, graphics, emails, and other communications materials that translate complex policy issues into clear, engaging messages.
Digital marketing and analytics – Learn how digital tools such as email platforms, websites, and analytics systems work together to support campaigns. Track performance metrics (likes, clicks, and opens) and help identify opportunities to improve content and audience engagement.
Content production support (video & photo) – Assist with basic video production, editing, and photography for social and campaign content. Support behind-the-scenes content creation, help prep shoots, and learn how visual storytelling comes together from concept to final product.
Cross-team collaboration and communications – Work closely with policy, creative, and leadership teams to support messaging and communications strategies. Gain exposure to how communications efforts align with legislative priorities and organizational goals.
Correspondence – Support the correspondence program by helping respond to communications from incarcerated individuals and their families. Assist with organizing, tracking, and managing outreach to ensure timely and thoughtful engagement with people seeking information and support.
Youth and campus engagement strategy – Develop and apply insights into how Gen Z engages with social impact issues to help build momentum on college campuses. Strengthen outreach strategies, identify opportunities for student engagement, and contribute ideas for campaigns, events, or partnerships that encourage young people to get involved in public safety efforts.
Member engagement and movement-building strategy – Support efforts to strengthen engagement with current REFORMers while helping design pathways for new individuals to join and stay involved in the movement. This may include brainstorming engagement strategies, analyzing participation trends, and helping develop systems that build long-term relationships with advocates and supporters.