Summer Intern, Innovation & Impact

Overview Emerson Collective (EC) is a company of investors, changemakers, creative thinkers, and problem solvers working to make a lasting mark on the world.

Emerson Collective's summer internship program places rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors - and, for select opportunities, undergraduate students graduating in 2026 - in paid internship opportunities across Emerson Collective and our longstanding nonprofit partners XQ Institute, E Pluribus Unum, and Chicago CRED.

We're looking for college students who think big, embrace challenges, and thrive in collaboration.

The internship is onsite, 40 hours per week, from June 15 through August 7, 2026.

A mandatory paid virtual onboarding and orientation will take place June 10-12.

See below for more details.

Application Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET.

Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.

The Opportunity The Innovation & Impact team partners with bold leaders and organizations to unlock state pathways, drive policy change, and create the conditions for a thriving future for America's children.

As the Innovation & Impact intern, you'll support this mission by conducting portfolio evaluation, engaging with key partners, and coordinating due diligence.

You will contribute to emerging areas of programmatic work by drafting memos, researching policy and technology trends, and participating in coalitions that shape state-level policy environments.

Ideal candidates will bring strong communication skills, a passion for EC's issue areas, and a deep interest in how technology, policy, and youth well-being intersect, especially through the lens of state and local policymaking.

Role and Responsibilities * Identify and analyze potential areas for new programmatic engagement, providing well-researched grant recommendations to the Innovation & Impact team.

* Actively engage in learning activities, including evaluations, reflection sessions, and assessments to support continuous improvement and impact analysis.

* Assist in comprehensive due diligence processes for potential grantee partners, ensuring alignment with quarterly goals and objectives.

* Coordinate events and meetings with policymakers, stakeholders, and other partners within the Innovation & Impact team's portfolio.

Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements * Rising undergraduate senior, preferably with a foundational background and demonstrated interest in technology policy, state and local governance, and social movements.

* Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.

* Experience conducting policy research, stakeholder mapping, or program evaluation (through coursework, internships, or campus projects) is preferred.

* Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.

* Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively, with comfort working in dynamic and evolving work environments.

Internship Details Compensation * All interns are paid $25 per hour and can expect to work 40 hours per week from June 15 to August 7 (eight weeks). * Interns will also be paid $25 per hour for onboarding and orientation sessions taking place June 10-12.

* All interns receive a lunch allowance and a commuter allowance, and may also receive travel and housing allowances as needed.

Key Dates * November 18 - January 9: Internship applications accepted; interviews begin on a rolling basis Applications must be submitted by 2:00 PM PT/5:00 PM ET on Friday, January 9.

(Please note that not all applicants will be selected for interviews.) * January 12 - March 7: Interviews continue and offers extended * June 10-12: Mandatory virtual onboarding and orientation * June 15: Internship program begins * August 7: Internship program concludes We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses.

These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment.

Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.

If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.