Research & Policy Intern
PATH Social Impact Internship Program
Research, Policy & Innovation
Purpose
Great communities are built on great ideas and great ideas are built on research.
The Research, Policy & Innovation Team serves as the intellectual engine of PATH Housing Solutions. Through applied research, policy analysis, and strategic innovation, this team helps shape the decisions that influence housing, health, economic mobility, and community development.
Rather than conducting research for academic purposes alone, you will contribute to real-world initiatives that inform PATH's strategic planning, strengthen partnerships, support grant development, and advance innovative solutions to expand access to homeownership.
Mission
Help shape the future of housing, health, and economic mobility through research that informs real-world decisions.
Working alongside PATH leadership and subject matter experts, you will investigate emerging trends, evaluate policies, identify opportunities, and transform complex information into practical recommendations that support communities throughout South Florida and beyond.
Signature Project
2026 South Florida Housing & Economic Mobility Report
Lead the development of a comprehensive research report examining affordable housing, homeownership, economic mobility, and community development across South Florida.
Your work will contribute to PATH's strategic planning and support conversations with municipalities, healthcare organizations, developers, lenders, foundations, and community partners.
The project will culminate in a professional presentation during the PATH Social Impact Showcase.
Key Projects
- Affordable housing market analysis
- Municipal research, including zoning, incentives, and local housing initiatives
- Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) research
- Housing and economic mobility analysis
- Data collection and trend analysis
- Public policy research
- White papers and policy briefs
- Grant research and funding landscape analysis
- Best practice research from communities across the country
Responsibilities
- Conduct primary and secondary research related to housing, health, public policy, and economic mobility
- Analyze housing market trends, demographic data, and community indicators
- Track legislation, municipal initiatives, and emerging housing policies
- Research affordable housing funding programs and grant opportunities
- Prepare executive summaries, policy briefs, and white papers
- Support strategic planning through evidence-based recommendations
- Collaborate with development, finance, marketing, and community engagement teams to provide research that informs organizational initiatives
- Present research findings and recommendations to PATH leadership and, when appropriate, board members and community partners
Preferred Qualifications
Students pursuing degrees in:
- Public Policy
- Urban Planning
- Public Health
- Economics
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Real Estate
- Geography
- Community Development
- Business Analytics
Experience with Excel, Tableau, Power BI, GIS, Stata, SPSS, R, or other research and analytical tools is a plus.
What You'll Gain
- Hands-on experience conducting applied policy and housing research
- Opportunities to influence real organizational strategy and community initiatives
- Mentorship from experienced professionals in housing, public policy, healthcare, and community development
- Portfolio-quality publications and research projects
- Executive-level presentation experience
- Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of professionals working across housing, finance, healthcare, technology, marketing, and community engagement
Deliverables
By the end of the semester, you will have contributed to:
- 2026 South Florida Housing & Economic Mobility Report
- One or more policy briefs or white papers
- Municipal Housing Research Database
- Grant funding landscape and research summary
- Research library supporting PATH initiatives
- Presentation delivered during the PATH Social Impact Showcase
Your Impact
The research you produce will help guide decisions that influence housing policy, community investment, program development, and strategic partnerships. Your work will provide the evidence behind initiatives that expand access to homeownership, strengthen communities, and improve economic mobility.
Rather than researching problems for the sake of understanding them, you'll help develop practical solutions that inform action and create lasting impact for the individuals, families, and communities PATH serves.