Policy and Research Intern

The Partnership for College Completion (PCC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2016 to champion policies and practices that increase college completion and eliminate degree completion disparities for low-income, first generation, and students of color in Illinois - particularly Black and Latinx students. PCC collaborates with institutions across Illinois and advocates for policy changes that foster equitable student access and success. Since its founding, the organization has played a central role in initiating a new, urgent conversation on higher education equity in the state.

PCC envisions a state where equitable opportunities to access and complete a college education lead to greater degree attainment, racial equity, and socioeconomic mobility for Illinoisans. With our steadfast focus on system-level reform and institutional change, PCC executes a unique three-part strategy in pursuit of its goals:

• Supporting colleges and universities directly in their institutional equity change efforts
• Advocating for effective local, state, and national legislation and policy
• Elevating data and research to increase public dialogue on equity in college outcomes

Internship Summary:

Join the dynamic team at the Partnership for College Completion (PCC) in impactful policy, research and stakeholder collaboration. As a Policy and Research Intern, you'll have the opportunity to research issues impacting college access and success, contribute to policy development, and learn about the legislative process. Located in downtown Chicago, interns will be able to meet partners in the education policy ecosystem, understand key issues facing postsecondary success in Illinois, and develop skills critical to a career in public policy. 

Internship Responsibilities:

• Develop/update factsheets and website content.
• Conduct in-depth research and analysis on policy and legislation.
• Contribute to research informed policy recommendations supporting college access and completion.
• Collaborate on preparing reports, policy memos, and program materials.
• Support with developing original research projects to address key state policy issues. 
• Assist with the coordination and planning of PCC events and meetings, including a Spring Advocacy Day 
• Prepare materials for legislative meetings and support PCC staff in legislator requests.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong alignment with PCC's mission and commitment to higher education equity.
• Genuine interest in public policy and education advocacy.
• Research skills, including data collection, analysis, and visualization.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with data analysis or visualization tools, such as Python or Tableau, is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. 

Eligibility:

• Current upperclassmen undergraduate or graduate students. Students in the fields of education, education administration, public policy, public administration, political science, or other related majors preferred. 

Location and Modality:

The Partnership for College Completion’s office is located at 180 N Wabash, Chicago, IL 60601. The team works in the office on Wednesdays and Thursdays; ideally interns would be on-site during those days, as their schedule permits. 

Compensation: 

This position offers a compensation rate of $20 per hour, with an anticipated commitment of 10 to 15 hours per week. Specific dates and weekly hours to be determined by the employer and intern during the interview process.