Bellarmine Summer Fellows Internship - Policy Advocacy and Research Intern - A New Way of Life

(Must be currently enrolled in BCLA in summer 2027 to apply)

The BCLA Summer Internship Program aims to secure meaningful internship placements for students across a variety of sectors, including small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures. 

The internship below is offered in partnership with a supporting organization that is excited to invest in and support an LMU student like you. If this opportunity aligns with your career interests and goals, we encourage you to take advantage of it and apply.

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Internship Job Title: Policy Advocacy and Research Intern 

Organization: A New Way of Life Reentry Project 

Location: 9512 S Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90002  

Position Type: Part Time Internship

Number of Interns: 1 

Modality: In Person 

Hours: 30 hours per week 

Preferred Academic Year/Major: LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts juniors or seniors; Legal Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, Public Policy, or related majors 

Compensation: $4,500 stipend and academic course credit, as applicable upon completing 240 hours within 8-10 weeks

Required: Any background check, fingerprinting, or other screening requirements to be confirmed 

Tentative Start Date: Summer 2027, June 1 

Tentative End Date: 8 weeks after start, July 31 or no later than August 13 

About the Organization 

Founded in 1998 by Susan Burton, A New Way of Life Reentry Project is a Los Angeles nonprofit advancing opportunity for women impacted by incarceration. Through housing, legal services, leadership development, and employment support, ANWOL helps people rebuild their lives while addressing systemic barriers. Learn more: https://anewwayoflife.org 

Position Overview 

Turn research into meaningful community impact. Join ANWOL’s Policy and Advocacy Department at our central Los Angeles office to explore how laws and public policy shape reentry opportunities. You will help investigate pressing issues, track legislation, and translate complex information into clear materials that support the team’s work. 

This opportunity is a strong fit for students interested in policy, law, nonprofit leadership, research, and community advocacy. Assignments may be tailored to students’ learning goals. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Support research on reentry, housing, employment, family reunification, and criminal justice policy 
• Assist with policy briefs, fact sheets, and research summaries 
• Participate in appropriate staff, coalition, and community meetings 
• Help coordinate advocacy events and outreach materials 
• Conduct legislative tracking, data collection, and policy analysis 
• Engage respectfully with staff, community advocates, and partners 
• Maintain organized policy resources, research files, and legislative updates 
• Contribute to policy education materials and advocacy project reports 
• Collaborate with staff on research projects based on departmental priorities 

Learning Outcomes 

• Gain practical experience in nonprofit policy research and advocacy 
• Develop professional communication and collaboration skills 
• Strengthen legislative analysis, research writing, and data synthesis skills 
• Gain experience working with community advocates and nonprofit partners 
• Develop an understanding of reentry policy and the legislative process 
• Participate in policy meetings, community engagement, and research projects 
• Build professional confidence and workplace readiness 
• Apply academic knowledge to public policy and systems change work 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Interest in public policy, social justice, and criminal justice reform 
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills 
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities 
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently 
• Respectful engagement with diverse communities and stakeholders 
• Interest in learning and contributing to a mission driven organization 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace; ability to learn research tools 
• Ability to summarize complex policy information accurately; prior advocacy experience is not required 

Additional Information 

In person placement at ANWOL’s central office in Los Angeles. Some meetings or community events may take place offsite with advance coordination. Transportation requirements and event attendance will be discussed during onboarding.