Entry Level Education Policy Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Education Trust (EdTrust) seeks an intern to join the organization's P–12 division and support the Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project. The ideal candidate has experience working directly with youth, conducting quantitative and qualitative research, and has a strength-based mindset, a commitment to sharing power with youth, and strong interpersonal skills. The Intern will use their skills to engage and train young people to conduct systematic research to improve the schools that serve them.

EdTrust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.

This role, beginning in July 2026 and ending in June 2027, is based in our Washington, DC office, and may be eligible for some telework. Interns must reside in DC, Maryland, or Virginia during the internship and report to the EdTrust office within three (3) days of hire for employment verification. In addition, the intern must be able to pass a criminal background check. The Intern will report to the P-12 Senior Research Manager. This role is budgeted for 20 hours per week.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist in planning a YPAR project, including supporting the recruitment and selection of youth to participate in the YPAR cohort, and supporting the revision of existing curriculum materials to align with the topic and scope of the YPAR project.
• Assist in conducting the YPAR project, including supporting team building and training youth in research methods, and supporting all phases of the research process (design, data collection and analysis, summarizing findings, developing recommendations, and creating public-facing materials synthesizing results from the project).

Additional responsibilities may include the following:

• Conduct literature reviews (i.e., identify, summarize, and synthesize research) on issues related to P–12 policy, research, and advocacy priorities
• Support quantitative and qualitative analyses, and draft findings and conclusions
• Analyze district and state level policies on topics such as, but not limited to, the use of AI in education
• Draft briefs, PowerPoint presentations, blog posts, and other materials to share findings with internal and external stakeholders
• Support fast-turnaround research and fact-finding to respond to stakeholder and media requests on pressing P–12 education issues

Ideal skills and characteristics include:

• Shared belief in EdTrust's mission and a commitment to improving educational equity, with a focus on racial equity
• Willingness to receive and act upon constructive feedback
• Ability to organize, prioritize tasks, work collaboratively, and meet deadlines
• Strong communication skills
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask
• Ability to take initiative and be self-directed

Required qualifications and experience include:

• A bachelor's degree
• Graduate coursework focused on education, public policy, psychology, or related social science fields
• Experience working directly with youth
• Experience or formal instruction in qualitative research methods and quantitative data analysis
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Proficiency and experience with quantitative (e.g., R, Stata) and qualitative (e.g., Dedoose, NVivo) analysis tools
• General knowledge of education policy and specific knowledge in one or more of the following content areas: Artificial intelligence in education or social, emotional, and academic development (SEAD).

Compensation for this role ranges from $21-24/hour for graduate students and $25-30/hour for doctoral students. To maintain equity within our intern pay scale, we do not negotiate on intern pay rates; pay rates for internships are primarily determined based on level of education. Sick leave is accrued in this role.

EdTrust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds. Qualified candidates please apply via ADP, including submitting an updated resume.