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Policy, Research & Program Intern

Location: Remote (BHEF office located in Washington, DC)
Compensation: $25/hour (undergraduate) | $30/hour (graduate student)
Time Commitment: 16 hours per week | January–May 2026
Apply by: January 11, 2026

The Opportunity
BHEF is seeking a Policy, Research & Program Intern to support applied research and program development during the Spring semester (January–May). This remote internship is ideal for a current college senior or graduate student interested in education and workforce policy, short-term credentials, and institutional innovation.

As an intern, you will work closely with members of BHEF’s Solutions Lab on national initiatives that help colleges respond to real workforce needs, expand access to high-quality credentials, and improve economic opportunity for learners. You will contribute to projects at the intersection of policy, institutional practice, and employer demand—and gain hands-on experience translating research into practical tools used by senior leaders across the country.

The role includes two primary areas of focus:

  1. Policy research and program support related to short-term credentials, and
  2. Research and analysis of college programs and employer needs across regions where BHEF is building business–higher education partnerships.

This position offers direct exposure to projects involving senior leaders from business, higher education, philanthropy, and government.

Key Responsibilities
Policy Research: Short-Term Credentials

  • Research state-level policies, legislation, and funding models related to short-term credentials and credentials of value.
  • Synthesize findings into clear research summaries, briefing memos, and comparative analyses.
  • Identify patterns, differences, and emerging trends across states to inform strategy and program design.

College Program Scans

  • Research and document college-level programs to support institutional planning and engagement.
  • Develop structured summaries highlighting program models, learner populations served, delivery approaches, stackability, and innovation.

Cross-Cutting Program Support

  • Participate in project meetings with senior-level external stakeholders, including preparing background materials and capturing detailed notes.
  • Support Program Directors in developing briefs, summaries, frameworks, and partner-facing materials.
  • Assist with internal coordination, documentation, and tracking across multiple project workstreams.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across the Solutions Lab team.

Skills You Will Develop
This internship will help you build skills directly applicable to careers in policy, research, higher education administration, consulting, and workforce development, including:

  • Policy and program research and synthesis
  • Professional writing for diverse audiences
  • Comparative analysis across states and institutions
  • Translating complex information into actionable insights
  • Executive-level note-taking and meeting support
  • Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams

Qualifications

  • Current college senior, recent graduate, or graduate student in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, education, urban planning, business, communications)
  • Strong writing, editing, and communication skills
  • Demonstrated qualitative research experience (academic or professional)
  • Detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable working independently in a remote environment
  • Interest in workforce development, education innovation, and/or the future of work
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint
  • Experience using ChatGPT or other generative AI tools for research or analysis

Preferred

  • Familiarity with project management tools or CRM platforms
  • Background knowledge in workforce development, human resources, or future-of-work issues

Equal Opportunity Statement
The Business-Higher Education Forum is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, consultants, and interns.

How to Apply
By January 11, 2026, please submit:

  • A resume
  • A brief writing sample (2–3 pages)

Email materials to Carrie Samson at info@bhef.com with “Policy, Research & Program Intern” in the subject line.