Internship Program - Leading Change Academy

Join the Education Reform Movement

Intern with StudentsFirst and help make America’s school system the best in the world

StudentsFirst’s Leading Change Academy is an internship program designed to provide top undergraduates, graduate students and professionals with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a fast-paced, national education reform organization, under the leadership of Michelle Rhee. As part of the movement to defend the interest of children in public education, StudentsFirst interns, called “Associates,” work closely with StudentsFirst staff to conduct research and outreach to the community, mobilize constituents and work on education policy.

The LCA internship experience is targeted toward professional development and is supplemented by growth opportunities, including executive coaching and skill-building courses, in-depth education policy discussions and workshops, participation in key organizational and community meetings, visits to local schools and networking opportunities.

Internships run in summer, fall and spring sessions throughout the year.

Internship Mission

StudentsFirst’s Leading Change Academy is an intensive internship program designed to inspire and empower emerging leaders to pursue transformative public education reform as part of their personal and professional goals.

Internship Objectives

Ultimately, the goal of the Academy is to expose associates to critical educational reform issues, expand their understanding of education policy and the legislative process, and underscore the critical role of advocacy and grassroots mobilization in holding with the current education reform movement. Specifically, the program seeks to provide associates with unique and formative experiences centered around four areas:

• Hands-On Experience
  Build political advocacy, community outreach, communication and project management skills. Gain an in-depth knowledge of education policy and reform.
• Leadership Development
  Participate in workshops, meetings and site visits.
• Networking
  Interact with local, state and national community and education policy leaders.
• Advocacy
  Cultivate a lifelong commitment to educational equality.

Who We Are

StudentsFirst’s Leading Change Academy Internship Program is designed for leaders who are currently undergraduates, graduate students or recent graduates.

Undergraduates
StudentsFirst is looking for top undergraduate students across all disciplines.

Graduate Students
StudentsFirst is looking for top graduate students from a variety of professional disciplines, including: business, organizational management, public policy, law and education policy.

Postgraduates
StudentsFirst is looking for recent graduates or postgraduate candidates admitted to fellowship programs.

All internship candidates should demonstrate an interest in education policy and reform and should possess the flexibility and adaptability to be a part of a dynamic start-up organization.

Program Dates for 2011-2012

Internships are available in summer, fall and spring semesters. Open application periods are held at the beginning of the spring, summer and fall months. Application and program dates for Fall 2012 will be announced in June.

Summer 2012 Internship Program
Program Dates: June 4 to August 10
Application Deadline: March 31
Minimum Commitment: 40 Hours/week, 10 Weeks