KIP Spring 2027 - Policy Intern - Illinois Policy Institute

The Koch Internship Program (KIP) is a paid experiential learning program run by Stand Together Fellowships that offers professional development, leadership training, and meaningful work experience at non-profits tackling some of our nation's most pressing policy challenges all over the United States. Early-career professionals including undergraduate/graduate/law students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Eligible candidates will be geographically located in and authorized to work in the United States through the duration of the program. Successful candidates will interview with both our non-profit partner organizations and Stand Together Fellowships staff, so we strongly encourage you to begin the admissions process early!

The Illinois Policy Institute believes:

• That civil and personal liberties must be protected and preserved.

• Illinois should be a place where people of all talents, interests and cultural backgrounds can succeed with hard work and ingenuity.

• In effective, efficient, honest and transparent government that is accountable to taxpayers and residents in need, not political special interests.

• That the best policies empower people – and limit the power of government.

• That a public pension system that threatens to bankrupt our state, drive down economic growth and evaporate retirements for public-sector workers is immoral — but that modest reforms can solve this crisis.

• Property taxes must be brought under control so people are not forced out of their homes.

• Workers deserve the right to choose whether a labor union serves their values and interests.

• Economic policy should focus on creating jobs and opportunities for all.

• Voters deserve choices at the ballot box and no politician is entitled to a “safe” seat.

• Each child should have access to educational opportunities that prepare them for the future.

If you’re looking for a boring internship full of rote tasks and little learning, this is NOT the opportunity for you. 

The Illinois Policy Institute is seeking a full-time intern to be part of a high-performing team on which you’ll learn how to conduct research that makes a difference. You’ll help analyze policies that make it harder for Illinoisans to thrive and to craft free market solutions that will bring more liberty, opportunity, and prosperity to all, especially the least well off.

In-person hybrid schedule optional for local candidates; remote available for the right candidate. 

Stand Together Fellowships believes that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. Our admissions office treats all program participants and applicants with honesty, dignity, respect and sensitivity. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of color, race, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.