Public Policy Intern

Position Overview:

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Public Policy Intern to support our mission of advancing workforce development across Pennsylvania. This internship offers a unique opportunity for junior and senior undergraduates or graduate students to gain hands-on experience in public policy research, analysis, and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Research & Analysis:

• Conduct research on workforce development policies, programs, and initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Analyze legislative and regulatory developments related to workforce, education, and economic development.
• Prepare policy briefs, memos, and reports summarizing key findings.

Advocacy Support:

• Assist in developing advocacy materials, including talking points, fact sheets, and presentations.
• Monitor and track legislative activity impacting workforce development in Pennsylvania.
• Attend and document relevant meetings, hearings, and webinars, providing summaries to PWDA staff.

Program Development:

• Contribute to planning and coordination of PWDA events, including workshops, summits, and forums.
• Assist with outreach to stakeholders, including workforce development boards, policymakers, and employers.

Administrative Support:

• Provide general support to PWDA staff as needed.
• Maintain organized files and databases related to research and policy efforts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current enrollment as a junior or senior undergraduate or graduate student in policy studies, public policy, political science, public administration, sociology, economics, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in workforce development, economic development, education policy, or social policy.
• Excellent research and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with online research tools.

Compensation and Hours:

This is a paid internship, with a stipend or hourly rate commensurate with experience starting at $15/hour. Part-time (10-20 hours per week), with flexibility to accommodate academic schedules. If internship is needed for academic credit, please note this in your application. The internship is slated to begin in January/early February 2025.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A resume highlighting academic and professional achievements, with indication of interest or experience in any specific policy sector/issue area
• A 3-page maximum writing sample (e.g., a policy brief, research paper excerpt, or essay)
• Contact information for two references.

Deadline Applications will be accepted through Monday, January 6th at 5:00pm. Submit application materials to info@pawork.org with Subject entitled: “Public Policy Intern Application”.

Company Overview

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) is the voice of workforce development in the commonwealth to key decision and policymakers at the federal, state and local levels. Serving Pennsylvania’s local workforce development system, PWDA members include the twenty-two (22) local workforce development boards, system providers, as well as business, education, training, human services, literacy, and community development partners located across the Commonwealth. 

We prioritize Advocacy, Policy, Professional Development, and more for our industry and members. We serve as a clearinghouse for information, ideas, and innovation. Known for offering one of Pennsylvania's largest gatherings of workforce development professionals and experts, we provide top-shelf education, training and technical assistance to workforce development professionals and partners to ensure Pennsylvania has a skilled workforce and businesses can sustain and grow. For more information go to: www.pawork.org. 

About PWDA:

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) is the statewide voice for workforce development and a key resource for workforce boards, employers, and partners. Our mission is to advocate for and advance workforce development systems and strategies to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy.

This internship is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to workforce development while gaining professional experience and insights into the field of public policy.

PWDA affirms that it shall ensure equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.