About the Internship  

Interested in social policy, welfare, and issues that affect vulnerable individuals, children, and families? A career in policy research and evaluation might be just the thing for you! 
 
MEF Associates invites rising senior undergraduates from traditionally underrepresented groups to apply to be a summer intern. Interns will have the opportunity to do applied work and gain exposure to the research and evaluation field by participating in activities such as team meetings, training, and site conference calls. Interns will be mentored by an experienced staff member to learn about MEF and its work.  

Interns will work with MEF staff on a range of tasks, which might include:  

• Assisting with ongoing research and evaluation projects, including conducting literature reviews, taking notes during project meetings, and assisting with field research. 
• Assisting on proposals and written deliverables
• Working on substantive research projects in their policy areas of interest   

This is a 10-week paid summer internship opportunity. Start and end dates can be discussed. Interns will be paid $24/hour. 

Interns will be expected to work out of MEF’s Alexandria, VA office. This will be a hybrid work arrangement where individual interns will set an in-office work schedule with their supervisor. 

MEF provides a $500 stipend to offset the costs of temporary re-location for the summer.  

About MEF Associates 

• MEF Associates is a well-established social policy research organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals, children, and families through rigorous research and high-quality technical assistance.
• We specialize in rigorous research and policy analysis, building knowledge to shape and improve the design and delivery of social programs that help low-income and other vulnerable populations meet their basic needs.
• For over a decade, we have worked at all levels of government and with various non-profits focused on bettering policy related to child and family well-being, workforce development, financial security, and early childhood education. We combine diverse work experiences and expertise to deliver meaningful, data-driven solutions.  

At MEF, we believe:  

• Diversity is a strength that lifts all people.
• Equity is a social and moral imperative for a free and just society.
• Inclusion means not only bringing relevant voices to the table but giving those perspectives fair and honest consideration.  

Eligibility   

• Incoming senior in an accredited college or university
• In good academic standing
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Relevant professional, academic, and/or personal experience with issues that affect individuals, children, and families. These could include housing, child welfare, criminal justice, and/or financial security, among others
• Interest in policy research in areas that MEF works in, such as employment and training, child and family well-being, early care and education, and/or food security   
• Willing to work from Alexandria, Virginia for the summer

How to apply  

Please include the following in your application:  

1.  A 2-page double spaced personal statement that covers the following:
   • Describe how some combination of your professional, academic, and personal experience relate to your current interest in social policy research and evaluation.
   • Describe how your current interests align with MEF Associates’ work. 
   • Describe what you aim to accomplish during this summer internship.
2. A Resume
3. Current transcript (official or unofficial)

Only applications submitted through the application form will be considered. Only those applicants who receive an interview will be asked to provide references. 

We will review applications as they come in. Applications must be submitted by 5PM EST on February 17, 2025.

MEF is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply. Legal work authorization is required.  

Physical demands of this job include:  

• Work to be performed in primarily in an office environment
• While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel and to manipulate keys on a keyboard
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds