MDRC will be offering a paid internship targeting master’s degree candidates who are interested in working on an education intervention intended to broaden college access for higher-achieving, low-income high school students. The intern will join the College Match program team, providing operations support as the project expands to its second site, New York City. The College Match Program (CMP) was designed to respond to the issue of undermatching by encouraging academically capable students to choose colleges where they are likely to thrive and graduate. CMP proactively delivers crucial information, supports students as they navigate the complicated college and financial aid application process, and helps students and parents make thoughtful decisions about college enrollment.

MDRC is dedicated to learning what works to improve the well-being of low-income people. Through our research and the active communication of our findings, we seek to enhance the effectiveness of social policies and programs. MDRC has created this internship program for students enrolled in master’s programs in education, public policy, public administration, psychology, sociology, child development, child welfare, family relations, criminal justice, or related fields. Qualified minority students are strongly encouraged to apply.

We plan to offer one internship in our New York City office, to begin in January 2013 and continue through the Spring term. Should the intern have an interest, there is a possibility of continuing on for the summer. The intern will work closely with the CMP Program Manager and team and will participate in the intellectual life of MDRC by attending seminars and project meetings.

This will be a paid internship with a 10- to 15-hour work week. Note that this position may require some travel.

Specifics

Who: This opportunity is particularly suited to a graduate student with an interest in college access and success. Any student enrolled in a master’s program in education, public policy, public administration, psychology, sociology, child development, child welfare, family relations, criminal justice, or related fields who is interested in learning more about how MDRC develops and implements demonstrations and evaluations may apply. In addition to academic experience, MDRC operations staff often have backgrounds in service delivery or management within government agencies or nonprofit organizations; having such experience also will be a consideration in the selection process.

Why: To develop “hands-on” experience in developing and implementing demonstrations and evaluations while sharing in the intellectual life of MDRC.

Timing: Applications should be submitted by Friday, December 14, 2012.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents via our on-line application system:

•  Résumé, including work and academic experience.
•  A cover letter/personal statement (no more than 1,000 words) that discusses (1) your interest in policy research, (2) your career interests and goals, and (3) how this internship, coupled with your academic pursuit and prior experience, will contribute to your personal and professional growth.

Please submit directly to MDRC’s Human Resources Department (contact information below):

• A copy of your graduate school transcript(s).

• Two letters of recommendation, including one from a sponsoring faculty member.

Human Resources Department
Operations Internship Program
MDRC
16 East 34th Street, 19th Floor
New York, New York 10016
Fax: 212-532-8453
fellowship@mdrc.org