Internships

WHO WE ARE 

We’re the California Policy Center, a nonprofit organization based in Southern California. Our mission is to secure a freer, more prosperous California by eliminating public-sector barriers to freedom and economic growth, and proposing policy solutions to the state’s most pressing challenges. We do that by working with allies in like-minded organizations, and building community – parents of kids in failing public schools, liberty-minded local officials, activists, and donors who believe as we do in the virtuous, flourishing, voluntary society.

CPC’s internship program provides direction and experience in policy creation, data analysis, communications, fundraising and established programs based on your specific strengths and interests.

 

WHO YOU ARE

You’re thrilled by the prospect of educating Californians on the virtues of freedom. You’re a policy geek who serves as a translator to everyday people, of all backgrounds, ages, colors, ethnicities and languages. You specifically understand the nuances of local government and the role government unions play in the political ecosystem.

You like people – and people like you. Your network goes beyond party, creed or language. You’re equally comfortable at the desk, in public meetings and out in the community.

Technology doesn’t terrify you: You’re proficient with tools like Excel or something even better. You see how data and digital are necessary in a modern workplace – but also don’t undervalue the importance of relationships.

You are a self-starter and find solutions to tough problems. You’re strategic and entrepreneurial. You thrive on your own but understand your place within a team. You are quick on your feet, manage your time well, and can make tough or strategic decisions.

You’ve got a sense of humor that resonates in your work. You take the work – but not yourself – seriously. You’re kind and joyful even in the face of (metaphorical) sticks, stones and general nastiness.

You’re an innovator: Where others see hurdles, roadblocks or prickly bushes, you see openings.

 

OPEN POSITIONS

The Spring 2026 internship will have three positions available: 

  • Public Policy Intern: Two positions
      • Designed for undergraduate students with majors in government, political science, economics, or similar fields. High school and graduate students may apply, but should know the program is best suited for undergraduate-level applicants.
      • Offers experience in public policy research, legislative tracking and analysis, writing public policy briefs, development and nonprofit fundraising, and more. California Policy Center offers exposure to various issue areas including education; local governance; state and municipal finance; water and energy; public sector unions; and beyond.
      • Reports to the Research Manager and Manager of Strategic Initiatives.
      • Requires a commitment of 10-15 hours per week, including a weekly meeting over Zoom.
  • Public Policy-Legal Hybrid Intern: One position
    • Designed for pre-law and law school students who have an interest in government and public policy.
    • Offers experience working with both California Policy Center and California Justice Center staff. Your time will be split between the two organizations, working on assignments for public policy research, legal research using platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, drafting memos, and assisting with day-to-day case-related tasks.
    • Reports to the President of the California Justice Center for legal assignments. Reports to the Research Manager and Manager of Strategic Initiatives for public policy assignments.
    • Requires a commitment of 10-15 hours per week, with an expectation of 1-2 meetings per week over Zoom.

 

FURTHER DETAILS

While these internship opportunities are unpaid, our internship supervisors can work with you to secure undergraduate college credit towards your degree, if your program offers credit for internships. Interns can also secure professional references by California Policy Center staff to aid them in the next steps of their careers after the internship.

The internship program runs for three terms per year (Spring, Summer, and Fall), for approximately 15 weeks each.

  • Applications for the fall internship are now closed. The fall internship runs from September 8th to December 19th, 2025.
  • The application window for the Spring 2026 internship is December 1st to December 12th, 2025. For an application to be considered, a resume and cover letter must be submitted within this application window. 
  • The dates of the Spring internship are January 12 to April 24, 2026.

Internships are conducted remotely; We do not currently offer in-person internships. The internship program offers flexibility to allow interns to pursue other academic and professional commitments alongside a CPC internship.

Questions about the program? Email sheridan@calpolicycenter.org.

 

INTERESTED?

California Policy Center values workplace diversity and encourages all interested applicants to send a cover letter and resume to the staff listed below. Please indicate which internship position you are applying for.

Submit Public Policy Internship applications to: Sheridan Karras (sheridan@calpolicycenter.org) and Andrew Davenport (andrew@calpolicycenter.org).

Submit Public Policy-Legal Hybrid Internship applications to: Emily Rae (emily@calpolicycenter.org), Sheridan Karras (sheridan@calpolicycenter.org), and Andrew Davenport (andrew@calpolicycenter.org).