Intern, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) (Summer 2026)

<h1>The SPLC is seeking interns for program evaluation who are passionate about civil rights!</h1> <hr> <p>The Southern Poverty Law Center offers an internship to exceptional students enrolled in accredited undergraduate or graduate programs for social work, public policy, legal studies, social sciences or data science who are passionate about supporting the mission of a justice-driven organization. The Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. As an internationally recognized nonpartisan nonprofit organization, the Center is dedicated to reducing bigotry and oppression through community outreach, public education, litigation and policy advocacy.</p> <h1>Who You Are</h1> <p><strong>Curious and Eager to Learn. </strong>You have a genuine interest in exploring the role of program evaluation, with particular focus on monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) strategies and processes.</p> <p><strong>Collaborative.</strong> Values teamwork and community engagement – ready to partner with others across departments and institutions.</p> <p><strong>Detail-Oriented.</strong> Has exceptional organizational skills, an ability to juggle multiple tasks and a proactive approach to work.</p> <p><strong>Effective Communicator.</strong> You’re comfortable interacting with students, staff and external partners with courtesy and empathy.</p> <p><strong>Passionate.</strong> Deeply committed to racial equity and justice, and to cultivating workplace cultures that respect and empower individuals from all backgrounds.</p> <p><strong>Mission, Vision &amp; Values Alignment. </strong>Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to SPLC's mission, vision and values.</p> <h1>What You'll Do</h1> <p><strong>Conduct </strong>evaluation<strong> </strong>research and data analysis on special MEAL projects (see attached <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MPhbt7Bfdlhx4gMFAv7baNdcf5UVY988/edit?usp=drive_link&amp;ouid=109217369539922655441&amp;rtpof=true&amp;sd=true">list of options</a> to choose).</p> <p><strong>Provide</strong> training to departments and project staff on creating and using logic models and theory of change.</p> <p><strong>Collaborate </strong>with the MEAL team on projects that advance community engagement accountability practices.</p> <p><strong>Contribute </strong>to the coordination and facilitation of MEAL engagement activities (including, but not limited to, events and scheduling).</p> <p><strong>Support</strong> MEAL efforts to gather data on impact indicators and assess program outcomes.</p> <p><strong>Assist</strong> with planning training events and planning meetings with departments, virtual and on-location at SPLC offices.</p> <p><strong>Help</strong> maintain impact indicator tracking systems and data files to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.</p> <p><strong>Participate</strong> in department meetings and learning events.</p> <p><strong>Uphold our JEDI&nbsp;</strong>principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision and values of the Center and department’s goals.</p> <h1>Minimum Qualifications</h1> <p><em>We are committed to equitable hiring practices, therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.</em></p> <ul> <li> <p>Currently enrolled in a four-year college or graduate school in a social work, social science, public policy, legal studies, data science or related program and will not graduate before August 2026 and</p> </li> <li>Possess excellent written and verbal skills.</li> </ul> <h1>Compensation &amp; Benefits</h1> <p>The Center pays $17.95 per hour. Interns are expected to work 40 hours a week and there may be opportunity for supervisor approved overtime.</p> <h1>Where and How You'll Work</h1> <p>This role has the following work designation:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Local Remote:</strong> Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.</li> <li><strong>Telework:</strong> Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two day from an alternate location.</li> <li>This position will report to the Director, MEAL.</li> </ul> <h1>Other Special Considerations</h1> <p>This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.</p> <p>Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to inquiries by telephone.</p> <p>Interns are expected to begin on June 1^st, 2026. A minimum commitment of ten consecutive weeks is expected. We unfortunately are not able to split summers.</p> <p><strong>To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume by 6:00pm EST on Friday, February 13, 2026. </strong></p><div class="content-conclusion"><h3 class="p1"><strong>Disclaimer:</strong></h3> <p class="p1">The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not&nbsp;intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.</p> <h3 class="p1"><strong>An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity</strong></h3> <p class="p2"><em>Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider&nbsp;applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of&nbsp;genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.</em></p></div>