INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Government Affairs Intern

CompanyThe Education Trust
LocationWashington
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJanuary 30, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The GA Intern will assist the GA team in developing and executing legislative strategies to advance EdTrust’s federal policy goals. Responsibilities include monitoring governmental actions and collaborating with team members to respond to legislative proposals.
Internship Type
intern
Salary Range
$19 - $30
Company Size
364
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
30 hours
Apply Now →

You'll be redirected to
the company's application page

About The Company
EdTrust promotes high academic achievement for all students at all levels—pre-kindergarten through college. Our goal is to close the gaps in opportunity and achievement that consign far too many young people—especially those from low-income families or who are Black, Latino, or American Indian—to lives on the margins of the American mainstream. Although many organizations speak up for the adults employed by schools and colleges, we speak up for students, especially those whose needs and potential are often overlooked. We evaluate every policy, every practice, and every dollar spent through a single lens: what is right for students. We work alongside educators, parents, students, policymakers, and civic and business leaders in communities across the country, providing practical assistance in their efforts to transform schools and colleges into institutions that serve all students well. We analyze local, state, and national data and use what we learn to help build broader understanding of achievement and opportunity gaps and the actions necessary to close them. We participate actively in national and state policy debates, bringing lessons learned from on-the-ground work and from unflinching data analyses to build the case for policies that will help all students and schools reach high levels of achievement. Our Core Beliefs: We believe in the power of education to close the gaps that separate low-income students and students of color from other young Americans. We believe that schools and colleges, appropriately organized, can help virtually all students master the knowledge they need to succeed. We believe long-standing gaps in opportunity, achievement, and attainment have roots inside and outside of schools. And though we know these gaps are stubborn, we also know they are not inevitable. We believe a strong education improves the lives of young people, is vital to sustaining our democracy, and strengthens America.
About the Role
 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

  

The Education Trust (EdTrust) seeks a Government Affairs (GA) Intern to join the organization’s GA team for Spring & Summer 2026. The GA Intern will assist the GA team in the development and execution of effective legislative strategies to advance EdTrust’s federal policy goals across early childhood, P-12, and higher education. The GA Intern will accompany the GA team in meetings with partner organizations, Congress, the Department of Education, the White House, and other federal actors, and will be expected to stay abreast of activity in the federal education space.  

 

EdTrust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.  

 

This role, beginning in February 2026, is based in our Washington, DC office, and may be eligible for some telework. The GA Intern will report to the Government Affairs Manager. This role is budgeted for 25-30 hours per week for approximately 6 months. Exact hours are negotiable.

 

ABOUT THE HIGHER ED POLICY IMPLEMENTATION INTERNSHIP

 

The responsibilities and objectives for the role may include, but are not limited to, the following:


  • Assist the Director of Government Affairs, Assistant Director of Government Affairs, and the Government Affairs Manager in the development and execution of effective legislative and regulatory strategies to advance early childhood, P-12, and higher education policy priorities
  • Monitor and organize governmental actions, procedures, and opportunities for EdTrust to educate and  influence policy professionals working in Congress, the executive branch, other organizations, state-level advocates, and the general public
  • Collaborate with the Director of Government Affairs, Assistant Director of Government Affairs, and the Government Affairs Manager to help develop appropriate responses to legislative and regulatory proposals
  • Stay current and knowledgeable on organizational priorities and recent research from EdTrust and our partners
  • Help track and monitor federal government news and developments, especially related to education 

 

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

  • Shared belief in EdTrust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity, with a focus on racial equity
  • Willingness to receive and act upon constructive feedback
  • Ability to organize, prioritize tasks, work collaboratively, and meet deadlines 
  • Strong communication skills, with a focus on writing
  • Attention to detail and ability to multitask 
  • Ability to take initiative and be self-directed

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

 

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

    • At least a high school diploma or GED, and enrolled in or completed a higher education degree program[AB1] [BW2] [JJ3] [BW4]  
    • Experience using MS Office software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook
    • General knowledge of education policy and the legislative process
    • Previous public policy experience preferred, including, but not limited to, previous internships on Capitol Hill; state/local government; or with other education policy organizations 

 

COMPENSATION

 

The pay for this role ranges from $19/hr for undergraduate students and recent grads to $21-24/hr for graduate students and $25-30 for doctoral students. To maintain equity within our intern pay scale, we do not negotiate on intern pay rates; pay rates for internships are primarily determined based on level of education. Sick leave is accrued in this role. 

 

VACCINATION FOR COVID-19

 

At EdTrust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all EdTrust employees are required to be fully vaccinated and remain up to date on their vaccinations for COVID-19. Any new interns should be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodation due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources. 

 

EdTrust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Key Skills
Legislative StrategiesEducation PolicyCommunication SkillsAttention to DetailMultitaskingSelf-DirectedOrganizational SkillsCollaborationFeedback ReceptionResearchMonitoring Government ActionsWriting SkillsInitiativePrioritizationPolitical AwarenessAdvocacy
Categories
EducationGovernment & Public SectorSocial ServicesAdministrative
Benefits
Sick Leave