Education Internships in Washington, DC

Graduate Student Intern on Secondary School Reform
Public Education Network (PEN) is a national organization of local education funds (LEFs) and individuals working to improve public schools and build citizen support for quality public education in low-income communities across the nation. PEN believes an active, vocal constituency is the key to ensuring that every child, in every community, benefits from a quality public education. PEN and its members are building public demand and mobilizing resources for quality public education on behalf of 11.5 million children in more than 1600 school districts in 34 states and the District of Columbia.

PEN is currently seeking a graduate student intern with strong research and writing skills and a background and interest in middle and high school reform. Responsibilities will include research, writing, and analysis, and will focus on the following assignments:
 

1.	Create an annotated bibliography of research reports and major publications that address middle and high school reform (since January 2005).
2.	Create a database of all LEF strategies and programs related to middle and high school reform. Track federal and key state legislation related to high school reform. Prepare a status report at end of internship on federal and state policy activity.
3.	Develop and maintain working relationship with national strategic partners. Support PEN’s participation in these partnerships through meeting preparation, research, documentation, and follow-up activities.
4.	Assist in planning one meeting of the LEF affinity group on high school reform.
5.	Provide information and research referral support to member LEFs and national office staff.
6.	Assist in developing a concept paper for further funding of the network’s high school reform efforts, by compiling data, identifying potential funders, and editing support.

The internship is unpaid (for credit) or paid, and runs 40 hours a week for 10 weeks between mid-May and mid-August, although this is negotiable. The internship provides an opportunity to learn about public education reform particularly, at the secondary school level; all levels of public education policy and practice change; to work with a smart and dedicated Washington-based team of professionals; to meet colleagues in other public interest Washington-based organizations; and to work with community-based organizations in high poverty school districts across the country.

To apply, please send a resume, cover letter and writing sample to Jeanette McCall at the Public Education Network at jmccall@publiceducation.org or fax to (202) 628-1893. For more information, visit our website at www.publiceducation.org.