Summer 2026 Federal Child Care Policy Intern

The Position

The National Women's Law Center (NWLC) seeks an undergraduate intern for summer 2026 to join the Child Care and Income Security team and support the federal child care policy work. The work of the summer federal child care policy intern may include drafting blogs, fact-sheets, and other materials, attending relevant coalition or Hill meetings, tracking legislation, supporting research projects, and other tasks as needed.

This is a full-time, non-exempt paid position of 37.5 hours per week to start June 1, 2026, and end August 7, 2026. This work may be done remotely, hybrid, or in-person. Intern must be located in one of the following states while working during the summer: DC, MD, VA, NJ, PA, IL, NY, or CT.

The Organization

The National Women's Law Center fights for gender justice — in the courts, in public policy, and in our society — working across the issues that are central to the lives of women and girls.

We use the law in all its forms to change culture and drive solutions to the gender inequity that shapes our society and to break down the barriers that harm all of us — especially women of color, LGBTQ+ people, and low-income women and families.

For more than 50 years, we have been on the leading edge of every major legal and policy victory for women, and we need you with us to continue this fight.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will:

• Draft written materials including blogs, fact-sheets, presentations, and other items as necessary.
• Support or lead in conducting research relevant to existing projects;
• Attend and summarize relevant meetings, including but not limited to coalition meetings and meetings with the Hill and Administration;
• Research and write a blog post related to child care & early learning policy;
• Other tasks as needed.

Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate program;
• Strong research and writing skills, including excellent analytical, oral, and written communications skills;
• Experience working on gender justice issues with an intersectional lens;
• Experience and/or demonstrated interest in child care and early learning;
• Experience or interest in a research, advocacy, or policymaking environment;
• Demonstrated experience working both collaboratively and independently;
• Flexibility, creativity, and initiative along with excellent organizational, planning, and project management skills

Key Relations

The intern will report to the Senior Policy Analyst for Federal Child Care and Early Learning.

Compensation & Benefits

The intern will be paid an hourly rate of $17.95 per hour. This position is not eligible for benefits. If funding is available through the intern's school, the payment contribution from NWLC will be adjusted accordingly.

Classification

This position is not included in the union-represented bargaining unit, NWLC United, affiliated with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union/IFPTE Local 70.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• A resume;
• A writing sample not to exceed 2-pages.

This position will be open for up to a month maximum until January 16, 2026, or until 250 applications have been received (whichever comes first). NWLC posts a number of internship opportunities. If you wish to be considered for more than one internship, please apply separately to each position of interest.

The National Women's Law Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek applications from people with disabilities; people of all gender identities and sexual orientations; people of color; and veterans.

Research indicates members of marginalized groups tend to underestimate their qualifications and apply only if they are a 100% match. If you are passionate about NWLC's mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don't check all the boxes, please apply. We'd appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

Reasonable Accommodations

If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email NWLCHR@nwlc.org.