EdTrust Government Affairs Intern 2026 (PAID) – Apply Now

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.

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

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
• 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  

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. 

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