Lumina Foundation Public Policy Internships 2026 (PAID)

Lumina Foundation, a leading national private foundation committed to creating a fair and accessible postsecondary education system, has officially opened applications for its Public Policy Internship for the summer of 2026. This paid, immersive opportunity in Washington, D.C., is designed for undergraduate and graduate students passionate about leveraging policy to advance racial equity and economic mobility through higher education.

About Lumina Foundation

Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation headquartered in Indianapolis, with a core mission to make learning opportunities beyond high school available to all. The foundation envisions an equitable, easy-to-navigate system that delivers fair results and meets the nation's talent needs through a broad range of credentials. As one of the nation's largest private foundations with an endowment exceeding $1 billion and offices in Indianapolis and Washington, D.C., Lumina operates with a staff dedicated to values of candor, collaboration, and connection, driving tangible change in higher education policy and attainment.

Internship Opportunity Snapshot

• Position: Public Policy Intern

• Organization: Lumina Foundation

• Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid: 3 days/week in office)

• Duration: May 12, 2026 – August 6, 2026

• Compensation: $18-$24 per hour (based on academic level)

• Application Deadline: Rolling basis; interview period begins February 16, 2026.

Why This Internship Is a Premier Career Launchpad

This is not a typical administrative internship. Lumina Foundation empowers its interns with substantive work at the intersection of philanthropy, public policy, and social justice. You will be embedded within the Public Policy & Convenings Team, contributing directly to projects that inform national and state-level strategies to close equity gaps in education. The foundation's status, with over $1 billion in endowment, means you'll be learning within one of the most influential organizations shaping the future of learning and work in America.

Core Responsibilities: Where You Will Make an Impact

Selected candidates will engage in high-value work, including:

• Policy Analysis & Research: Conducting and summarizing analyses on federal and state policy developments affecting higher education access and completion.

• Project Leadership: Co-constructing and managing short-term projects that use data and research to inform grantmaking and strategic direction.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Networking with external partners and supporting convenings to advance effective policy solutions.

• Strategic Support: Working alongside strategy officers to coordinate tasks and events that further the foundation’s mission of preparing people for informed citizenship and success in a global economy.

Ideal Candidate Profile: Are You a Fit?

Lumina seeks proactive individuals who are ready to contribute from day one. The ideal candidate possesses:

• Academic Status: Current upper-class undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate (equivalent work/learning experience considered).

• Policy Passion: Demonstrated interest or experience in advocacy, federal/state policy analysis, and a firm commitment to advancing racial equity.

• Subject Matter Familiarity: Knowledge of higher education policy, including barriers faced by students of color, low-income students, first-generation students, and adult learners.

• Core Skills: Exceptional analytical and communication abilities, with the capacity to work effectively in a hybrid Washington, D.C., environment.

How to Apply for This Prestigious Opportunity

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. To ensure consideration, prospective candidates are encouraged to submit their materials promptly. The formal interview period runs from February 16 to March 6, 2026. Prepare for a competitive selection process seeking individuals whose values align with Lumina's core principles of candor, collaboration, and connection.

Ready to shape the future of education policy? This internship offers more than a resume line—it’s a chance to gain hands-on experience at the forefront of philanthropic efforts to build a more equitable society. Align your skills with Lumina's mission and apply to become a catalyst for change.

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