Intern, Policy Research (Summer 2026)

The SPLC is seeking highly motivated policy research interns who are passionate about civil rights! The Southern Poverty Law Center offers internships to exceptional students enrolled in accredited graduate and law schools who possess strong academic backgrounds, excellent writing skills, and a commitment to public interest work. The Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. As an internationally recognized nonprofit organization, the Center is dedicated to reducing bigotry and oppression through research and public education, outreach, litigation and policy advocacy. Who You Are Passionate. Demonstrated passion for advancing civil rights and social justice issues, a strong interest in federal, state and local government advocacy, and ready to partner on producing quality policy research that advances our policy priorities. Advocate. Desire and drive to work in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. Driven. Ability to help our policy team conduct groundbreaking policy research to support advocacy strategies to influence positive change in the lives of communities – particularly Black communities and other communities of color – in the Deep South. Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrate an awareness for SPLC's mission, vision, and values.

What You'll Do

Work alongside our Policy Research Team to research, write, and analyze data to support bold advocacy strategies in alignment with our organizational impact areas: Economic Justice; Decriminalization and Decarceration; Democracy; and Human Rights, Inclusion, and Anti-Extremism. Assist in drafting research memos, fact sheets, and other writings. Uphold our JEDI principles by helping to ensure we uplift the voices of underserved communities within our policy research strategy. Collaborate with other members of the Policy team to support ongoing policy research needs.

Minimum Qualifications

We are committed to equitable hiring practices, therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

• Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate or law school program;
• Strong academic background; and
• Excellent research and writing skills.

Compensation & Benefits The Center pays $17.95 per hour. Interns are expected to work 40 hours a week and there may be opportunity for supervisor approved overtime. Where and How You'll Work This role has the following work designations: Local Remote: Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates. Remote Distant: Will work remotely and are not expected to work in the states in which the SPLC has an office or in an SPLC office. They may be required to attend occasional meetings or activities in the states in which the SPLC has an office or elsewhere Other Special Considerations This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to inquiries by telephone. Interns are expected to begin June 1st, 2026. A minimum commitment of ten consecutive weeks is expected. We unfortunately are not able to split summers. To apply, please submit a cover letter, unofficial transcript and resume by 6:00pm EST on Friday, February 13, 2026. Disclaimer: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position. An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job