The American Enterprise Institute’s Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility (COSM) seeks a driven, research-oriented intern for summer 2026. The intern will work closely with COSM scholars and staff to research, identify, and promote policies that improve opportunity and mobility for low-income Americans. COSM scholars study the determinants of economic mobility and human flourishing in America through empirically driven and policy-informing research.

The COSM intern will interact with a variety of research and policy areas, including federal safety-net programs such as cash welfare, food assistance, and unemployment insurance; trends in social capital in America; and determinants of economic mobility and human flourishing. The intern will be expected to retrieve and analyze datasets, assist with data visualization projects, curate content for a biweekly newsletter, and perform other research and writing tasks. Candidates who can participate in the program in person for 25–40 hours a week are encouraged to apply.

Successful applicants should have an interest in or experience studying anti-poverty policy and experience studying economics and statistics, particularly related to public policy.

About AEI Internships

AEI internships offer a unique opportunity for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates to gain experience in research, writing, business, and communications at one of the nation’s leading think tanks. Competitive candidates will generally have a GPA of 3.5 or higher from a top-ranking college or university. AEI’s internship program runs for 12 weeks, and all related programming will take place in person in Washington, DC. Please see the internship program home page for updates.

The summer program dates are either Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, August 21, or Tuesday, June 2, to Friday, August 28.