Policy Intern

This is a part-time internship (approximately 20 hours per week, depending on intern availability) with the opportunity to work from anywhere in the USA. The hours can be flexible to accommodate school schedules and other commitments. Candidates should be able to begin in July 2026 (flexible start date) and commit to a 5-month internship.
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As part of our Strategic Communications and Policy Team, Hopelab’s policy strategy leverages our 20-plus years of experience supporting equity-centered solutions for the mental health and well-being of young people. We seek to influence how evidence-based policy is created, the elevation of youth voice and participation in policymaking, and the issue areas that impact the young people Hopelab serves. Our focus includes policies with implications for young people’s well-being that may go beyond policy directly focusing on mental health, including assessing our role at the state and federal levels.
Our multi-year approach leans into our expertise in research and translational science, investments in young leaders, partnerships, convening power, and financial support. Focusing on policymaker education rooted in the lived experience and expertise of young people, we envision a policy landscape rooted in evidence and co-created with young people.
For 2026-27, Hopelab has identified four opportunity areas in policy:

State-level focus on opportunities for growth within the Medicaid system, both in YMH digital innovation and administrative changes.
Leverage evidence-based research, programmatic solutions, and an asset-based narrative to shift policymaking from crisis to opportunity.
Increase youth voice and engagement in shaping policy at the state and federal levels, including having young people at the table educating and co-creating with policymakers.
Partner with young people and values-aligned organizations to support Black, Brown, and Queer communities and ensure they can thrive.


The Position: Policy Intern
The intern will support Hopelab’s policy agenda, which includes Medicaid, the future of social media and AI, and intersectional issues impacting youth mental health (housing, food insecurity, climate, etc.).
nActivities and duties for the internship include, but are not limited to:

Tracking and analysis of youth mental health (YMH) legislation and regulations at both the state and federal levels
Providing research assistance for YMH-related policy concepts
Creating information briefs on relevant policy topics
Supporting educational briefings on YMH policy topics
Working with the Policy Director and Hopelab Strategic Communications colleagues on developing content for the Hopelab Policy webpage

A strong candidate for this position would be someone who has:

Completed coursework in public policy, health policy (Behavioral Health and/or Public Health), and/or research methods
General familiarity and/or experience with state and federal legislative processes
Experience translating policy into public products through writing or graphics work is preferred.
Basic familiarity with the U.S. health system, including mental health
Strong research and writing skills
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
Ability to work collaboratively and also independently on projects
Candidates are especially invited to describe their experiences, as applicable, in working with policymakers and/or policy advocates, particularly on health policy issues

Required Education, Experience, and Skills:

Currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in the social sciences; MPH / MPP programs strongly preferred
Demonstrated interest in youth mental health and well-being, technology, and equity
Problem-solver with a strong ability to work independently
Strong attention to detail
Works well under deadlines

n
If you have a passion for youth mental health policy AND feel you have most of the experiences listed above, we encourage you to apply!
Please apply with (1) your resume, (2) a brief cover letter that outlines your education, experiences, and skills relevant to the job tasks listed above, and (3) a brief writing sample that demonstrates your ability to discuss a policy position (e.g. blog post, memo, school assignment). As the first line of your cover letter, please indicate if you did or did not use AI in the writing of your cover letter and why. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. PT May 24, 2026.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
To maintain an equitable hiring process, we do not offer informational conversations outside of the interview process. Please refrain from contacting Hopelab staff about this opportunity.
All applicants will receive a response about their application when we have something to communicate: we will not be able to respond to individual inquiries about your application.


Compensation: $33.00/hr
Mentorship and Learning: Guidance and mentorship will be provided by the Hopelab Policy Director. The Policy Intern will be integrated into the Strategic Communication and Policy Team project management, including regular meetings.
By the end of their term, the intern will have increased their knowledge and skills in research and analysis of youth mental health policy, gained experience in working on cross-functional teams, developed content that supports Hopelab’s policy mission, and gained knowledge of the landscape of youth mental health policy at both the state and federal level. The intern will be directly supervised by David Bayne, Hopelab’s Policy Director, and will also collaborate with Hopelab’s Vice President of Strategic Communications and Policy, Juan Martinez, in addition to connecting with other workstreams within Hopelab.
Term: This is a 20hr/week internship, beginning in July and ending after 5 months, with the opportunity to work from anywhere in the USA remotely.
Hopelab is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff and encourages people from underrepresented groups to apply. Hopelab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, ancestry, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Employment offers will be contingent on a background check that is limited in scope and compliant with best practices for Fair Chance Hiring. All inquiries are held in strict confidence.
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