Research Intern - Education Policy

To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application. 

Overview

The Center for Educational Freedom promotes parental choice and limited government in K–12 education, higher education, and early childhood policy. 

Neal McCluskey conducts policy analyses, op-eds, books, congressional testimony, and interactive research tools — including the Public Schooling Battle Map and the School Choice Timeline — focusing on school choice programs, federal education spending, student loan policy, accreditation, and the constitutional limits of federal involvement in education. 

Interns assist McCluskey's research across various tasks, from data work and literature reviews to drafting and editing, with their work directly contributing to published analyses and public commentary.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and fact-finding to support op-eds, blog posts, policy papers, and book projects.
• Draft background research memos and literature reviews on education policy topics as assigned, drawing on peer-reviewed research, government datasets, and policy reports.
• Monitor federal and state legislative and regulatory changes concerning school choice, higher education funding, and federal education policy, and prepare clear summaries.
• Compile and organize data from NCES, NAEP, IPEDS, state report cards, and other educational sources; create clear, labeled charts and tables for published work.
• Attend Hill briefings, conferences, and relevant policy events, and prepare written summaries for the team.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and genuine interest in US education policy — including K–12 school choice, higher education finance, and federal education programs — grounded in and aligned with Cato's principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong research and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize studies, datasets, and policy documents into clear, properly cited briefs.
• Ability to monitor and summarize federal and state education proposals clearly and concisely.
• Data literacy using education-specific sources, including NCES, NAEP, IPEDS, and state report cards, with careful attention to definitions, units, and appropriate use of survey and administrative data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including filters, sorting, XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH, and PivotTables.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work requires accuracy in sourcing, citations, and written output, as well as consistent follow-through on assigned tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in education policy through a research assistantship, policy organization internship, published or submitted paper, or independent project with verifiable results
• Familiarity with the current state of school choice policy, including ESA and voucher program design, research on outcomes, and major debates in the field; applicants are encouraged to review the team's recently published work before applying.
• Coursework or research in political science, economics, or public policy directly related to education.

The Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks. 

Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, DC.

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.