[Hiring] Policy Intern @Hopelab

Role Description

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.

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.

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 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.).

Activities 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience working with policymakers and/or policy advocates, particularly on health policy issues is especially invited.

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• Compensation: $33.00/hr.
• 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.
• Increased knowledge and skills in research and analysis of youth mental health policy.
• Experience in working on cross-functional teams.
• Development of content that supports Hopelab’s policy mission.
• Knowledge of the landscape of youth mental health policy at both the state and federal level.