Public Policy Internship 100% Remote

Houston, Texas (United States) VOICE UP PUBLIC POLICY & ADMINISTRATION PURPOSE PATHWAY INTERNSHIP JOB DESCRIPTION PUBLIC POLICY & ADMINISTRATION INTERNSHIP Academic Credit VOICE UP PUBLIC POLICY & ADMINISTRATION PURPOSE PATHWAY INTERNSHIP Exploring Purpose at the Intersection of Governance, Public Service, and Democratic Impact Voice Up's early-stage model has already engaged students and emerging professionals from more than 80 universities and learning environments worldwide, contributing nearly 3,000 hours of logged purpose-driven work. Public Policy and Administration is the science and practice of designing, implementing, and evaluating programs and policies that serve the public good. The Voice Up Public Policy & Administration Purpose Pathway Internship invites undergraduate and graduate students to explore the foundational question: How can purpose-driven public servants create policies and programs that improve lives, strengthen communities, and advance democratic governance? Rather than focusing only on bureaucratic processes or political dynamics, students here connect civic values, evidence-based analysis, community engagement, and ethical leadership to the high-impact work of public administration and policy development. This internship is designed to help students explore their emerging professional identity within a field that shapes everything from program management to policy analysis, legislative advocacy, budget oversight, intergovernmental relations, public service delivery, and nonprofit administration. This program runs on: The Fuller Method of reflective mentoring and narrative identity development The B Curriculum for clarity, self-discovery, and meaning-making Voice Up's Five Core Principles Applied, real-world policy and administration challenges Students leave not only with skills but with clarity of purpose, confidence, and a blueprint for contribution in public service. LEARNING GOALS Students completing this internship will: Understand Public Policy as a Purpose-Oriented Discipline Examine how policy development and public administration are shaped by democratic values, equity, evidence-based practice, civic engagement, and ethical governance. Connect Personal Values to Public Service Identify how your own life story, civic experiences, and values intersect with opportunities to serve communities through policy and program development. Develop Critical Skills in Policy Analysis and Administration Including policy research and analysis, program evaluation, budget analysis, stakeholder engagement, legislative tracking, grant writing, and strategic planning. Create Purpose-Based Policy and Program Solutions Students will design practical policy proposals, program implementation plans, budget analyses, or community engagement strategies. Craft an Identity as a Public Service Professional Through narrative writing, mentor support, and reflective practice, students articulate who they are becoming within the field. INTERNSHIP STRUCTURE (8 12 WEEKS) WEEKS 1 2 "Know Thyself: The Public Service Lens" The B Curriculum (Be Curious, Be Honest, Be Courageous ) Personal civic engagement narrative Fuller Method mentor conversation Exploration of governance systems and public service impact Reflection: "How does policy shape community well-being?" WEEKS 3 4 "Understanding Government through Purpose" Policy development processes and cycles Stakeholder engagement and community input Public program effectiveness analysis Mini-literature review on policy topic student selects Skill-building: Policy research and data analysis techniques WEEKS 5 6 "Purpose in Action: Designing Policy Solutions" Systems mapping (federal, state, local governance, nonprofit sector) Budget and fiscal analysis fundamentals Designing a policy proposal or program implementation plan Mentor session: refining policy frameworks Peer collaboration groups WEEKS 7 8 "Your Public Policy Purpose Blueprint" Capstone design + written reflection Policy memo or program evaluation report Contribution to the Purpose Library Final mentor session OPTIONAL WEEKS 9 12 Advanced Policy Analysis Track Research assistantship support on public policy Cost-benefit analysis and impact modeling Program evaluation methodology Presentation to policymakers, administrators, or elected officials DISCIPLINE-SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES Each student completes: A Public Service Identity Statement A reflective piece integrating civic narrative with professional alignment in policy and administration. A Policy Ecosystem Map Visualizing how stakeholders, governance structures, and public programs intersect to create community outcomes. A "Policy Analysis Brief" Applying evidence-based policy analysis to a real-world governance challenge. A Purpose-Based Policy or Program Proposal Such as: - A legislative policy proposal with fiscal impact analysis - A public program implementation plan - A community engagement and participatory governance strategy - A grant proposal for public or nonprofit service delivery A Future Pathway Plan Next steps for MPA/MPP programs, policy fellowships, government service, nonprofit leadership, or legislative careers. THE THREE PARTICIPATION PATHWAYS Academic Credit Volunteer Service Voice Up University All pathways receive the same quality of mentorship, access, and purpose development. ALIGNMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES This internship aligns with: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) competencies American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) code of ethics International City/County Management Association (ICMA) professional standards Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) best practices The internship supports early pipeline development for future policy analysts, program managers, budget analysts, legislative staff, city managers, nonprofit administrators, and public service leaders. JOB DETAILS Employment Internship Industry Public Policy & Administration