Foundation Internship - Spring 2027

Colonial Group; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Academic credit possible

Job summary

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is offering an outstanding internship program for top student leaders.

As an intern, you’ll contribute to innovative projects, research, memo drafting, and event planning while collaborating with business leaders and senior executives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. The internship runs February 1 through April 9 with a part-time hybrid schedule, requiring in-office presence at least three days per week at the foundation's downtown Washington, DC

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in college or graduate studies or recent graduate within the past six months.
• Interest in policy, education, workforce development, or related areas.

Responsibilities

• Assist with research and drafting memos for various projects.
• Support event planning and coordination activities.
• Contribute to cross-department initiatives and professional development programs.

Skills

Research

Memo drafting

Event planning

Job description

We are pleased to offer an outstanding and substantive internship program for the nation’s best and brightest young leaders.

At the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, we harness the power of business to tackle pressing challenges facing communities today and in the future. As an intern, you’ll contribute to innovative projects that explore emerging issues, develop practical solutions in collaboration with business leaders, and support rapid responses during times of crisis. Our team values creativity, partnership, and high standards—and we’re committed to helping you grow professionally through meaningful learning experiences and career development opportunities.

During the internship, you will network with colleagues and senior executives while participating in educational and professional activities designed to enhance your experience.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

The Chamber Internship Program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn at the world’s largest business organization. In addition to directly supporting a team in the organization, interns have an opportunity to participate in a variety of programming that will help build professional skills and networks.

Responsibilities for interns typically include research, drafting memos, and event planning and coordination. Specific responsibilities vary by department and semester.

The Chamber also offers robust programming each semester to support professional development and networking for interns. These opportunities include company-wide meetings and social events, intern-exclusive discussions with senior executives such as the CEO, the Chief Policy Officer, and the President of the Foundation, as well as a resume review and interview preparation workshop.

The internship is expected to run from February 1 through April 9. Interns work a part-time hybrid schedule and are expected to be in the office at least three days a week at our U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in downtown Washington, D.C. Fully remote applicants will not be considered. Interns will be responsible for making their own housing accommodations if needed.

This is a paid internship, and students may also receive academic credit if they meet the criteria set by their school. The hourly rate for this position is between $18.00 and $20.00 per hour. This internship is open to current college or graduate students, as well as individuals who have graduated within the past six months.

DEPARTMENT MATCHING

The Foundation has a strong mix of impactful work that will allow interns to gain cross-department experience supporting initiatives tied to education, workforce development, economic opportunity, community resilience, communications, and operations. Based on organizational needs and each candidate’s background and interests, interns may support a variety of Foundation teams throughout the semester. Below are some of the teams that may be seeking intern support:

• Civics

The Civics team focuses on civics, democracy, and the nation’s free enterprise system – crucial issues shaping the environment in which businesses operate, and their ability to prosper and lift communities.

• Workforce

The Workforce team works to strengthen workforce development and talent pipelines by connecting businesses with education and training opportunities that prepare individuals for quality careers. The team focuses on expanding access to workforce opportunities, supporting skills development, leveraging innovative workforce solutions, and helping employers build strong, diverse talent pipelines to meet evolving economic needs.

• Global Resilience

The Global Resilience team prepares communities that are facing an increased risk of natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and public health threats. Businesses play an integral part in addressing these threats, and we give them the tools they need to prepare, respond, and recover to support the communities where they live and work.

• Early Childhood & K12 Education

The Early Childhood & K12 Education team advances workforce and economic opportunity initiatives with a strong focus on child care and early childhood issues that impact working families and employers. By bringing together business, policy, and community leaders, the team works to support solutions that strengthen access to affordable child care, support today’s workforce, and help prepare the next generation for long-term success.

• Foundation Events

The Foundation’s Events team plans, develops, and produces a wide variety of events and programs focused on issues facing business now and in the future.

• Incubator

The Incubator addresses the challenges communities will grapple with in the future that don’t typically overlap with the challenges they face right now. The world needs someone that’s looking around the corner to recognize, examine, and evaluate tomorrow’s solutions—today.

• Foundation Strategy & Operations

Foundation Strategy and Operations interns will partner with Foundation teams to develop and operationalize long-term strategies for growth, impact, and sustainability while also gaining experience improving day-to-day operations, processes and tools.

• Hiring Our Heroes

Hiring Our Heroes connects the military community—service members, military spouses, and veterans—with American businesses to create economic opportunity and a strong and diversified workforce.

Applications are accepted until Thursday, October 12. Interviews will be conducted in November & December.

This internship requires U.S. work authorization and is open to candidates with Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and/or Optional Practical Training (OPT).

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.