KIP Summer 2025 - Legislative Research Intern - Illinois Policy Institute

The Koch Internship Program (KIP) is a paid, 10-week experiential learning program run by Stand Together Fellowships that offers meaningful work experience at non-profits all over the country tackling some of our nation’s most pressing challenges. Throughout your internship with a partner organization, Stand Together Fellowships hosts virtual professional development sessions every Thursday from 1-5 pm ET, wherein you will be mentored by seasoned professionals as you craft a capstone project on the topic that matters most to you.  Interns will receive either a $5,500 or $3,300 stipend from Stand Together Fellowships depending on whether they are participating full-time (40 hours/week) or part-time (28 hours/week).

Successful candidates will interview with both our non-profit partner organizations and Stand Together Fellowships staff, so we strongly encourage you to apply in advance!

About the Illinois Policy Institute:

The Illinois Policy Institute is the strongest voice for taxpayers in the state. We stand up for regular Illinoisans who deserve a voice in government but have been ignored in favor of special interests for too long. We educate and engage Illinoisans from all walks of life to ensure our state is a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Illinois is a place we should all be proud to call home.

The Illinois Policy Institute is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research organization.

The Illinois Policy Institute believes:

That civil and personal liberties must be protected and preserved.

Illinois should be a place where people of all talents, interests and cultural backgrounds can succeed with hard work and ingenuity.

In effective, efficient, honest and transparent government that is accountable to taxpayers and residents in need, not political special interests.

That the best policies empower people – and limit the power of government.

That a public pension system that threatens to bankrupt our state, drive down economic growth and evaporate retirements for public-sector workers is immoral – but that modest reforms can solve this crisis.

Property taxes must be brought under control so people are not forced out of their homes.

Workers deserve the right to choose whether a labor union serves their values and interests.

Economic policy should focus on creating jobs and opportunities for all.

Voters deserve choices at the ballot box and no politician is entitled to a “safe” seat.

Each child should have access to their choice of educational opportunities that meet their individual needs and prepare them for the future.

The Illinois Policy Institute is seeking an intern to be part of a high-performing team conducting research that makes a difference. You’ll help analyze bills and policies to identify legislation that helps Illinois taxpayers – and uncover bills that would hurt taxpayers. You’ll work with the team to uncover information generally unavailable to the public that is held by state and local government units.

For the duration of your internship, you’ll work remotely as part of the institute’s labor and litigation team, with the option to work in our Chicago office. 

Please submit a cover letter detailing your qualifications for the position and interest in working for the Illinois Policy Institute and a writing sample with your application.

• Review bills filed in the Illinois General Assembly, in Chicago and in other local government units to categorize as either aligned with or against free-market principles.
• Conduct research for articles and reports on education, labor issues, state and local regulatory systems, ethics and transparency in government, and more.
• File Freedom of Information Act requests to uncover government data not readily available to the public.
• Fact check research by institute policy experts.

• Have or be working toward a bachelor’s or graduate degree with a focus on political science, government, law or public policy.
• Have excellent data analysis and writing skills, have experience reading and analyzing legislation, proficiency in Excel, attention to detail, the ability to work as part of a team and a positive attitude.

Stand Together Fellowships believes that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. Our admissions office treats all program participants and applicants with honesty, dignity, respect and sensitivity. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of color, race, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.