Our internship program is designed to provide young individuals with the opportunity to learn about state policy development and to gain hands-on experience working on policy research, legislative analysis, and communications. Palmetto Promise Institute is located near the University of South Carolina and just blocks from the South Carolina Statehouse, providing an ideal setting for an engaging, hands-on program. Applications for spring and summer 2025 internships are now open for both college and high school students.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The internship program at Palmetto Promise Institute provides opportunities for young individuals to work alongside policy researchers and analysts. Interns participate in policy research and analysis projects, gain exposure to the policy development process, and learn to communicate policy issues effectively. Participants also have the opportunity to attend hearings of the state legislature, further enhancing their understanding of the policy development process (Featured above and to the right are 2024 Summer Fellows Jennifer Buckley and Charlotte Cross).
JUNIOR POLICY SCHOLARS: Junior Policy Scholars are talented South Carolina high school students who support the Palmetto Promise mission over the summer through independent research and policy advocacy, working remotely at their own pace and meeting regularly with our staff for guidance.
PAST INTERNSHIP SUCCESS STORIES
Adam Crain, Wofford graduate, served as a Research Intern (2016-2019). Adam was named a John Jay Fellow and graduated from the University of South Carolina Law School. He is now employed with a Columbia, SC law firm and has written amicus briefs for non-profit organizations.
Lawson Mansell (2019-2022) was quickly promoted from Policy Intern to Content Manager during his time at Palmetto Promise. He furthered his policy expertise with a Masters in Public Policy (MPP) at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California and has since worked for a variety of policy research groups. He recently relocated to Washington DC to work as a Health Policy Analyst for the Niskanen Center.
OUR MISSION
We endeavor to use our experience, knowledge, and access to help train the next generation of leaders like these that will have a positive impact in their local communities, the state of South Carolina, and beyond.
APPLY
Applications for interns in our spring 2025 and summer 2025 terms are being considered now, on a rolling basis. Remote and in person positions are available and open to both college students and talented high schoolers. To apply, email a copy of your resume, unofficial transcript, and two writing samples to felicity@palmettopromise.org.
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