Emerson Collective
Summer Intern, Chicago CRED: Policy
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Overview
Emerson Collective (EC) is a company of investors, changemakers, creative thinkers, and problem solvers working to make a lasting mark on the world.
Emerson Collective’s summer internship program places rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors - and, for select opportunities, undergraduate students graduating in 2026 - in paid internship opportunities across Emerson Collective and our longstanding nonprofit partners XQ Institute, E Pluribus Unum, and Chicago CRED.
We’re looking for college students who think big, embrace challenges, and thrive in collaboration.
The internship is onsite, 40 hours per week, from June 15 through August 7, 2026. A mandatory paid virtual onboarding and orientation will take place June 10–12. See below for more details.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.
The Opportunity
At Chicago CRED we take a multifaceted approach to reducing gun violence and creating lasting change. The Policy team contributes to this mission by working at both the city and state levels to strengthen the public health infrastructure for violence prevention. The team collaborates with elected officials, government leaders, and community organizations to advance systemic solutions that address the root causes of gun violence.
As the Policy intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience in policy research, advocacy, and communications. You’ll help develop policy materials, support program operations, and have the opportunity to lead your own independent project based on your interests.
Role and Responsibilities
- Draft concise policy memos and briefing materials to inform internal and external discussions with leadership.
- Support planning and logistics for key advocacy events and policy convenings.
- Update and organize key communication lists of elected officials and staff.
- Support capacity building program by developing curriculum, assisting with logistics, and creating program materials.
- Design and lead an independent project aligned with your interests and the team’s priorities.
- Assist with general administrative tasks that keep the Policy team’s operations running smoothly.
Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements
- Rising undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior, preferably pursuing a degree in public policy, political science, sociology, or a related field.
- Demonstrated interest in policy, politics, and social impact, especially as they relate to community safety or violence prevention.
- Highly motivated and thrives working independently.
- Open to feedback and eager to learn through iteration and collaboration.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to distill complex information clearly.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in managing multiple priorities.
- Proactive and self-motivated, eager to take ownership of projects and deliver quality work with minimal supervision.
- Professionalism and judgment when handling sensitive policy or stakeholder information.
Internship Details
Compensation
- All interns are paid $25 per hour and can expect to work 40 hours per week from June 15 to August 7 (eight weeks).
- Interns will also be paid $25 per hour for onboarding and orientation sessions taking place June 10–12.
- All interns receive a lunch allowance and a commuter allowance, and may also receive travel and housing allowances as needed.
Key Dates
- November 18 – January 6: Internship applications accepted; interviews begin on a rolling basis
Applications must be submitted by 2:00 PM PT/5:00 PM ET on Tuesday, January 6.
(Please note that not all applicants will be selected for interviews.)
- January 12 – March 7: Interviews continue and offers extended
- June 10–12: Mandatory virtual onboarding and orientation
- June 15: Internship program begins
- August 7: Internship program concludes
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
With vibrant neighborhoods, great food and more affordable housing than either coast, Chicago might be the most liveable major tech hub. It is the birthplace of modern commodities and futures trading, a national hub for logistics and commerce, and home to the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association. This diverse blend of industry influences has helped Chicago emerge as a major player in verticals like fintech, biotechnology, legal tech, e-commerce and logistics technology. It’s also a major hiring center for tech companies on both coasts.
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
