Summer Intern, XQ Institute: Education Programming

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: Friday, January 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.

The Opportunity

XQ Institute is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to rethinking the high school experience so every student graduates ready to succeed in college, career, and real life. 

As the Education Programming intern, you’ll support several initiatives across the Schools and Systems (S&S) team—a core component of XQ’s mission. The S&S team works to transform high schools into centers of innovation and rigorous learning by advancing data, research, evaluation, and policy initiatives that strengthen systems and improve outcomes for all students. Through this internship, you’ll contribute to program evaluation, data collection, and school engagement efforts that help identify what makes high schools thrive. This is a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in education strategy, program design, and communications within a mission-driven organization shaping the future of American education.

• Gather and analyze insights and feedback from community practice sessions, events, and school visits throughout the academic year.
• Organize and conduct follow-up interviews and focus groups with educational leaders involved in specific programs.
• Create and present an end-of-summer report summarizing program effectiveness, key findings, and recommendations.
• Assist in coordinating school visits and community practice programming for the upcoming academic year.
• Develop a communication strategy to encourage schools to participate in various programs for the next academic year.

• Rising undergraduate seniors, preferably pursuing a degree in education, public policy, or a related field. 
• Demonstrated interest in education innovation, policy, or systems change.
• Exemplifies the XQ Learner Goals.
• Can work independently and has agency.
• Able to navigate Google Suite.
• Has a strong interest in education issues and policy.
• ​​Strong written and verbal communication skills, strategic thinking, attention to detail, and comfort in a fast-paced environment.
• A proven background in a dynamic and evolving work environment.

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 9: Internship applications accepted; interviews begin on a rolling basis

Applications must be submitted by 2:00 PM PT/5:00 PM ET on Friday, January 9.

(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