Funded Internships
Full-time Summer Internships
These internships provide undergraduates with hands-on experience in poverty-related research and policy. Students are paired with faculty conducting research or staff members supporting the work of a research institute or lab.
As a PRF intern, you'll build valuable skills, benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities, and work on active research projects that make a difference. Approximately 15 to 20 percent of each week is dedicated to PRF group programming. Each summer, the PRF internship program expands to include additional research labs and disciplines.
In Summer 2027, about 40 interns will be hired for research and impact positions within the units listed below. For a list of responsibilities and sample projects, view the Research and Impact intern position descriptions. Students select to apply for one or both within the application.
Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO)
LEO conducts rigorous research with nonprofit service providers across the U.S. to better understand and share effective poverty interventions. Intern positions with LEO include economic research, state and federal policy, research replication, and dissemination. Learn more about LEO.
Strengthening Families Research Initiative
Strengthening Families is dedicated to building and disseminating evidence about ways to support parents and improve child well-being. Internship positions include economics research and policy roles. Learn more about Strengthening Families.
Pulte Institute for Global Development and the Building Inclusive Growth (BIG) Lab
Faculty in the Pulte Institute and the BIG Lab conduct policy-relevant research in low- and middle-income countries using a broad range of research methodologies. Intern positions with Pulte Institute and BIG Lab include working with researchers in global affairs and economics. Learn more about the Pulte Institute and the BIG Lab.
Notre Dame Population Analytics (ND Pop)
ND Pop conducts policy-relevant research using big data techniques to help explain the dynamics of populations and factors that impact human flourishing. Intern positions with NDPop include research roles in various disciplines. Learn more about ND Pop.
Department of Sociology
Sociologists examine how social structures, institutions, and relationships shape people's lives and opportunities. PRF interns support research on topics related to poverty and inequality while gaining experience using sociological approaches to better understand complex social challenges.
Apply now
Eligibility and Application Process
The summer internship application opens early each fall semester and is open to sophomores and juniors. Interviews and final selections are typically completed before winter break. Applicants who are not initially selected may be placed on a waitlist in case positions become available before the summer.
Each application is reviewed holistically, with consideration given to students’ academic preparation, relevant coursework, skills and interests, GPA, references, and essay responses. We also value applicants who demonstrate a genuine interest in understanding and addressing poverty, as well as a commitment to serving others.
First-year students who are interested in future internship opportunities are encouraged to join the Poverty Research Community. The Community provides an introduction to PRF and helps students explore future pathways into the program.
Funding
Interns receive a grant to help support their living expenses during the summer internship. Grant amounts are determined annually based on available funding. For Summer 2026, interns received $8,900. Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own on- or off-campus housing and meals.
Returning Summer Internships
Students who return for a second summer internship gain the unique opportunity of building a customized experience. Returning interns will work with a member of the PRF team to determine a role that best fits their interests and goals.
Programming and Training
Approximately 15 to 20 percent of each week is dedicated to PRF group programming, including workshops with researchers, social service providers, ethics discussions, data training, community-building events, local service opportunities, and site visits.
Interns whose research projects require the use of Stata will complete an asynchronous training developed specifically for Poverty Research Fellows. Stata-SE is provided to all interns who need a license.
The PRF Stata Training will be available on Canvas beginning in May 2027 for anyone in the Notre Dame community who wants to build Stata skills for future coursework, independent research, a senior thesis, or for other projects.
Academic Year Internships
Summer interns are invited to indicate whether they would like to continue part-time (5 to 10 hours per week) during the following fall and/or spring semesters. Continued roles depend on supervisor capacity and project needs, and the PRF team works with interns and supervisors to determine placements. Academic year internships are paid at an hourly rate of $17.50.
Academic year roles that are not filled by summer interns may be offered to other Fellows or students in the Poverty Research Community.