ACT Now Policy and Communications Intern Summer 2026

ACT Now Policy and Communications Intern Summer 2026

Description

Afterschool for Children and Teens Now Coalition (ACT Now) is seeking a driven, creative, and dynamic intern with a dedicated interest in youth development programming for our full-time summer 2026 internship. Intern(s) will receive a stipend.

ACT Now is a statewide network that advocates for access to quality and affordable afterschool programs for youth within Illinois. We have diverse partnerships with families, educators, legislators, policymakers, community and youth leaders, and providers. We are the C. S. Mott Foundation-funded Statewide Afterschool Network, and we have a counterpart in all 50 states. Our offices are based in Chicago, IL. We are offering an in-person internship this summer with hybrid work opportunities based upon candidates’ needs.

The intern who fills this position will have the opportunity to assist our Policy and Communications Associate in ACT Now’s state and federal policy work, as well as dive into our communications work. Applicants must have excellent communications skills, a strong work ethic, an ability to take direction and work independently, and background in government relations, public policy, or social work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on state and federal policy issues affecting afterschool programs and community schools
• Compile resources for the weekly ACT Now Newsletter
• Create content for ACT Now’s social media platforms (Meta Platforms and LinkedIn)
• Participate in ACT Now’s committee meetings
• Work on ACT Now’s policy campaigns, including state and federal funding campaigns for afterschool programming
• Develop advocacy toolkits and materials for the afterschool field
• Assist in and attend virtual and/or in-person events/conferences

Qualifications

• Applicants must have completed at least their sophomore year at their undergraduate institution.
• Candidates must possess good communications skills, be highly motivated, organized, and be flexible in a fast-moving work environment.
  • Preferred candidates with a demonstrated interest in governmental relations, public policy, social work, education, social justice issues, and positive youth development
• Applicants should be available full-time, in-person, for a minimum of 12 weeks

Applications

Applicants must submit a resume with GPA, relevant coursework, and work experience; a cover letter; and two references to Deputy Director of Policy, Communications, and External Affairs, Emma Giamberdino, by Monday, May 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. CDT. Please ensure to specify your available start date. Note: Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

Please send all materials with the subject “ACT Now Policy and Communications Summer 2026 Internship” to: Spencere@actnowillinois.org.