Intern responsibilities vary, but often include covering congressional hearings, conducting research, coordinating events, managing databases, and writing for a newsletter or other publication. All students must be undergraduates who have completed at least two semesters of study at an accredited college or umversity by the start of the institute. Each year the Endowment holds a rigorous national competition to select approx. 10 graduating seniors to serve as junior research fellows. The focus for interns is to provide them with the best practical hands-on experience possible.
Students gain experience in the art of fundraising in our membership department.
They can improve their research skills with the National Political Awareness Test and the Vote Smart Web, and refine their communication skills with the press department, Voter's Research Hotline, and our new national media and library partnership project. The fellowships are intended for researchers who have a doctorate degree and wish to devote a year to scholarly work in areas related to natural resources, energy, or the environment. Social scientists as well as natural scientists interested in policy-relevant interdisciplinary research are encouraged to apply. The award is open to individuals in any discipline who have completed their doctoral requkements by the beginning of the 2000-2001 academic year. Individuals holding positions in government as well as at academic institutions are eligible.