Are you a driven and self-motivated student with an interest in health policy and looking to gain practical experience and contribute to the work of policymakers? The Kansas Health Institute (KHI), located in Topeka, Kansas, in northeast Kansas, is seeking applicants for an internship beginning in January 2024. At KHI, we work on a wide range of projects that are designed to support effective policymaking at the state and local level that may impact the health of Kansans. The individual chosen for this position will have the opportunity to participate in the research, data analysis, education and engagement activities that support KHI’s mission to provide members of the Kansas Legislature, state agency officials and staff, county and municipal government officials, and other stakeholders with valuable information that allows them to be well informed when considering and debating health-related legislation and policy options. This KHI internship will provide the right individual with a meaningful introduction to the world of health policy, research and nonprofit operations.
The primary activity of this Legislative Monitoring internship will be to monitor the activities of the 2024 Kansas Legislature as it considers health-related legislation during the 2024 session that begins on Jan. 8, 2024. The intern will learn to produce concise, well-organized summaries of bills, testimony, and questions, comments and actions taken by legislators during hearings and other meetings. The work product of the intern will be used to support production of KHI’s Health at the Capitol reports and other publications and informational products throughout the session. The intern will also be provided with the opportunity to observe or participate in other KHI activities and to interact with KHI stakeholders, including members of the Legislature, state agency staff, university faculty and staff, public health officials, medical professionals, and representatives of private sector organizations.
Candidates for this internship opportunity should be pursuing their graduate or undergraduate degree in public policy, public health, public/healthcare administration, political science or other related fields. Familiarity with health policy issues, such as public and private health insurance coverage, accessing health care, behavioral health services is advantageous but not required. Strong writing and analytic skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented research setting are essential. This internship can be fully remote or hybrid during the period of the internship.
Internship Details:
Compensation: This is a paid internship opportunity, offering $15 an hour. Not eligible for benefits.
Schedule: 15-20 hours per week, for 10-12 weeks during the spring semester either hybrid or remote. In person in the office could be required at the beginning of the internship. Time spent at our office, across the street from the Capitol building, will allow you to immerse yourself in our organization’s environment and culture.
Mentorship: The opportunity to interact with and learn from KHI’s professional staff, who have a wide variety of academic and work experiences and knowledge.
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited academic institution with a strong interest in public policy, public health, public/healthcare administration, political science, or other related fields.
- Curiosity and eagerness to learn about health policy, research methods, and nonprofit operations.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills
- Strong work ethic and attention to detail
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Proficiency in using basic computer tools, including Microsoft Office suite.
What You’ll Gain:
- Practical knowledge and exposure to health policy research and nonprofit operations.
- Opportunity to contribute to meaningful policy projects.
- Insights into the legislative process and its impact on healthcare policies.
- Enhanced research, data visualization, and communication skills.
At KHI, we value diversity and are committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants. To apply, please submit a cover letter with your resume, your unofficial transcript, names of three references and a sample or samples of written work. Please submit materials to Careers@KHI.org.