KIP Fall 2025 - Policy Reform Intern - The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE)

The Koch Internship Program (KIP)  is a paid, 10-week experiential learning program run by Stand Together Fellowships that offers meaningful work experience at non-profits all over the country tackling some of our nation’s most pressing challenges . Throughout your internship with a partner organization, Stand Together Fellowships hosts virtual professional development sessions every Thursday from 1-5 pm ET, wherein you will be mentored by seasoned professionals as you craft a capstone project on the topic that matters most to you.  Interns will receive either a $5,500 or $3,300 stipend from Stand Together Fellowships depending on whether they are participating full-time (40 hours/week) or part-time (28 hours/week).

 

Successful candidates will interview with both our non-profit partner organizations and Stand Together Fellowships staff, so we strongly encourage you to apply in advance!

This internship will be based in Philadelphia, PA and begin in the Fall of 2025. The hours and exact start and end dates are flexible to fit the intern’s academic calendar.

 

About FIRE

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought. 

 

Position Description

FIRE is looking for passionate, team-oriented, and driven undergraduates (rising juniors, and seniors) or graduate students attending colleges and universities in the United States. FIRE offers a fast-paced and exciting work environment. Working at the headquarters of a national nonprofit, the student will be immersed in the general functions of running the office while learning about civil liberties in higher education from professional free speech advocates.

 

Responsibilities

FIRE is seeking an energetic undergraduate intern to aid its Policy Reform program. The Policy Reform Intern’s responsibilities may include:

Contributing research to FIRE’s Spotlight database of speech codes

Assisting the Policy Reform Program Associate with reviewing news reports and social media for proposed policies, new policies, and policy revisions pertinent to FIRE’s mission

Coordinating mailings to colleges regarding speech codes and other recommended reforms

Performing surveys of particular policy topics to track trends and identify targets for reform

Coordinating responses to inquiries from students and other members of the public regarding campus policies

Performing general office duties, such as answering phones, managing inventory, and fielding the general FIRE inbox

 

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have:

Interest in learning more about First Amendment principles

Understanding of and enthusiasm for FIRE’s mission

Interpersonal communication skills

Attention to detail and organizational skills

 

Preferred Qualifications:

Understanding of First Amendment jurisprudence

Previous experience working for a nonprofit

Student leadership experience

FIRE’s office is located in Old City, Philadelphia. Commuters that live outside walking distance can easily access FIRE through SEPTA regional rail, subway, bus service, or PATCO rail service. Parking is also available in the area at a variety of lots and garages for between $15 and $30 a day.

Stand Together Fellowships believes that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. Our admissions office treats all program participants and applicants with honesty, dignity, respect and sensitivity. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of color, race, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.