Research Intern - Center for Educational Freedom

To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application. 

About the Role

This paid, in-person internship in Washington, DC (25–40 hours/week over 12 weeks) joins Cato’s Center for Educational Freedom (CEF), working closely with Neal McCluskey (Director). You’ll support research and communications on K–12 school choice (ESAs, vouchers, charter schools), higher-education finance (federal aid, student loans, accreditation), and pre-K policy—tracking developments and debates in these areas.

Day to day, you’ll turn primary sources and education datasets—NCES, NAEP, IPEDS, and state report cards—into clear analysis for op-eds, papers, and blog posts; track federal and state proposals; and draft concise background notes.

The work emphasizes rigor, accuracy, and clear communication in support of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.

Responsibilities

• Provide fact-finding and research for scholars’ op-eds, papers, and blog posts
• Write background research on issues of interest to scholars
• Attend and report on Hill briefings and other relevant panels and conferences

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in—and working familiarity with—US education policy (K–12 school choice, higher-ed finance, pre-K), aligned with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Strong research and writing in education policy—synthesize studies/datasets into concise briefs with accurate citations from primary sources.
• Microsoft Excel proficiency (filters/sort, XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH, PivotTables); organized, well-labeled workbooks.
• Data literacy with NCES, NAEP, IPEDS, and state report cards; careful with definitions/units and clean charting
• Ability to monitor and succinctly summarize federal and state education proposals.
• Professionalism and reliability—can plan work, meet deadlines, communicate proactively, and incorporate feedback swiftly.

The Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks. 

Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, DC.

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.