This summer opportunity is part of the inaugural UChicago Polsky Summer 2026 Policy Fellowship Program, a new partnership between the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth and the Institute of Politics. All University of Chicago students enrolled in the College are eligible to apply for this external summer internship, funded by the Polsky Energy Transition Leadership Academy. Graduate students are not eligible to apply. The selected student will receive a $6,000 stipend for a minimum of 320 hours or at least 8 weeks of full-time work for the fellowship.
Applications for this initial batch of opportunities are due at 11:59 PM on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Overview of Organization:
Since its creation, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and its predecessors have considered, reported, and overseen some of the most important legislation ever enacted by the United States Congress.
This far-reaching legislative activity can be described in the following major areas: energy resources and development, including regulation, conservation, strategic petroleum reserves, and appliance standards; nuclear energy; Indian affairs; public lands and their renewable resources; surface mining, Federal coal, oil, and gas, other mineral leasing; territories and insular possessions; and water resources.
Internship Summary:
An educational opportunity to learn firsthand about the inner workings of a Senate Committee office.
Responsibilities:
- Legislative-related tasks and administrative duties
- Attending legislative briefings and hearings.
- Assisting staff with research and drafting memos for the Senator.
- Other administrative tasks and special projects.
Preferred Qualifications: This internship is an excellent opportunity to see how a Senate office functions and learn how to navigate the Senate as an institution. Applicants must thrive on organization, have keen attention to detail, be relentlessly adaptable, and deliver on multiple urgent deadlines simultaneously.
Eligibility: Seniors in college or graduate students with a demonstrated interest in energy policy, natural resources policy, conservation, or climate policy. Preference will be given to students from New Mexico, but all are encouraged to apply.
About the Supervisor: You will report to the Intern Coordinator, but are encouraged to work with the Professional Staff Members on the committee based on your interest areas.
Tylor Collier is the Research Assistant on the Energy team. She attended Michigan State University, where she graduated with a BA in Social Relations and Policy and a BA in Arts and Humanities. She moved to Arizona, and then to Chicago, where she earned a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School. Tylor’s background is in social policy with an emphasis on racial and gendered disparities. She joined the ENR team fresh from the Department of Energy, where she helped senior leadership manage the various program offices and National Labs. In her spare time, Tylor likes to travel, read, and eat good food. In an ideal situation, Tylor would be reading on a beach, but she’ll accept reading on a couch as an alternative.
Location/Modality/Commute: Washington DC., In-person while the Senate is in session, remote while the Senate is out of session.
Start/End Date: May 27th – August 19th, with flexibility for shorter or longer internships.
Required Materials:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- 3 References
- GPA
- Please state if you will be seeking academic credit for your internship.
Modality Notes
Our team works in office Monday-Friday while the Senate is in session with the option to work remotely while the Senate is not in session. The intern would be expected to work in person with the rest of the Committee staff. We are flexible for school responsibilities or personal needs.