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 are due on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Overview of Organization:
SEEC Institute is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening collaboration, convening and educating, and developing strategic planning on climate and clean energy issues. We connect congressional leaders with the private sector, civil society, advocates, academics, and other experts to foster stronger dialogue and accelerate progress. We were established in 2024 to complement the leadership of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), a caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives founded in 2009 and composed of 100+ Members of Congress committed to advancing durable and effective environmental policy.
Our work aims to broaden understanding, build momentum, and drive meaningful action on durable and effective environmental and clean energy policy.
Internship Summary:
SEEC Institute seeks a Policy and International Programming Intern to support implementation of the Institute’s 2026 International Engagement Plan and advance the Thriving Economy Project, a flagship initiative focused on aligning climate action with economic flourishing. The Intern will work directly with the Director of Policy and International Programming and gain hands-on exposure to congressional engagement, international and domestic climate policy, and Washington-based convenings. This internship is well-suited for students interested in climate and energy policy, international affairs, and the role of Congress in global climate leadership.
Responsibilities:
- Support implementation of SEEC Institute’s 2026 International Engagement Plan, including research, briefing preparation, and logistical support for background memos and international press engagements.
- Regularly track developments in the international climate space, including international perception of U.S. climate policy, and summarize implications for U.S. lawmakers.
- Support the Thriving Economy Project through operations support, event planning, research, writing, and stakeholder mapping.
- Assist with planning and execution of in-person and virtual meetings, Hill visits, and policy convenings.
- Participate in meetings with congressional offices, international delegations, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong interest in climate, energy, economic, or international policy.
- Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Comfort working independently in a small, remote organization.
- Proficiency with Microsoft and other computer-based programs.
- Creativity in executing policy or organizational goals.
- Stakeholder management experience, including work in the service industry.
- Prior coursework or experience in public policy, international relations, economics, or environmental studies is a plus. Experience with the UN COP process is a plus. Language skills are a plus.
Eligibility:
- Domestic and international students
- Undergraduate students
About the Supervisor: The intern will report directly to the Director of Policy and International Programming, who has experience working in Congress, the Executive Branch, and international climate forums. The supervisor is committed to providing clear guidance, regular check-ins, and mentorship throughout the internship. The supervisor began her journey in the international climate space with an undergraduate class on international climate policy and loves to mentor students with similar interests.
Location/Modality/Commute: This is a remote internship based in Washington, DC. While a significant amount of work may be completed remotely, the intern is expected to be in Washington, D.C., for in-person meetings, Hill visits, events, and convenings throughout the summer. The intern may work from outside Washington, D.C., with prior approval from the supervisor and significant advance notice. SEEC Institute does not operate from a physical office, and the intern should be comfortable with a relationship-driven, highly collaborative work environment that includes frequent external meetings across the city.
Start/End Date: Summer internships run from June 1 through September 26. Exact start and end dates will be determined during the interview process.
Required Materials:
- Resume (may include relevant coursework)
- Cover letter explaining the applicant’s interest in climate and energy policy (domestic and/or international), congressional affairs, and operations and event planning
- Short explanation (no more than 250 words) describing how the change in U.S. administration has impacted international climate action.
Modality Notes
SEEC Institute operates as a remote organization with regular in-person engagements in Washington, DC The intern will be expected to be in Washington, DC and participate in in-person meetings, Hill visits, events, and convenings throughout the summer. There is flexibility in day-to-day scheduling due to the remote environment, but the role is intentionally designed for the intern to participate in SEEC Institute programming in Washington as it comes up as well as other in-person educational opportunities.
Commuting Notes
We are a remote organization, so the intern will be expected to work from home in Washington, DC.