KIP Spring 2026 - Policy Intern - The Buckeye Institute

The Koch Internship Program (KIP) is a paid, 12-week experiential learning program run by Stand Together Fellowships that offers meaningful work experience at non-profits all over the United States tackling some of our nation's most pressing challenges. Eligible candidates will be geographically located within the U.S. and authorized to work in the U.S. through the duration of the program.

Throughout your internship, you will gain meaningful professional experience at a partner organization and participate in professional development built around a 2-day, in-person summit hosted by Stand Together Fellowships at Stand Together's Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, supported by virtual programming that takes place every other Thursday between 1- 3:30 pm ET. Interns will receive either a $7,500 or $5,500 stipend from Stand Together Fellowships depending on whether they are participating full-time (40 hours/week) or part-time (24 hours/week).

The programming provided by Stand Together Fellowships focuses on three objectives:

1. understanding the foundational principles of a free society such as individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and the rule of law;

2. learning the Stand Together community's vision for change and how a principled approach to problem solving can help address society's biggest challenges; and

3. presenting opportunities and pathways to build a career that advances liberty and free society.

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!

Please note that all Koch Internship Program interns MUST be available every other Thursday (Jan. 22, Feb. 12, Feb. 26, March 12, March 26, and April 9) from 1-3:30 PM ET for virtual professional development training AND the in-person summit at Stand Together's Headquarters in Arlington, VA Feb. 6-Feb. 7.

About The Buckeye Institute:

Founded in 1989, The Buckeye Institute is an independent research and educational institution—a think tank—whose mission is to advance free-market public policy in the states.

The staff at Buckeye accomplish the organization’s mission by performing timely and reliable research on key issues, compiling and synthesizing data, formulating sound free-market policies, and promoting those solutions for implementation in Ohio and replication across the country.

The Buckeye Institute is located directly across the street from the Ohio Statehouse on Capitol Square in Columbus, where it assists legislative and executive branch policymakers by providing ideas, research, and data to enable the lawmakers’ effectiveness in advocating free-market public policy solutions.

You can learn more by visiting our website. 

About the role 

The Buckeye Institute is looking for talented undergraduate and graduate students for its in-person internship program in Columbus, Ohio. This internship will provide students the opportunity to work with key policymakers in Ohio and teach valuable skills for a career in public policy or research institutions.

Responsibilities 

Interns will assist Buckeye in its daily operations, including policy and legal research, communications, administrative support, and outreach. The internship will provide real-world experience at one of Ohio’s leading think tanks by partnering interns with our professional staff and will provide exposure to the proceedings of the Ohio legislature.

What you bring to the table

Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence, outstanding verbal and written communication skills, and a commitment to limited government and free-market public policy solutions.

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.