The Unruh Institute of Politics is committed to bringing the academy and the public square together. As such, the Institute offers a Research Internship course that allows students to conduct extensive research and analysis on policy issues facing local, state, and federal government.
About the Policy Research Internship
Students will have the opportunity to work directly with partnering organizations. Examples of partnering organizations from previous semesters include the NALEO Education Fund, Green Dot Public Schools, Los Angeles City Council Offices, and California Strategies.
Students take part in a team-based research project where they will work to develop solutions in their respective policy areas by conducting interviews with policy experts, review academic and policy reports, and other primary and secondary sources. At the conclusion of the program, each team presents their final product to the partnering organization.
Spring 2026 Research Projects:
“Media for the Public Good: A California Framework” with California Common Cause
This project examines how California could design a public interest media system that best serves the needs of communities across the state. With public interest media increasingly recognized as essential infrastructure for civic life, community health, and inclusive information ecosystems, the research team will explore institutional forms, governance structures, and funding models that could most effectively advance public interests, especially improved public wellbeing, civic engagement, and equitable access to trusted local information.
Students will conduct research on behalf of California Common Cause to address the question: “How should California design a public interest media system, across institutional form, governance, and funding, to best serve the public interest and measurably improve the health and wellbeing of local communities statewide?” Students will conduct original research using academic literature, policy reports, stakeholder interviews, and comparative, regional case studies of groups and efforts already underway that are meeting audiences where they are at through public interest media channels. The team will analyze how these different regional models support audience connection, community engagement, and wellbeing outcomes, and will develop policy recommendations tailored to California’s unique political, demographic, and media landscape.
At the end of the project, the team will present findings in a final report with actionable policy guidance for policymakers, public interest media organizations, foundations, and civic partners.
Bi-weekly Meetings: Wednesdays, 10-11AM PT
“Local Economies, Local Power: Business Trends in LA City Council Districts” with Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce
While Los Angeles is globally recognized for its entertainment industry, it is also a diverse and dynamic economic powerhouse. This project examines how a wide range of industries—from infrastructure and gaming to fashion and food technology—are shaping the city’s evolving business ecosystem and demonstrating how local innovation scales to meet global demand.
Students will conduct research on behalf of Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce to address the question: “What does the business landscape look like in each Los Angeles City Council district, and how can local leaders best support the industries driving growth?” Students will produce a Business Impact Report focused on an assigned Los Angeles City Council district. Through data analysis, students will assess industry composition, identify emerging trends, and pinpoint key drivers of economic growth within their district. The project emphasizes industries contributing to local job creation and investment, generating evidence-based insights to inform policy discussions with elected officials and community stakeholders.
Using research and data visualization tools such as infographics, spreadsheets, and charts, students will synthesize their findings into a professional slide deck and a written final report.
Bi-weekly Meetings: Wednesdays, 2-3PM PT
Spots are limited and competitive. We encourage all interested USC students to apply.
To Apply:
The application for the Spring 2026 POSC 395 Policy Research Internship is now open! The application deadline is on Sunday, January 25 at 11:59PM PT.
Please send any questions about the Policy Research Internship to unruhins@usc.edu.