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 Heal the Bay, LA Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles City Council Offices, LA Mayor’s Office, California Strategies, Metrolink, SnapChat, Downtown Women’s Center, Nature Conservancy, California Common Cause, and many others.
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.
Fall 2026 Research Projects:
“Bridging the Gap: Improving Early Detection and Educational Transitions for Children with Special Needs” with City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity
Students will assist in the development of research on behalf of the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity by asking the research question: How can early childhood education systems create a more consistent, human-centered approach to the early detection of special needs and support children, families, and educators during the transition from preschool into K–12 education?
Children who receive early intervention services before age three often experience a fragmented transition into school-based support, requiring parents to navigate complex systems with limited guidance. At the same time, inconsistencies in preschool educator training leads to uneven identification of developmental disabilities. This research explores how policymakers, educators, and service providers can develop a more consistent, human-centered approach to early detection and educational transitions for children with special needs.
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
“Improving Wildfire Evacuation Planning and Community Safety” with Los Angeles Councilwoman Traci Park’s Office
Students will assist in the development of research on behalf of Councilwoman Traci Park’s Office by asking the research question: How can communities located in wildfire-prone areas improve evacuation planning and community safety, and what strategies have been successfully implemented by other cities, regions, and countries facing similar wildfire risks?
In the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, this research project will explore how wildfire-prone communities can strengthen evacuation planning, emergency preparedness, and overall community safety. In support of Councilwoman Traci Park’s Office and the constituents of Council District 11 (CD11), students will examine successful strategies implemented by cities, regions, and countries facing similar wildfire risks. The research will identify lessons learned, best practices, and innovative approaches that can help inform future planning and strengthen the safety and resilience of communities.
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, 1-2PM PT
Spots are limited and competitive. We encourage all interested USC students to apply.
To Apply:
The application for the Fall 2026 Policy Research Internship is open! The application closes on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 11:59PM PT.
Please send any questions about the Policy Research Internship to unruhins@usc.edu.