Spring 2027 Intern - Acton Institute

Spring Internship | Full-Time or Part-Time Acton Institute Grand Rapids, MI About the Acton Institute The Acton Institute is a think tank whose mission is to promote a free and virtuous society characterized by individual liberty and sustained by religious principles. Acton is a global leader at the intersection of faith, economics, and human flourishing. For more than 35 years, Acton has equipped religious leaders, business professionals, and scholars around the world to understand and live out the moral foundations of a free and virtuous society. Through high-impact educational programs, international events, and thought leadership, Acton helps shape the ideas and leaders who influence culture. About the Internship Program The Acton Institute offers a Spring semester internship in partnership with the Koch Internship Program (KIP) of the Stand Together organization. Interns work within one of Acton’s Departments while also engaging in weekly seminars with the Stand Together organization. KIP seminars focus on the foundational principles of a free society such as individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and the rule of law. Additionally, participants attend KIP's in-person summit in Arlington, VA February 4 - 5, 2027 (fully paid). To learn more about KIP, please visit their website here. Acton Institute interns fill a genuine need within one or more of our departments, gaining hands-on experience through day-to-day support work and substantive think tank projects. This is not a shadowing or observation-only experience. Interns are given real responsibilities that build practical skills, a professional portfolio, and a network within the policy and think tank world. We offer placement opportunities across all departments depending upon the candidate’s education, experience, and career goals. Department placements could include:

• Development: learning how to articulate an organization's mission to donors and stakeholders, and the technical side of nonprofit fundraising
• Programs & Education: supporting the planning and execution of Acton's educational programs
• Research: assisting with policy research, writing, and publications
• Executive: support Acton leadership with briefs, ongoing projects, and cross-departmental initiatives

Specific duties and projects will depend on department specific projects and will be confirmed with intern’s assigned supervisor. All interns can expect a mix of operational support and meaningful, portfolio-worthy project work.

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on, resume-building experience working alongside experienced professionals
• Exposure to think tank operations and the ideas of a free and virtuous society
• Support from Human Resources with resume preparation and professional development
• The opportunity to clarify your own career direction through real-world work

• Current junior, senior, recent graduate, or graduate student
• At least 1 year relevant internship experience
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Genuine interest in Acton Institute's mission
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented

• Duration: January 28, 2027 - April 8, 2027
• Compensation: Full time (32 hours/week) $7,500.00, Part-time (24 hours/week) $5,500.00
• Application deadline: November 30, 2026

How to Apply Please combine your cover letter and resume into a single PDF and upload the file in the Resume Upload section. In your cover letter, please describe your interest in the Acton Institute, your preferred department or area of placement, and how this opportunity aligns with your career goals. Please contact Julia Kenney (Director of People and Culture) at [email protected] with any questions.