Overview
Emerson Collective is a company that invests in entrepreneurs and innovators driven by purpose and a sense of possibility, working to create a world of abundance for future generations.
As with the whole of Emerson Collective, what matters most is that we work with people who are not only the very best at what they do, but also the kindest.
Emerson Collective Internship Program
Candidates can apply to a maximum of three positions. Any additional applications will not be considered.
The Opportunity
XQ Institute is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to rethinking the high school experience so every student graduates ready to succeed in college, career, and real life.
We are seeking an Educational Opportunity Audit (EOA) intern to support several initiatives across the Schools and Systems (S&S) team. The S&S team is a core component of XQ's mission. As one of four key teams (alongside Product, MarComms, and Operations), we're dedicated to transforming high schools into centers of innovation and rigorous learning. Our focus extends beyond schools and systems. We also spearhead data, research, evaluation, and policy initiatives, as well as youth engagement programs. This comprehensive approach ensures that every student is equipped for college and life success. Driven by data and storytelling, our work is grounded in deep research. We partner with schools, districts, and states to advance a vision where every student thrives.
Role and Responsibilities
- Analyze the journey students take through high school and their preparedness for postsecondary success.
- Support the internal team with research on schools and districts in the EOA engagement pipeline.
- Assist with administrative tasks to support district/XQ EOA engagement.
- Provide logistical and/or facilitation support for student focus groups and stakeholder survey administration.
- Generate and/or review EOA data reports before they are shared with school and district teams.
- Support team members with gathering and reporting insights from the UX experience; make recommendations to enhance EOA implementation.
- Provide logistical and/or facilitation support for student journeys workshops calendared between June – August 2024.
- Provide logistical and/or facilitation support for EOA training calendared between June – August 2024.
- Support the development of EOA facilitation materials (for anticipated Fall 2025 publication of the EOA Facilitator Playbook).
Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements
- Rising undergraduate junior or senior with an interest in education issues and policy.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Creatively problem solves.
- Strong project management skills.
- Takes constructive criticism well.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity in a dynamic work environment.
- Is punctual.
- Exemplifies the XQ Learner Outcomes.
- Can work independently and has agency.
- Able to navigate Google Suite.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, strategic thinker, attention to detail, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
- A proven background in a dynamic and evolving work environment.
- Strong intuition and incredibly perceptive.
- Operate with care, kindness, and a spirit of generosity.
- Excited by working in an environment where any idea is possible and is driven to help execute to make those ideas happen.
Location
Emerson Collective is a Bay Area-based organization with offices in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C. This position is located in Washington, DC, and is onsite 40 hours/week between June 9th and August 1st, 2025.
Key Dates
November 18 - January 10: Internship applications accepted, and interviews commence on a rolling basis. Please note that not all applicants will be selected for interviews.
January 10 - March 7: Interviews continue, and offers are extended.
June 9: Internship program begins.
August 1: Internship program concludes.
Compensation
All EC Interns are paid $25/hour and can expect to work 40 hours per week from June 9th to August 1st (eight weeks). Interns may also receive travel and housing allowances as needed.
This position requires being up to date on COVID vaccination consistent with current CDC guidelines, subject to documented religious and/or medical exemptions.
Building a diverse and inclusive workforce is key to our mission and values as we strive to create systemic change and open possibilities for all of the communities we serve. To that end, we provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
