Shavonne Hedgepeth is running for Congress to represent Maryland’s 4th District, advocating for infrastructure equity, responsible urban planning, and equitable economic opportunities. Our campaign seeks to engage voters with evidence-based solutions to pressing local and national challenges.

The Policy Research Intern will be responsible for conducting in-depth research and analysis to inform campaign positions, legislative priorities, and community outreach. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in public policy, political science, urban planning, or related fields to gain hands-on experience applying academic knowledge to real-world issues in a political context.

  • 8–10 hours per week, flexible scheduling around academic commitments.
  • September 2025 – December 2025, with possibility to extend.

Key Responsibilities

  • Research local, state, and federal policies relevant to infrastructure, transportation, housing, and economic development.
  • Prepare concise policy briefs and talking points for campaign events and media engagements.
  • Analyze legislation and voting records to inform position papers and public statements.
  • Compile data and reports to support grant proposals, funding strategies, and advocacy efforts.
  • Assist in drafting white papers or policy outlines for publication on the campaign website.
  • Monitor relevant news, committee hearings, and public forums for emerging policy issues.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the internship, the student will be able to:

  1. Conduct targeted policy research and present findings in a clear, actionable format.
  2. Understand how research informs political messaging and legislative priorities.
  3. Translate complex policy topics into public-facing materials.
  4. Apply data analysis and synthesis skills in a fast-paced political environment.

Qualifications

  • Current undergraduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park.
  • Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
  • Familiarity with academic and government data sources.
  • Interest in public policy, government, or political campaigns.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Send a résumé and brief statement of interest (250 words) to shedgepe@terpmail.umd.edu with the subject line: UMD Policy Research Internship – Shavonne Hedgepeth.