Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program Internship 2026 (Fall Cycle) – Migration Policy Institute

<section id="section-content" class="section section-content"> <div id="zone-content-wrapper" class="zone-wrapper zone-content-wrapper clearfix"> <div id="zone-content" class="zone zone-content clearfix container-16"> <div id="region-content" class="grid-11 suffix-1 region region-content"> <div class="region-inner region-content-inner"> <div id="block-system-main" class="block block-system block-main block-system-main odd block-without-title"> <div class="block-inner clearfix"> <div class="content clearfix"> <div id="node-page-1293" class="ds-1col node node-page view-mode-full node-published node-not-promoted node-not-sticky author-rameez-abbas odd clearfix clearfix"> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) has officially opened applications for its </span><b>Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program – Fall 2026 Internship Cycle (September–December)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This prestigious program is designed to train the next generation of migration researchers, policy analysts, and global development professionals through hands-on research experience.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This internship provides an exceptional opportunity for students and early-career professionals interested in </span><b>migration, refugee studies, international policy, and social integration</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to work directly with world-class experts and contribute to real-world policy research.</span></p> <h2><b>Overview of the Young Scholars Program</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Young Scholars Program is named in honor of MPI’s founding president and is designed to achieve two major goals:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Strengthen MPI’s global research output through intern contributions</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Train emerging professionals in migration research and policy analysis</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Interns are embedded in research teams and contribute to meaningful, policy-driven work across multiple global migration themes.</span></p> <h2><b>Research Areas Available for Fall 2026 Interns</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Interns will work in one of the following specialized policy areas:</span></p> <h3><b>1. U.S. Immigration Policy</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Focuses on:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Asylum and refugee systems</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Border governance and enforcement</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Legal and labor migration pathways</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Immigration economics and workforce outcomes</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Policy reform analysis</span></li> </ul> <h3><b>2. International Migration</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Covers:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Global comparative immigration systems</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Refugee resettlement frameworks</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Migration and development linkages</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Border management and mobility governance</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Integration policies across countries</span></li> </ul> <h3><b>3. U.S. Immigrant Integration</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Includes:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Education systems for immigrant communities</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Workforce training and adult education</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Language access policies</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Local and state integration strategies</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Early childhood and K–12 education support</span></li> </ul> <h3><b>4. Latin America and the Caribbean Initiative</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Focuses on:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Migration flows from Central America and Venezuela</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Regional migration governance systems</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Integration challenges in host countries</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Policy responses in Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Important Requirement: Spanish proficiency (written and spoken)</span></p> <h3><b>5. Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Explores:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Refugee self-reliance and livelihoods</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Host-community integration</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lived refugee experiences</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Faith-based and humanitarian responses</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Displacement policy innovation</span></li> </ul> <h2><b>Internship Responsibilities</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Selected interns will contribute to high-level research and policy work, including:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Writing research drafts and policy briefs</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Conducting literature reviews and summaries</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Supporting quantitative and qualitative research</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Assisting with event reporting and policy hearings</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Contributing to ongoing MPI research initiatives</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Light administrative and coordination tasks</span></li> </ul> <h2><b>Internship Format &amp; Benefits</b></h2> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Duration: 4 months (September–December 2026)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Location: Remote or in-person (Washington, DC)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Compensation: Biweekly stipend (full-time approx. $1,436; prorated for part-time)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Flexible start/end dates depending on assignment</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Academic credit may be arranged</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Additional notes:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Open to U.S. and international applicants (with work authorization or remote eligibility)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Must be at least a junior in college or higher (or equivalent experience)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Strong writing and analytical skills required</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Foreign language skills and research experience are highly valued</span></li> </ul> <h2><b>Important Dates</b></h2> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Application Deadline: June 15, 2026</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Internship Duration: September – December 2026</span></li> </ul> <h2><b>How to Apply</b></h2> <p>Click <a href="https://www.migrationpolicy.org/about/intern" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>here</strong></a> for more and to apply</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Required documents:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">CV/Resume</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cover letter (max 2 pages)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Writing sample (max 5 pages)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Academic transcript</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Important Note: The program requires </span><b>authentic work only—AI-generated application materials are not permitted and may lead to disqualification.</b></p> <h2><b>Why This Internship Matters</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Interning at MPI offers:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Direct exposure to global migration policy work</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mentorship from leading migration scholars</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Real contributions to published research</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Professional development in policy analysis</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Networking in Washington, DC policy circles</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Experience across international migration systems</span></li> </ul> <h1><b>Application Strategy (How to Stand Out)</b></h1> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To increase your chances:</span></p> <h3><b>1. Tailor your focus area</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Choose ONE primary research track and align everything (CV + writing sample) to it.</span></p> <h3><b>2. Strong writing sample selection</b></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Best options:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Migration policy essay</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Refugee studies paper</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">International relations research</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Data-based policy analysis</span></li> </ul> <h3><b>3. Cover letter must include:</b></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Clear motivation for migration policy</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Specific MPI research area of interest</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Evidence of analytical writing ability</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Any language or regional expertise</span></li> </ul> <h3><b>4. Highlight these skills strongly:</b></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Policy analysis</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Research synthesis</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Academic writing</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Quantitative or qualitative methods</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Language skills (Spanish is a major advantage for LAC track)</span></li> </ul> <p>Click <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=internship" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>here</strong></a> for more global internship opportunities</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/05/26/paid-internship-mpi-europe-internships-shaping-the-future-of-migration-policy/">Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program Internship 2026 (Fall Cycle) – Migration Policy Institute</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>