back to Careers 2026 Summer Internship Program The Kauffman Foundation Internship Program engages post-secondary students in a paid summer internship experience with meaningful project work and professional development from June 8 to July 31, 2026. About the program Compensation Eligibility Qualifications How to apply Open positions About the Internship Program The Kauffman Foundation Internship Program opportunities are open to all students who reside in Kansas or Missouri, have completed high school, and are currently pursuing credentials, certificates, undergraduate, and/or graduate programs. We value students with diverse perspectives and life experiences who are curious and passionate about our mission. Specifically, we seek interns who want to join us as we strive to prepare people for success in their jobs and careers so that everyone can achieve economic stability, mobility, and prosperity. Applications are due January 30, 2026 Explore internships Compensation Compensation for interns will be based on the most recent year of education completed as follows: $19 per hour for high school graduates with less than two years of post-high school education (first year of earning a credential or certificate, or a college freshman or sophomore). $23 per hour for students with two or more years pursuing a credential, certification, undergraduate college degree, or other program (college junior or senior). $26 per hour for students pursuing a graduate college degree. Eligibility requirements Interns will need to: Be available for full-time, fixed-term paid work from June 8 to July 31, 2026. Reside within the states of Missouri or Kansas during the term of the internship, working onsite at the Foundation’s offices in Kansas City, Missouri, Monday through Thursday with the possibility of working remotely on Fridays. Currently be enrolled in post-high school education – certificate, credential, undergraduate, and/or graduate programs. If the candidate has graduated from high school (or is graduating at the end of spring term 2026), and is not planning to take further courses/studies, they are not eligible as they will no longer be a student at the time of the internship. Be committed to completing substantive projects as described in the job postings below. Qualifications Qualified intern applicants will: Prioritize and multitask effectively with the ability to engage in critical thinking as needed. Have excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. Have excellent communication skills, including well-developed interpersonal, written, customer service, and listening skills. Work autonomously and collaboratively within a dynamic, high-paced environment. Possess a passion for “doing what is right,” with unquestioned integrity, positive ethics, and values reflective of the Kauffman Foundation. Be committed to the Foundation’s mission, strategic priorities, and key expectations. Have strong computer literacy skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, or presentation software. How to apply Explore the internship opportunities below to learn more about each position and to begin the application process. If you have any questions or experience technical difficulties, please send us a message. Please note: Both a resume and a cover letter are required to be considered for an internship. We will not accept applications to positions through the Contact Us form. 1 Million Cups and FastTrac Intern Gain on-the-job training and experience in program management and operations. Pursuit of a degree in business, entrepreneurship, nonprofit, or liberal arts preferred but not required. Learn more and apply Evaluation Intern Gain on-the-job training and experience in evaluation-related activities. Pursuit of a degree involving research, evaluation, assessment, or conducting, designing, commissioning, or managing social science research or evaluations preferred but not required. Learn more and apply Event Planning and Coordination Intern Gain on-the-job training and experience in the Foundation's annual event planning initiatives. Pursuit of a degree in liberal arts or nonprofit preferred but not required. Learn more and apply Investments Intern Gain on-the-job training and experience in foundation endowment investment management. Pursuit of a degree in finance, business, or economics preferred but not required. Learn more and apply Office of the President Intern Gain on-the-job training and experience in supporting a wide range of operating programs and other Foundation-wide initiatives. Pursuit of a degree in liberal arts, social sciences, or nonprofit preferred but not required. Learn more and apply Policy Intern Gain on-the-job training and experience in supporting the Foundation's Policy initiatives. Pursuit of a degree in political science, liberal arts, or nonprofit preferred but not required. Learn more and apply Research Intern Gain training and experience in research-related initiatives. Pursuit of a degree involving research, evaluation, assessment, or conducting, designing, or managing social science research or evaluations preferred but not required. Learn more and apply Research, Learning, and Evaluation Initiatives Intern Gain on-the-job training and experience in RLE initiatives. Pursuit of a degree involving research, evaluation, assessment, or conducting, designing, commissioning, or managing social science research or evaluations preferred but not required. Learn more and apply Sponsorships and Memberships Gain on-the-job training and experience in program management and operations. Pursuit of a degree in business, liberal arts, or communications preferred but not required. Learn more and apply Strategic Communications Intern Gain on-the-job training and experience in strategic communications. Pursuit of a degree in communications, marketing, or journalism or related fields preferred but not required. Learn more and apply Talent and Culture Intern Gain on-the-job training and experience in human resources. Pursuit of a degree in business, liberal arts, or human resources preferred but not required. Learn more and apply Technology – Business Analyst Intern Gain on-the-job training and experience in providing project management support related to system change management or implementation. Pursuit of a degree in computer science, information technology, or project management preferred but not required. Learn more and apply Technology – Cybersecurity Intern Gain on-the-job training and experience in supporting the design and implementation of cybersecurity strategies to protect the Foundation's information systems and data. Pursuit of a degree in computer science or information technology preferred but not required. Learn more and apply Technology – Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Intern Gain on-the-job training and experience in project management support for data analytics and AI. Pursuit of a degree in computer science, information technology, or data engineering preferred but not required. Learn more and apply Technology – Help Desk and Operations Intern Gain on-the-job training and experience in providing technical assistance and support related to computer systems, hardware, and software. Pursuit of a degree in computer science, information technology, or system/network administration preferred but not required. Learn more and apply Workforce and Career Development Intern Gain on-the-job training and experience in supporting the Foundation's Workforce and Career Development grantmaking initiatives. Pursuit of a degree in liberal arts or nonprofit preferred but not required. Learn more and apply