About the role#
This paid internship offers hands-on experience supporting state and local advocacy efforts in Maryland. You will work with staff and volunteers on outreach and engagement initiatives, research policy issues, and support legislative activities. The role begins in Spring 2027.
What you'll do#
- Support state and local advocacy through policy research, legislative tracking, testimony preparation, and advocacy materials.
- Assist with legislative activities, meetings with elected officials, Advocacy Day, and volunteer updates.
- Monitor county and municipal government activities and research relevant policies and ordinances.
- Assist with Age-Friendly and Livable Communities initiatives.
- Support grassroots advocacy, volunteer engagement, and communications, including preparing advocacy updates, educational materials, and volunteer resources.
- Assist with outreach events, community partnerships, and cross-functional initiatives.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment in an accredited college or university degree program, which must be maintained throughout the internship.
- Status as a rising undergraduate junior or senior, graduate student, or postdoctoral student.
- Interest in public policy, grassroots advocacy, community outreach, and volunteer engagement.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse ages and backgrounds.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work in an office environment with moderate noise and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain professional relationships.
- Regular and reliable job attendance.
Location & details#
- Location: Annapolis, Maryland.
- Modality: Hybrid (Mondays and Fridays are remote).
- Compensation: $18 per hour for undergraduates, $21 per hour for graduate students, and $28 per hour for Ph.D. candidates.
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit organization founded in 1958 that focuses on social issues affecting people aged 50 and older. It operates with a staff of over 6,000 employees and maintains a presence in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization conducts advocacy work and provides information on topics including health security, financial resilience, and personal fulfillment. It also produces a large-circulation magazine.
How to get in at AARP
Securing an internship at AARP requires a proactive approach because roles often fill quickly. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, which helps you apply among the first before the candidate pool grows too large. Being an early applicant ensures your materials are reviewed before the pile becomes unmanageable. You can gain an edge by identifying the specific recruiters behind these roles through Intern Insider. Reaching out directly to ask about the position or to request a referral often improves your response rates compared to submitting an application into a general queue.
