About the role#
The National Prison Project works to ensure that conditions in prisons, jails, juvenile detention centers, and immigration detention facilities comply with the Constitution and human rights principles. As an intern, you will support efforts to reduce overcrowding, improve health care, and challenge the use of solitary confinement. This role offers exposure to prison reform litigation and advocacy.
What you'll do#
- Assist with the production and distribution of advocacy materials.
- Conduct factual research and writing regarding the rights of incarcerated people and legislative movement.
- Gather current information related to prison and jail conditions.
- Document and track complaints received from incarcerated people.
- Respond to complaints with informational materials.
- Provide campaign and litigation support to supervising attorneys.
What you'll need#
- You are currently a matriculated undergraduate student who has completed at least one year of your program.
- Strong interest in the rights of incarcerated people and a commitment to civil rights.
- Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel).
- A commitment to advancing the mission of the ACLU and embedding principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging in your work.
Location & details#
- This position is based in Washington, D.C., with remote or hybrid options available.
- The internship spans 12 consecutive weeks, beginning on January 11 or January 25, 2027.
- This is a non-paid internship that must be tied to your formal education program through integrated coursework or academic credit.
- The priority application deadline is November 6, 2026, though applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
About ACLU
The ACLU is a non-profit organization focused on the defense of civil rights and liberties. Founded in 1920, the group operates out of New York and Washington. It works on issues including voting rights, criminal justice reform, and freedom of speech. The organization employs over 1,200 people.
How to get in at ACLU
Securing an internship at the ACLU requires timing and persistence. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first, as early applicants get seen before the pile grows. This helps you avoid the frustration of submitting applications into a void. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves response rates. Connecting with a human recruiter often provides more clarity than a standard application portal.
