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The Mackinac Center’s Environmental Policy Initiative seeks assistance in collecting and analyzing raw research materials on the health and well-being of Michigan’s natural environment. Research findings will serve as the foundation for Environmental Policy Initiative work on the state of Good Neighbor Authority activities in Michigan’s national forests and electric utility regulation and activities in Michigan. Research findings will help to shape the public debate and to encourage environmental policy that promotes both a clean and healthy environment, as well as a strong and vibrant economy.
To be considered for the Summer Intern Program, students must be a full-time college student, recent graduate (within six months of graduation) and at least 18 years old. Ideal candidates for this position will demonstrate strong research skills, as well as the ability to work in a collaborative team environment, while also being able to self-motivate and maintain focus on necessary tasks. A strong commitment to, and recognition of, the value of abundant, affordable, reliable energy to human flourishing is vital. Excellent organizational, written and oral communications skills are also required, as is ethical and professional conduct.
A love for the natural environment and an understanding of (or desire to learn about) free-market environmentalism, as well as an interest in natural sciences, economics and government transparency and accountability will be an asset. Potential interns should also have a careful and thorough approach to reviewing complex scientific, regulatory, and legislative data, and be able to pick out pertinent information from detailed resources. While a curriculum major in environmental (or natural) sciences, politics or economics will be helpful, it is not required; students from all subject areas are encouraged to apply.
This internship provides an opportunity to work at the nation’s premiere state-based free-market public policy research and educational organization and to attend various skills and career development programs such as our Intern University, Intern-Net and trips to the state capitol & Supreme Court, The Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Review, Issues & Ideas events and various staff and intern outings.
The employment term is a minimum of 10 full-time weeks between May and August (flexibility in start and end dates). Interns are compensated at the rate of $12 per hour, paid a housing stipend in the amount of $250 per month if their permanent address is outside a 30-mile radius of Midland and are employed on an at-will basis. At this time we expect to have our intern program onsite, unless covid restrictions prohibit it.
Please submit a resume, a cover letter and a 700-word essay on any policy issue to the intern coordinator by March 19, 2021. If you wish to be considered for multiple positions, more than one essay is not required, but we do request a cover letter for each position with your department choices listed.
Email application materials to intern@mackinac.org or mail to:
Christine Bowerson
Director of Operations/Intern Coordinator
Mackinac Center for Public Policy
140 West Main Street
P.O. Box 568
Midland, MI 48640-0568
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government. Through our research and education programs, we challenge government overreach and advocate for a free-market approach to public policy that frees people to realize their potential and dreams.
For more information about the Mackinac Center please visit
