Research Intern

Overview

AARP Foundation is the nation's leading organization serving the 39 million older adults living in poverty or one life event away from slipping into it. Our mission is to strengthen financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems. We do this by creating pathways to quality employment, removing barriers to benefits, and promoting equitable access to essential goods and services. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media.

 

Are you passionate about using research and data to inform strategy and decision-making that will yield tangible social impact? Come join us at the AARP Foundation's Impact Analytics research team! Through this internship, you'll gain valuable experience in a fast-paced and collaborative environment supporting the Foundation's mission to strengthen financial reliance for and with older adults. We'll challenge you to think and work creatively on real-world projects that support our broader organizational efforts to make summary-level data more timely and easier to use for our internal stakeholders. We are committed to your growth and cultivating your continued learning and development. This paid internship is scheduled to begin in July 2026 and extend into the Fall 2026 semester, with the possibility of extension for additional semesters.

Responsibilities

• Assist with updates to Total Addressable Market (TAM) reports when new federal government microdata files are released, including production and validation of summary tables.  The tables provide summary-level (or aggregate) data on key trends in employment, access to public benefits, and financial well-being of the U.S. older adult with low income (LI50+) population at the summary or aggregate level
• Support the development of state-level data tables with information on older adults with low income (LI50+), working with existing datasets and documentation.
• Help respond to ad‑hoc LI50+ data requests (e.g., requests from the Foundation President’s Office or other Foundation stakeholders) by preparing accurate and timely data extracts and summaries
• Prepare and format data tables for publication on an internal AARP Foundation site, ensuring consistency, clarity, and usability for a range of AARP Foundation stakeholders
• Assist with the development of tools and approaches to automate analysis and presentation of data, including generative AI
• Conduct quality control of written products, ensuring that estimates in written reports in presentations match the underlying data

Qualifications

• Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate senior (including rising seniors), or as a master’s, or doctoral student in applied data science, economics, public policy, demography, or a related field, and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• Experience in quantitative analysis of microdata (aka person-level data) related to economic, social, or demographic trends affecting the well-being of large and diverse populations
• Familiarity with statistical software or programming languages (e.g., R, Python, SPSS, etc.), and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, etc.)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritize tasks
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

 

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

 

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

 

Hybrid Work Environment

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.

 

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly range is $18 for undergraduates, $21 for graduate students, and $28 for Ph.D. candidates. Internships are non-exempt positions and are not eligible for employee benefits.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.