Research Intern (Graduate Student)

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 will gain valuable experience doing research and data analysis in a fast-paced and collaborative environment. We will challenge you to think and work creatively on real-world projects that support the Foundation's efforts in creating and advancing effective solutions to reduce poverty for and with older adults. 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

• Conduct desk research, literature reviews, and landscape analyses on topics related to anti-poverty and social innovation, focusing on economic mobility, financial well-being, and social connection among older adults (ages 50+)
• Collect, analyze, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data from external and internal sources (e.g., publicly available datasets, proprietary surveys) to generate insights on older Americans with low income to inform program design, strategic planning, and thought leadership development
• Conduct desk research to identify impact/performance metrics, as well as suitable benchmarks, for social innovations/initiatives/interventions in the areas of interest
• Contribute to the creation of reports, presentations, data visuals, and other research deliverables
• Contribute to the development of research tools and data collection instruments
• Support the coordination and project management of research activities and projects
• Apply inquiry and problem-solving skills to advance the efficiency of research processes
• Support improvements in knowledge management, data analysis, and research synthesis through the use of generative AI tools in a manner consistent with AARP policy

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral program in economics, public policy, public health, demography, gerontology, or a related field in the social sciences, and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• Prior experience conducting research projects, including experience with landscape analysis and systematic literature reviews (preferred)
• Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., Stata, SAS, SPSS, or R), qualitative software (NVivo, Atlas.ti), reference management software (e.g., EndNote, Zotero), or data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Experience in quantitative data related to economic, social, or demographic trends affecting the well-being of large and diverse populations
• 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.