Lone Star Justice Alliance | (Policy Intern) | DivInc

This is a role with a startup in the Blackstone LaunchPad internship program, through this company’s relationship with LaunchPad partner, DivInc. 

Please note all hiring decisions are made by each applicable company. Students are encouraged to conduct their own research and diligence on each employer and on any internship opportunity offered by any employer. Learn more about DivInc here

This is a role with a startup in the Blackstone LaunchPad internship program, through this company’s relationship with LaunchPad partner, DivInc. Learn more about DivInc here. Please note all hiring and employment-related decisions, including compensation and the terms and conditions of employment, are made by each applicable company. Students are encouraged to conduct their own research and diligence on each employer and on any internship opportunity offered by any employer.

About the program:

Blackstone LaunchPad is committed to equipping primarily first generation and low-income college students with career skills and exposure for career success. Learn more here. The Blackstone LaunchPad Summer Internship Program connects students to meaningful opportunities at Blackstone and LaunchPad employer partners: Blackstone portfolio companies and select startups. Please note all hiring and employment-related decisions, including compensation and the terms and conditions of employment, are made by each applicable company. Students are encouraged to conduct their own research and diligence on each employer and on any internship opportunity offered by any employer.

All hired interns receive mentorship and access to professional development opportunities to successfully launch their careers. Begin your journey with LaunchPad now by engaging in our Skills for Success series.

POLICY INTERN 

The Lone Star Justice Alliance (LSJA) stands with young people to advocate for systems that treat them  as children and allow them to thrive. We push for change through policy reform, legislative advocacy,  professional training and education, and research-driven initiatives. We work to transform the systems  that entangle youth and emerging adults, ensuring laws and policies are grounded in developmental  science, best practices, and a commitment to rehabilitation over punishment. 

Our Policy Program focuses on identifying and challenging laws and policies that disproportionately  harm youth and emerging adults, particularly those that criminalize and excessively punish young  people of color. Through research, data analysis, policy advocacy, and coalition-building, we seek to  support policies that foster second chances and promote pathways to education, employment, and  healing. LSJA works to elevate the voices of directly impacted youth in all aspects of our advocacy,  ensuring that reforms are shaped by their lived experiences. 

Intern responsibilities will center on supporting the policy team’s work to research systemic issues,  analyze past legislative efforts, track trends in juvenile and criminal justice policy, and identify  opportunities for reform. Interns will gain hands-on experience in policy research, data analysis, and  advocacy strategy development. 

DUTIES 

Policy Research and Analysis 

• Conduct research on local, state, and federal laws, policies, and practices impacting justice involved youth and emerging adults. 

• Analyze existing policies and their impact on youth justice outcomes, with a focus on racial and  socioeconomic disparities. 

• Assist in tracking national and state-level trends in juvenile and emerging adult justice policy. Data Review and Analysis 

• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data from past legislative sessions to evaluate the  outcomes and effectiveness of prior youth justice policies and initiatives. 

• Assist in compiling and synthesizing research and data into internal reports and briefing  materials for LSJA’s policy team. 

Policy Development and Advocacy Support

• Support the development of policy proposals and recommendations aimed at improving  outcomes for justice-involved youth. 

• Assist in preparing presentations, reports, and educational materials for stakeholders, including  policymakers, community organizations, and advocacy coalitions. 

• Contribute to stakeholder outreach and coalition coordination to advance LSJA’s policy goals. Collaborative Projects 

• Work alongside a multidisciplinary team of policy experts, attorneys, and community advocates  to connect legal strategies with policy reform efforts. 

• Assist in developing training and educational materials to equip attorneys, advocates, and  community members with policy knowledge. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Demonstrated interest in public interest policy, juvenile justice reform, and social justice. • Strong organizational and research skills. 

• Excellent writing and analysis skills. 

• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and a willingness to learn new  platforms and tools. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. • Open to both Graduate and Undergraduate students, with coursework or experience in public  policy, political science, criminal justice, social work, or related fields.