This Opportunity is Currently in Draft

Requirements

College/School Eligibility:

  • Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Brooks School of Public Policy
  • Arts and Sciences
  • Engineering

Class Year Eligibility:

  • First Year (undergrad)
  • Second Year (undergrad)
  • Third Year (undergrad)

Open to:

  • Cornell Undergraduate Students

(Important: applicants must return to continue their studies at Cornell in Fall 2026 in order to qualify. May 2026 graduates cannot apply.)

Key Responsibilities:
Tasks will include but are not limited to:

  • Engage in federal-level power sector research, investigating and documenting the impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act to date.
  • Conduct utility research across multiple states, including the collection of integrated resource plan (IRP) survey data, contributing to the development of IRP comments, performing utility investor analyses, and monitoring relevant state utility developments.
  • Draft internal decision memos, policy documents, and talking points.
  • Track various initiatives proposed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy, as well as relevant congressional bills.
  • Track changes to state data center policies to inform proactive advocacy.
  • Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.
     

Qualifications:

  • Currently pursuing a degree in science, technology, environmental studies, energy, public policy, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated interest or experience in energy and power systems, climate change, clean energy transitions, public policy, advocacy or organizing.
  • Interest in and experience navigating intersecting issues, including environmental justice, equity, public health, and worker and consumer protections.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Must be well organized, motivated, and detail oriented.
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work in a team setting and can work independently when projects are due.
  • Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
  • Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills.
     

Location: Hybrid out of an EDF office in Austin, TX, Boulder, CO, Boston, MA, New York, NY, Raleigh, NC, San Francisco, CA, or Washington D.C., with option to be U.S. Preference for Washington D.C. Intern supervisor and many team members are in Washington, DC. (Hybrid means must be physically present in location throughout internship, coming into the office an agreed number of days/week. US Remote means must be physically located in the US while working for the internship.)

Term: Summer 2026 (10 weeks)

Hours: Full-time (35 hr/week)

Compensation: This internship will be fully funded through Cornell Atkinson; a $7,000 stipend is provided.

Application Materials: Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the application form. (Please access the application by clicking the green "Apply" button on the Overview page. You will be directed to an external application form.)

All proposal materials MUST be received by 5:00 PM ET on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.