Collegiate Associates Program

The Manhattan Institute’s Collegiate Associates program puts graduate and undergraduate students in a position to meaningfully advance the Institute’s mission through research, journalism, outreach, and programming. With paid positions available on a variety of MI’s teams — including research centers, communications and marketing, and the Institute’s urban affairs magazine, City Journal — Collegiate Associates will contribute to the intellectual life and strategic direction of the institute while working closely with its fellows and senior leaders.

The Collegiate Associate Program is a 10-12 week program that provides comprehensive experience in MI’s core policy areas and functions. Associates can expect to build skills necessary for careers in the public and private for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.

To learn more about programming, qualifications and requirements, important dates and deadlines to apply, see below.

• Collegiate Associates are paid $16.50/hour in New York and California.
• All internships offer remote and hybrid options. However, in-person attendance is preferred.
• Interns may work part-time in the spring and fall (10-20 hours); all interns must work full-time in the summer.
• Undergraduates, recent graduates, and graduate students are encouraged to apply.

Collegiate Associates learn directly from the fellows and managers leading the Manhattan Institute’s work. Associates participate in strategic departmental meetings, events, seminars, and policy discussions. Because Associates are accountable for making valued contributions to their teams, MI places a premium on self-starters who have demonstrated a capacity for research, analysis, writing, and project management.

MI is a lean, dynamic, and intellectually driven environment. Associates work both independently and together with MI staff, often involved in multiple projects simultaneously. Associates are expected to make meaningful contributions to MI's intellectual and organizational life — for example, pitching event ideas, improving internal processes, writing policy commentary, or presenting research.

Successful Collegiate Associates must have: 

• A minimum grade point average of 3.25
• Exceptional organizational skills and acute attention to detail.
• Time management skills and adaptability in a fast-paced work environment.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills to interface with internal staff, nonprofit leaders, and other potential partners in a professional manner.

• Fall program: Late September through mid-December, 5-20 hours per week
• Spring program: Late January through mid-April, 5-20 hours per week
• Summer program: Late May through early August, 10-20 hours per week

Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply before these dates for each term:

• Spring Program: November 15
• Summer Program: April 15
• Fall Program: July 15

Candidates are required to submit a cover letter, a letter of recommendation, and a writing sample with their application. Recommenders can choose to email their letter of recommendation directly to us at cap@manhattan.institute.