Application Guide

How to Apply for KIP Spring 2027 - Economic Research Intern - Fulcrum Foundation

at Standtogether

🏢 About Standtogether

Stand Together is a philanthropic community founded by Charles Koch that invests in organizations like the Fulcrum Foundation to advance a free and open society. The Fulcrum Foundation specifically focuses on state-level regulatory reform, making it a unique place for interns to see how policy research translates into real-world change. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven effort to remove barriers to opportunity and economic growth.

About This Role

As an Economic Research Intern, you will support senior researchers in analyzing state regulations and their impact on entrepreneurship, housing, labor markets, and more. Your work will directly inform public comment letters, policy briefs, and reports aimed at state agencies and legislatures. This is a hands-on opportunity to influence regulatory policy and build a strong foundation in applied economic research.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing newly proposed state regulations, extracting key data points, and drafting sections of a public comment letter. You could also attend virtual team meetings to discuss research findings, collaborate on a policy brief, and independently research a specific regulatory issue like occupational licensing requirements. Expect a mix of focused analysis, writing, and coordination with senior researchers.

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🎯 Who Standtogether Is Looking For

  • Undergraduate student, recent graduate, or early-stage graduate/law student with a strong interest in public policy, economics, law, or government.
  • Curious and careful researcher who can gather and organize data from administrative records and proposed rules.
  • Excellent writer who can distill complex regulatory language into clear, persuasive arguments for public comment letters and policy briefs.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently in a remote setting, while collaborating effectively with senior researchers.

📝 Tips for Applying to Standtogether

1

Tailor your resume to highlight any experience with regulatory analysis, public comment processes, or state-level policy research—even if from coursework or volunteer work.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your interest in economic growth and entrepreneurship to the Fulcrum Foundation's focus areas like occupational licensing or housing regulation.

3

Demonstrate your writing ability by including a short writing sample (e.g., a policy memo or research paper) that analyzes a regulatory issue.

4

Show familiarity with Stand Together's mission and the Fulcrum Foundation's work by referencing specific projects or publications in your application.

5

Emphasize your ability to work remotely: mention prior remote work or independent research projects that required self-discipline and time management.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter should emphasize: (1) your specific interest in state regulatory policy and its economic effects, (2) any experience reviewing legal or administrative documents, (3) your ability to write clearly for policymakers, and (4) your alignment with Stand Together's principles of free speech, open inquiry, and economic opportunity.

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore the Fulcrum Foundation's website and recent publications to understand their research priorities and past public comment efforts.
  • → Read about Stand Together's philanthropic approach and its focus on removing barriers in areas like education, health care, and economic opportunity.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key state regulatory issues such as occupational licensing reform, housing deregulation, and permitting processes.
  • → Look up recent public comment letters or policy briefs from similar organizations to understand the format and tone.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your understanding of how state regulations impact economic growth, with examples from occupational licensing or housing policy.
2 A time you analyzed a complex policy issue and communicated your findings in writing.
3 How you would approach reviewing a proposed state rule and drafting a public comment letter.
4 Your familiarity with administrative law and the rulemaking process.
5 Why you are interested in working at Stand Together and the Fulcrum Foundation specifically, and how this internship fits your career goals.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Fulcrum Foundation or state regulatory policy.
  • Failing to demonstrate writing ability—this role requires strong written communication, so not providing a writing sample or clearly showcasing writing skills is a mistake.
  • Ignoring the remote aspect: not showing how you can work independently or manage your time effectively in a remote environment.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Standtogether!

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