Credentials of Value Intern

Department: Bachelor’s Attainment
Location: Indianapolis, USA
Duration:  May 12 – Aug. 6, 2026
Compensation: $18- $21 hourly for undergraduate students
$21- $24 hourly for graduate students or recent graduates
Schedule: Work hours (40 hours/week); typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., scheduled with supervisor.
Intern works from the Bottleworks District office three days a week.

We are no longer accepting applications for this internship.

Purpose

The intern will support projects within Lumina Foundation’s Bachelor’s Credentials of Value portfolio. This portfolio focuses on ensuring bachelor’s degrees are high-quality, transparent, and aligned with workforce needs so they serve as strong pathways to economic mobility for all students.

The intern will work closely with strategy officers and directors on a team advancing work related to credential quality, labor market alignment, and career-connected learning.

Responsibilities

The intern will contribute to a mix of independent and collaborative projects, including:

• Co-designing, leading, and managing short-term projects that leverage data, research, and field knowledge to inform internal strategy development and grant implementation
•  Identifying and elevating promising ideas and practices from the field through written analyses, briefings, and internal presentations
•  Conducting short-term research projects related to public four-year institutions, minoritized students, and the value of a bachelor’s degree in supporting economic mobility
• Developing and maintaining a database of institutions, programs, organizations, and initiatives relevant to the Bachelor’s Credentials of Value portfolio
• Supporting the implementation of related bodies of work, including efforts focused on career-connected High-Impact Practices (HIPs) and work-integrated learning
• Engaging with colleagues across the foundation through internal meetings, learning sessions, and cross-portfolio collaboration
• Working alongside strategy officers and directors to support project management, coordination, and execution
• Completing additional projects or tasks, as mutually agreed upon with the supervisor, that advance the goals of the portfolio

Education and experience

• Enrolled upper class undergraduate or graduate student, a recent graduate, or post-doc; we will also consider an equivalent combination of work and learning experience.
• Data and/or research knowledge of one or more of these areas and their context is ideal: Experiential Learning, High Impact Practices and/or Work-Integrated Learning.

Qualifications

• Stable access to high-speed internet
• Commitment to advancing racial equity
• Ability to analyze, synthesize, contextualize, and communicate research and trends as it relates to the goals of Lumina Foundation
• Strong communication and analytical skills
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to juggle multiple projects at a time
• Ability to work in the Indianapolis area

Work environment and physical demands

• Work is performed in an office environment, mostly sedentary.
• Able to extensively use of various forms of technology.
• Sitting and standing for long periods of time.
• Travel occurs infrequently but may include overnight stays.

This description is only a summary of the typical job functions, not an exhaustive list of all possible responsibilities, and may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted during the interview period.

Interview Period: Feb. 16 – March 6, 2026
Internship Dates: May 12 – Aug. 7, 2026

Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis that is committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. We envision a system that is easy to navigate, delivers fair results, and meets the nation’s need for talent through a broad range of credentials. Our goal is to prepare people for informed citizenship and for success in a global economy. Lumina is among the nation’s largest private foundations, with an endowment exceeding $1 billion and offices in Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. Lumina has a passionate and committed staff who value candor, collaboration, and connection. Learn more about our core values.