Institute of Politics

Organization Overview:
The Illinois Justice Project (ILJP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to criminal justice reform efforts aimed at creating safer communities and reducing recidivism among youths and adults. A continuation of the Justice and Violence Group at Metropolis Strategies, ILJP was established in 2014 as a legacy project of Metropolis Strategies. ILJP is a supporting organization of the Chicago Community Trust and an affiliate of The Commercial Club of Chicago. Our mission is to advocate for policies that address the root causes of crime and promote evidence-based approaches to criminal justice reform.

Internship Summary:
ILJP is seeking a dedicated and motivated student for our Policy Internship. This internship offers an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of criminal justice reform while working closely with our team of experts and advocates. As an intern, you will have the chance to contribute to meaningful projects and research initiatives aimed at improving our criminal justice system.

Responsibilities:
- Conduct in-depth research on criminal justice policies, including legislative proposals and best practices from other jurisdictions.
- Assist in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to criminal justice reform efforts.
- Collaborate with our team to develop advocacy materials, policy briefs, and recommendations for policymakers.
- Provide administrative support, including data entry and maintaining records.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated passion for criminal justice reform and a commitment to social justice.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools is a plus.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

About the Supervisor:
Your supervisor will be Prentice Butler, who previously worked as chief of staff for former Fourth Ward Ald. Sophia King, where he engaged deeply with the community, learning first-hand community concerns, and working to find solutions. His work focused on neighborhood public schools, public safety, real estate development in the community and increasing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the city of Chicago. Prentice has a master’s in urban life and Chicago studies from Loyola University Chicago and a master’s in public policy from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.

Location, Modality:
IJP staff work in office Tuesdays and Thursdays for any in-person work that the intern would like to carry out. This internship is in Chicago, IL.

Start and End Date:
Summer internships will take place during the period of June 10 - September 27 with specific dates to be determined by the employer partner and intern during the interview process.