Sagamore Institute is committed to developing the next generation of young leaders with a creative vision to pursue the common good and advance human flourishing. We look for students with a passion for championing free enterprise, fostering individual opportunity, and expanding democracy. Sagamore’s internship program offers invaluable experience in rigorous public policy research complemented by robust professional development.
Highlights
- Interns collaborate closely with a Senior Fellow or staff member whose expertise aligns with their interests, gaining hands-on experience in meaningful policy work.
- Through exclusive professional development sessions and partnerships, interns explore pressing public policy issues and sharpen their skills.
- Interns also become part of Sagamore’s vibrant network of scholars, staff, and community leaders.
Requirements
- Applicants must submit complete application, including a resume, cover letter, unofficial transcript, and two writing samples.
- Applicants are ordinarily at least a rising sophomore; recent college graduates, master’s students, and law students are encouraged to apply as well.
- International students authorized to work in the United States are eligible.
Opportunity
Semler OneAmerica Internship
For too many families, the American dream feels out of reach. When people lack pathways to opportunity and good jobs, entire communities suffer. To build a better future for everyone, Sagamore’s Opportunity portfolio inspires innovation and intentionally cultivate environments where individuals from all backgrounds can pursue a life of purpose and meaning.
This internship is named in honor of founding board member Jerry Semler, who served as CEO of OneAmerica Financial and contributed mightily to the civic and economic strength of Indianapolis. OneAmerica Financial has continued to honor Jerry’s legacy through its support of Sagamore Institute.
Citizenship
America’s strength lies in citizens working together. But too many of our conversations are marked by rancor and ideological divisiveness. Sagamore’s citizenship portfolio works to recover the ideals and practices of citizenship to preserve our democracy—from the local level to the nation’s capital.
National Security
America faces a more complex and volatile threat environment than anything we have seen since the Cold War. At the same time, Midwestern leaders offer a hopeful vision for America’s positive impact around the globe and Hoosier companies and universities are forming the tip of the spear for high tech solutions in cyber, unmanned systems and tech-enabled diplomacy.
Justice Reform
*Open to law students only
The crisis of mass incarceration in the United States has led to an unprecedented bipartisan consensus for criminal justice reform. While promising, these reforms will only be fulfilled with innovative programs to help ex-felons return to communities as healthy citizens. Sagamore’s justice reform portfolio advances smarter policies and best practices for reentry.
Africa Rising
Once a continent seemingly dependent on aid, Africa has become one of the fastest growing economic regions in the world. Our years of involvement in the region have shown us again and again that true aid starts from the bottom up and not from the top down. By encouraging empowered economies rather than governmental dependency, people, regions, and nations are able to end generational cycles of aid dependency.
Please note: We are unable to respond to phone calls or emails regarding internship applications. All inquiries and submissions must go through the online application portal.
Intern Spotlights
Sagamore's Rob Panos on our Internship Program
2025 Intern Lucas Hibner on Interning at Sagamore
Learn about the program from Chaya Cassell, Summer 2019
Sagamore is proud to have nearly 200 intern alumni who are now change agents advancing heartland solutions around the world.