The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University is accepting applications for interns for spring 2026. We want creative, motivated, and committed students to join us in the defense of the freedoms of speech and the press in the digital age. Interns will get to contribute to ground-breaking First Amendment research, policy, and communications work.
About Us
The Knight First Amendment Institute defends the freedoms of speech and the press in the digital age through strategic litigation, research, policy advocacy, and public education. Through our work, we promote a system of free expression that is open and inclusive; that broadens and elevates public discourse; and that fosters creativity, accountability, and effective self-government.
Since its establishment in 2016, the Institute has filed precedent-setting litigation, undertaken major interdisciplinary research initiatives, and become an influential voice in debates about the freedoms of speech and the press in the digital age. Its active litigation docket includes cutting-edge cases relating to transparency, surveillance, and social media. Through its research program, the Institute has hosted leading thinkers as visiting scholars and published influential essays focused on emerging threats to the system of free expression. It has also hosted public events on algorithmic amplification and society, AI and public discourse, lies and the law, and the future of press freedom, among others.
What You'll Do
As an intern, you’ll play a key role in supporting our research, policy, and communications efforts, gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
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Conduct detailed cite-checks for essays and blog posts to ensure accuracy before publication
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Watch and take notes on Congressional hearings and key policy events
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Draft engaging social media copy to help amplify our work across platforms
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Track media coverage and relevant news developments impacting the Institute and our areas of focus
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Attend weekly staff meetings and internal research and policy seminars
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Assist with planning and executing events, including symposia, convenings, and other public-facing meetings
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Draft research and policy memos on areas of interest to the Institute
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Contribute to communications outreach efforts
Qualifications
The internship is open to current Columbia University or Barnard College students who will have completed at least the first year of their undergraduate degree before the internship begins. Students enrolled in one of Columbia’s graduate schools are also invited to apply. Applicants should possess excellent research, writing, and communication skills, and have a strong interest in the freedoms of speech and the press. We are particularly interested in applicants with experience fact-checking and/or working in academic research settings.
We are hiring for a full-time, 15-week internship beginning on January 21, 2026. Interns will work 15 hours/week at a pay rate of $23.00/hour.
How to Apply
Applicants should upload the following materials to this Google form:
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a cover letter (one-page maximum) explaining your interest in the internship, including a description of any relevant work or personal experience,
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a resume,
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an official or unofficial transcript, and
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one writing sample (preferably research papers).
If applicants prefer to email their materials, they can be sent to [email protected] with the subject line “Spring 2026 Internship Application - [First Name] [Last Name].” We ask that applicants only submit their application one time, either via the form or via email. The application will remain open until November 26, 2025 at 11:59pm.