Application & Deadlines

Opens
01/05/2026 at 12:00am EST
Closes
02/01/2026 at 11:59pm EST

Overview

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), founded in 1953, is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with asthma and allergies. Representing more than 100 million Americans with food allergies, environmental allergies, and asthma, AAFA works to advance research, education, and advocacy to reduce the burden of these chronic conditions and promote public health.

Each year, AAFA releases research reports, develops educational resources for parents, patients, and clinicians, and leads policy initiatives that strengthen protections for people with asthma and allergies. Our work spans federal, state, and local levels to ensure that every individual has access to clean air, safe food, and health care.

AAFA’s Policy and Advocacy Team operates at the intersection of environmental health and consumer protection. We lead national efforts to advance clean indoor air policies, recognizing that Americans spend 90% of their time indoors and that poor air quality, mold, and inadequate ventilation can trigger serious health issues—especially for children. Each day, nine people die from asthma, and it remains the leading cause of school absenteeism nationwide. Our advocacy has included, for example, drafting letters and testimony urging compliance with medication access and stock epinephrine laws, calling for professional mold and indoor air quality assessments following floods, and working with building officials to improve ventilation standards in schools. We also submit formal comments and testimony to agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on regulations that affect air quality, chemical exposure, and climate-related health risks.

AAFA is also a national leader in consumer protection legislation. A recent example is the 2025 ADDE Act in California—a groundbreaking law that requires restaurants to list the Top 9 food allergens on menus. This landmark bill, drafted and championed by AAFA, ensures that people with life-threatening allergies can make safe and informed choices when dining out. The success of the ADDE Act in California serves as a model for future legislative efforts across the country.

Location & Format

Time Zone
Eastern Time (ET) – America/New York
Format
Hybrid
Format Details

2 Days remote (M/F), 3 Days in-person (Tu-Thu)

Eligibility

If selected as a finalist, applicants may be asked to submit the following directly to the Host Organization:

  • Writing Sample

Program Details

The Advocacy and Policy Intern will assist in implementing AAFA’s policy and advocacy initiatives at both the state and federal levels. Working directly with Alexa Jordan, Manager of Advocacy and Policy, the intern will gain exposure to the legislative process, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications that drive real-world health policy change.

This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in public health, policy, or government affairs to gain practical experience in research, advocacy campaigns, and coalition coordination.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Policy Research: Conduct background research on state and federal legislation related to asthma, food allergies, and environmental health.
  • Legislative Tracking: Monitor and summarize relevant bills, hearings, and regulatory developments using tracking software.
  • Advocacy Materials: Draft and edit letters of support, comment letters, fact sheets, and action alerts for grassroots engagement.
  • Coalition Engagement: Assist in preparing meeting materials, notes, and outreach communications for coalition partners and legislative offices.
  • Communications Support: Draft short content for newsletters, social media, and advocacy updates in coordination with AAFA’s communications team.
  • Event Support: Help organize and document advocacy events, webinars, or legislative briefings.

Moderate Supervision: Intern will meet with their supervisor regularly, but will be given the opportunity to work on independent projects.

AAFA intern supervisor was a two-time Director's Intern during their time at Harvard College and the AAFA President/CEO is an alumnus of Harvard.

AAFA is a small to mid-sized nonprofit organization and a hybrid employer. Interns will join a close-knit cohort working alongside a five-person policy team, allowing for meaningful mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on experience.

This Director's Internship Host will host additional undergraduate interns outside of the Director's Internship Program.

Qualifications:

  • Current undergraduate in public policy, political science, public health, environmental studies, or a related field.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to conduct research and summarize findings clearly and concisely.
  • Interest in health equity, environmental justice, or patient advocacy.
  • Access to high-speed Wi-Fi
  • Laptop on loan from host organization

If you have any questions about this opportunity or the Director's Internship Program in General, please reach out to IOP_ICS@hks.harvard.edu.