Step into the heart of Minnesota’s early childhood policy work — and discover your voice as an advocate.
The Todd Otis Public Policy Internship at Think Small is a hands-on opportunity to experience the Minnesota legislature and early childhood public policy landscape. Running January through May (during the legislative session), the internship works closely with our Data, Research and Policy team to advance policy priorities. This internship honors Todd Otis’s lifelong advocacy for early childhood in Minnesota. Throughout his career, he championed policies that improved the quality of early learning for children and families. After his retirement from Think Small in 2017, the organization established the Todd Otis Public Policy Internship to cultivate the next generation of early childhood advocates.
Applications are open through the end of October! If you’re interested in this opportunity, review the position description and submit all materials by October 31st. Any questions can be directed to policy@thinksmall.org.
Click on the quotes from past interns to read their full reflections!
Coming from a variety of backgrounds, each Todd Otis Public Policy Intern brings something different to the experience. Quynh Nhu Dao, Research Analyst at Child Trends and 2022 intern, “was eager to shift [her] focus toward broader, policy level work.”
Alex Metchnek, Customer Support and Experience Specialist at Think Small Institute and 2024 intern, explains, “[He] was really interested in moving into the world of policy but wasn’t sure what would be a good ‘entry-level’ opportunity.”
Interns revealed the experience helped them grow their confidence, expand networking skills, and deepen their understanding of policy and advocacy. Maggie Zepp, Policy Engagement Coordinator and 2023 Intern, revealed how the experience influences her work today. “Every skill I learned in the internship supports me in my current role! Translating policy updates, working with partners, following the legislative process, creating and distributing advocacy materials – all things I learned as an intern. I also grew my soft skills, like active listening, flexibility, and creative problem-solving.”
“[The internship] ended up being the most impactful professional experience of my life,” Alex shares. “When they tell you that they want you out in the world, learning and asking questions, experiencing the legislative process first-hand, they are not kidding.” That sense of purpose resonates across intern experiences. Quynh shared a pivotal moment from her time in the program: “Attending the hearing made everything click: this is where decisions are made that directly affect young children and families. It was a powerful moment of realization that I wanted to be part of the movement pushing for better early childhood policies.”
Past interns often look back on this experience as a turning point — a chance to grow as leaders and changemakers. This is your chance to get up close and personal with the Minnesota state legislature, and discover yourself and your passions along the way.
By Elizabeth Hessler, Policy Specialist
