The Gueron Scholars Program offers paid internships for undergraduates and master’s-level students and doctoral fellowships (with stipends) for students engaged in dissertation research. The program is designed to introduce students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the education and social policy research communities to MDRC.
All interns and fellows participate in the intellectual life of MDRC by attending seminars and project meetings, and have the opportunity to attend trainings to develop specific skills and knowledge areas. At the end of the eight-week program, interns and fellows also have an opportunity to give a presentation on their summer experience at MDRC.
About the Program
The Gueron Scholars Program was established in 2004 by MDRC and six founding partners, the Annie E. Casey, Rockefeller, Jerry Lee, Spencer, William T. Grant, and Grable Foundations, in honor of Judith Gueron, president of MDRC from 1987 to 2004.
A widely published, nationally recognized expert on employment and training, poverty, and family assistance, Gueron directed many of the largest federal and state evaluations ever undertaken of interventions for low-income adults, young people, and families and was a pioneer in developing research methods that have made it possible to base social programs on rigorous evidence of effectiveness. She has trained a generation of policy researchers and has always been committed to expanding opportunities for young professionals from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the education and social policy research communities.
The Gueron Scholars Program seeks to promote her enduring legacy in diversifying the field.
“The skills that I acquired during my doctoral fellowship have helped me become an expert in research design and multi-site formative, impact, and cost-effectiveness evaluations in housing and asset development programs.”
Delia Kimbrel, 2012 MDRC Doctoral Fellow
Internship Opportunities
The GSP Undergraduate Internship invites rising undergraduate seniors of diverse backgrounds to be part of multidisciplinary teams developing evaluation research on current social policy issues at our NYC office.
The GSP Operations Internship is open to master’s degree candidates who have work experience in a non-research field and who would like to be exposed to working in a research setting.
The GSP Doctoral Fellowship brings Ph.D. candidates pursuing independent, self-directed research on economic and social problems affecting low-income Americans to both our NYC and California offices.
In the Spotlight
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David Alvarracin, 2023 Undergraduate InternDavid Alvarracin, born and raised in Queens, is a rising senior at the University of Rochester, where he majors in financial economics. David is passionate about the intersections of economics and life outcomes with a special interest in supporting students in the public education system. He previously worked at Legal Outreach as a college access intern, where he tutored rising high school seniors for the SAT and provided them with insights to the college process. In the future, David would like to pursue a military career and earn a PhD in...
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Michael Guerrero, 2023 Undergraduate InternMichael Guerrero is a rising senior at New York University’s College of Arts and Science, where his academic pursuits encompass psychology, business studies, and Spanish. With a passion for research, Michael has gained experience in aiding dual-language learners in preschool settings and implementing motivational strategies to foster positive adolescent development. He has worked for America Reads, Proud to Be First, and the Social Perception Action and Motivation Lab. His keen interest in data analysis and behavioral research further highlights his dedication to...
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Rachel Pena, 2023 Undergraduate InternRachel Pena is a rising senior at Barnard College majoring in sociology and education. Rachel is passionate about pushing for systemic change through the creation of more equitable systems within our society, particularly in improving education policy that support schools in reflecting the needs of marginalized students. Before coming to MDRC, Rachel worked with other nonprofit organizations, such as Make the Road New York and College Access: Research and Action. In the future, Rachel would like to attend law school where she hopes to use her...
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Bryan Thomas, 2023 Undergraduate InternBryan Thomas is a rising senior at Pomona College, where he studies sociology and biology. Bryan recently interned in immigration law and wrote asylum applications for Afghan refugees. In 2021, he worked with the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City on its annual Inner City 100 Award. Bryan has a passion for conducting research and is interested in developing skills and exploring careers in research this summer. In the future, he hopes to explore his passion for the intersections of sociology and geography. Bryan will be working on projects in the Youth Development,...
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Selena McLurkin, 2023 Operations InternSelena McLurkin is pursuing a master’s in public policy at the Luskin School of Public Affairs at the University of California, Los Angeles. She has a strong passion for finding ways to achieve racial, social, and economic equity. She has experience with community organizing with Community Coalition, conducting research at the Psychology Applied Research Center at her alma mater, Loyola Marymount University, and was most recently a teacher’s assistant for a Black Labor Organizing Class. Selena will be working on projects in the Postsecondary Education and the Family Well-...
MDRC’s Commitment to Diversity
To advance our mission, we must recruit and retain staff that encompass a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives, ensure equity in our policies and practices, and build a culture of inclusion, in which all of our staff feel welcome and valued. Promoting these values at MDRC improves the quality and relevance of our research, as well as the daily experiences of our staff. Read the full statement