Internship Location: Aurora IL
Organization Type: Local Government
Policy Areas: Social Policy- Homelessness, Child care, transportation, Public Benefits
During my summer internship, I worked with the City of Aurora’s Division of Innovation and Strategy in Aurora, Illinois. This department focuses on developing cross-sector strategies to enhance city operations and improve resident well-being. I supported the expansion of the city’s Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), which provides financial coaching, small business support, and housing stability services. My role included conducting a service gap analysis based on data from over 40 community-based organizations to assess needs in eviction prevention, workforce development, childcare, and transportation. I also drafted public-facing materials and internal proposals to strengthen FEC outreach and operations, and helped coordinate community events. This experience enabled me to refine my skills in data analysis, policy writing, and stakeholder engagement, building directly on what I learned in my MPA coursework. I had the opportunity to connect survey findings and policy recommendations to real operational decisions, helping me understand the practical challenges of public sector innovation. One key lesson I’m taking with me is how to design equity-driven programs that are financially feasible and responsive to community input. I’m excited to continue applying these skills in future policy work, especially in client-based projects and roles that bridge public strategy and community engagement. I would strongly recommend working with a local government agency to any student interested in applied policy, program design, or public service delivery.