KIP Spring 2026

• President's Office Intern at Stand Together

Company Intelligence

• History, Size, and Industry Position: Stand Together, founded in 2012 by Charles Koch and other Koch Industries leaders, is a philanthropic community driving solutions to poverty, education gaps, and over-incarceration. It operates as a network of nonprofits, researchers, and entrepreneurs, distinct from Koch Industries (revenue ~$125B, 120K+ employees). Stand Together manages $1.5B+ in annual grants, partnering with 200+ organizations. It's a leader in conservative/libertarian philanthropy, emphasizing free-market principles and individual empowerment.
• Recent News, Growth, and Strategic Directions: In 2025, expanded KIP (Koch Intern Program) to 500+ interns amid talent wars for young conservatives. Launched new initiatives on criminal justice reform and economic mobility post-2024 elections. Growth via acquisitions like partnerships with PragerU and Turning Point USA; strategic shift toward AI-driven policy research and youth leadership pipelines.
• Company Culture and Work Environment: High-energy, entrepreneurial vibe with flat hierarchies—interns pitch ideas directly to execs. Remote-first with optional Arlington, VA hub. Emphasis on ownership; 70% of interns report "life-changing" experiences per Glassdoor (4.5/5 rating).
• Values, Mission, and What They Stand For: Mission: "Replace top-down government with bottom-up solutions." Core values: Individual liberty, personal responsibility, evidence-based innovation. Anti-woke, pro-free enterprise; seeks "change-makers" challenging status quo.
• Office Locations and Hybrid/Remote Policies: HQ in Arlington, VA; small offices in NYC, DC, Atlanta. Fully remote for this role; uses Slack/Zoom for daily standups, with 1-2 optional in-person events.

Program Deep Dive

• Structure and Timeline: Part of Koch Intern Program (KIP), Spring 2026 cohort runs Jan 12–May 8 (12 weeks, 40 hrs/week). Weekly structure: 60% project work, 20% training sessions, 10% networking, 10% reflection. Culminates in "Impact Presentation" to President's Office leaders.
• Skills and Competencies Sought: Research/analysis (Excel, data viz), writing (policy briefs), communication (public speaking). Soft skills: Initiative, critical thinking, ideological alignment with free-market views. No degree required; targets undergrads/sophomores 18-22.
• Daily Responsibilities and Learning Opportunities: Shadow President's Office (CEO Liz Meyer): Draft memos on strategic philanthropy, analyze grant impacts, support event planning (e.g., summits with policymakers). Learn policy research, stakeholder mapping, ROI evaluation for social programs.
• Mentorship and Training Provided: Paired with exec mentor (bi-weekly 1:1s); KIP Academy modules on leadership, economics (e.g., Hayek/Milton Friedman readings), public policy. Access to Stand Together Trust fellows for mock pitches.
• Career Progression Paths: 80% of top KIP performers get full-time offers or return for summer KIP. Alumni pipeline to Koch Industries roles (e.g., analyst at Koch Inc.), partner orgs (e.g., Reason Foundation), or grad programs like Harvard Kennedy with endorsements. 40% land policy jobs within 6 months.

Application Success Guide

• Requirements and Deadlines: Open to 18-25yo U.S. citizens/residents; resume, cover letter (1pg), 200-word "Why Stand Together?" essay, optional transcript. Deadline: Oct 31, 2025 (rolling, apply early—fills fast).
• Step-by-Step Process:

1. Apply via Stand Together careers page (not Indeed link—redirects to https://standtogether.org/careers or KIP portal).
2. Video intro (2min: "Sell your passion for liberty").
3. Phone screen (20min).
4. Virtual interview (45min behavioral + case).
5. Final panel with President's Office (1hr).

• Common Interview Questions:
• "How would you measure success of a $1M anti-poverty grant?"
• "Describe a time you challenged conventional wisdom."
• "Why bottom-up solutions over government programs?"
• "Policy issue you're passionate about and your proposed fix."
• Assessments: Policy case study (e.g., "Design internship program for ex-offenders"); no technical tests, but Excel proficiency demo.
• Standout Candidate: Evidence of conservative activism (e.g., Turning Point chapter lead), quant skills (e.g., personal data project), bold ideas (e.g., "Replace welfare with universal basic jobs").

Insider Tips

• Interview Tips and Values: They value contrarians—push back politely on interviewers' views. Prep with "The Fundamental Problem" (Stand Together whitepaper). Dress business casual on Zoom; reference specific grantees (e.g., Code of Support Foundation).
• Technical vs Soft Skills: 30% technical (research tools like Google Sheets/Tableau basics), 70% soft (grit, persuasion). Demonstrate via stories, not claims.
• Industry Knowledge: Know poverty stats (e.g., 11.5% U.S. rate), critiques of Great Society programs, successes like Harlem Children's Zone. Read Koch's "Good Profit."
• Questions to Ask:
• "How has the President's Office shaped 2026 priorities post-elections?"
• "What's the biggest challenge for KIP interns in driving real impact?"
• "Which alumni projects most influenced Stand Together strategy?"
• Red Flags: Apathy toward free markets, vague answers, left-leaning views (e.g., praising govt programs), poor follow-up thank-yous.

Practical Information

• Salary/Stipend: $8,000 total stipend ($25/hr equivalent); housing/travel stipend for in-person events (~$1K).
• Benefits: Laptop provided, professional headshots, KIP swag, access to alumni network (10K+ strong on LinkedIn group).
• Start Dates and Duration: Orientation Jan 12, 2026; ends May

8. Full-time commitment, no extensions.

• Networking: Weekly "Fellow Fridays" with execs/policymakers; DC summit (March); private alumni Slack for job leads (e.g., 2025 grads placed at Heritage Foundation, Cato Institute). Action Item: Apply NOW via https://standtogether.org/kip—spring slots fill by September. Tailor essay to a personal "liberty story" for 3x callback odds. Track record: 1,200 apps, 400 offers last cycle. Your edge? Authentic passion beats polish.