Project Summary
The Homelessness Policy Research Institute Summer Fellows Program offers a unique opportunity for students and early-career scholars to gain meaningful, hands-on experience addressing homelessness through research, policy, and community engagement. Fellows work alongside experienced researchers and practitioners on real-world projects that contribute directly to efforts to better understand and respond to homelessness in Los Angeles and beyond. Participants have the chance to build practical skills in areas such as data analysis, field research, policy writing, program evaluation, and community-based work while receiving mentorship from professionals across multiple disciplines.
In addition to project-based work, fellows participate in a weekly seminar series that provides exposure to the many career paths connected to homelessness research and policy. Through staff spotlights, skill-building workshops, and interactive discussions, fellows gain valuable professional development experience and build connections with peers, researchers, and community leaders. The program is ideal for students interested in social impact, public health, social work, policy and related fields who are looking to strengthen their experience, expand their network, and contribute to work with tangible community impact. The HPRI Summer Fellows Program is more than an internship—it’s an opportunity to learn, contribute, and become part of a community working to address one of society’s most urgent challenges.
The program is hybrid with in-person and virtual components and runs for six weeks this summer, from June 22- July 30, 2026. Fellows are expected to participate 10 hours per week.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a rising high school sophomore or above
- Be available June 22 – July 31, 2026 and be able to attend in person at our offices in Downtown Los Angeles
- Demonstrate a strong interest in addressing homelessness through research, policy, and community engagement
Application Details
The application for the HPRI Summer Fellows Program is now open! The application deadline is Friday, May 22, 2026, at 5pm PST.
Application Link: https://forms.gle/B3TCvsi2uVv23kmm8
If you have any questions, please email steinamy@usc.edu. Please no phone calls.
General Schedule
Virtual: Week of 6/17/26
Info Session - Introduction for parents and students via Zoom
Week One - 6/22-6/25
Orientation, Monday 6/22, 9:30-11am
Welcome, introductions, schedule, expectations
What is a Capstone Project?
Choosing a Self Directed Field Activity
Self Directed or Project-Based Placement work throughout week - work with supervisor to create overall plan
Fellows Seminar, Wednesday 6/24, 12-1:30pm, Citi Training Workshop
Week Two - 6/29-7/2 (7/3 is a holiday)
Self Directed or Project-Based Placement work throughout week - work with supervisor or partner to create weekly plan
Fellows Seminar, Wednesday 7/1, 12-1:30pm, What is Housing First?
Week Three - 7/6-7/9
Self Directed or Project-Based Placement work throughout week - work with supervisor or partner to create weekly plan
Fellows Seminar, Wednesday 7/8, 12-1:30pm, Homelessness Research Overview
Week Four - 7/13-7/16
Mid-summer fellow project share-outs, Monday 7/13
Self Directed or Project-Based Placement work throughout week - work with supervisor or partner to create weekly plan
Fellows Seminar, Wednesday 7/15, 12-1:30pm, Topic/Presenter/Response:
Panel Discussion with USC students/Demographic Survey team on campus
Students to meet on campus, lunch at USC Village
Week Five - 7/20-7/23
Self Directed or Project-Based Placement work throughout week - work with supervisor or partner to create weekly plan
Fellows Seminar, Wednesday 7/22, 12-1:30pm, Topic TBD
Week Six - 7/27-7/30
Self Directed or Project-Based Placement work throughout week - work with supervisor or partner to create weekly plan
Fellows Seminar, Wednesday 7/29, 12-1:30pm, Topic TBD
End-of-summer Capstone Presentations and Culmination, Thursday 7/30, 10am-noon
In Person Work: All in person meetings, orientation, mid and end of summer Capstone presentations and Fellows Seminars will take place at HPRI’s offices at Center for Homelessness, 1150 S Olive Street, Suite 11th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90015. Additionally, participants may work with partners and supervisors in the office with prior scheduling.
Remote Work: Participants will complete some assignments and field work remotely, including their Self Directed Field Activity.
Attendance: We understand that families travel during the summer. Fellows may miss up to two seminars with a note from their parents. They must make up all work and assignments of sessions missed. All Fellows Seminars will be recorded.
Assignments: All assignments must be submitted to the shared Fellows folder in a shared Google drive by each deadline. Late assignments will not be accepted. Failure to submit all assignments may result in participant’s ability to culminate.