Part of RFA’s dedication to the education research field entails growing and nurturing the next generation of scholars interested in using research as a tool to improve educational opportunities. RFA hosts multiple interns throughout the year at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels who work directly on evaluation and research projects. As critical members of research teams, interns have the opportunity to gain experience in a range of disciplines, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies in topic areas that span from pedagogy to policy. By conducting field work, analyzing data, and writing memos and reports, interns get a feel for both the rigorous demands of high-quality research and the rewards of contributing to areas of study that have a real impact on the field.

Below, you will find testimonials and video interviews with current and former RFA interns.

What my RFA Experience Has Meant to Me

LeighEllen Vanzino, Undergraduate Intern (Fall 2010-Spring 2011)

“Working as an intern at RFA was such a valuable experience to me because it helped direct my goals for the future and focus on my interests. After seeing all the work RFA does and being exposed to the research, I wanted to delve deeper into the field of education, which greatly influenced my decision to work through AmeriCorps at a school in Newark, NJ next year. Working as an administrative assistant I also was exposed to all areas of the work so I really got a taste of everything and felt included in every area of RFA. My experience at RFA opened my eyes and pushed me to want to work towards alleviating the issues in urban education while at the same time giving me a fun environment to work in!”

Jeffrey Then, Undergraduate Intern (Spring 2011)

“As a public health student at the University of Pennsylvania, I was not able to focus on urban education to the extent that I would have liked. RFA, however, gave me an opportunity to learn more about the Philadelphia urban education system than I could have learned through any course. Through meaningful field work, research, and analysis, I was able to create significant products, and learn the importance and need of education research for the success of our struggling school system.”

Erica Yoon, Undergraduate Intern (Spring 2011)

“Interning at RFA was an enriching and enlightening experience for me. I was able to learn how educational research is carried out due to helpful guidance from my supervisor and co-workers. From background research to tagging along on fieldwork in North and West Philadelphia, each day at work was fascinating as I gradually learned to grasp how many levels of work is put into collecting and analyzing data to improve upon current educational policies. It was definitely one of the highlights of my Urban Studies major at Penn.”

Stephanie Lerner, Graduate Assistant (Fall 2010)

“My time interning at RFA brought together the theory and methodology I was learning in my classes with the actual practice of conducting research and evaluation. Working on a research project with staff at RFA gave me hands-on experience in a friendly and supportive environment. The staff at RFA is wonderful!”

Briana Pressey, Undergraduate Intern(Summer 2010-Summer 2011)

“RFA was my first real introduction to the education field. As a Communications and Cinema Studies major at Penn, I had the impression that there was no way to really delve into the issues of education, which had been one of my interests for quite a while. Interning at RFA gave me the opportunity to learn about different topics in education as well comprehend the multiple facets of research from fieldwork to data analysis. In addition, it allowed me to apply my Communications and Cinema Studies skills to education. As the Communications intern, I could find creative ways to disseminate the work of RFA. Whether it was using social media, interviewing interns and editing videos, or filming research staff presentations, RFA encouraged me to combine all of my interests and ultimately influenced me to purse a Master’s degree in educational technology this fall.”

Intern Videos

The best way to learn about the RFA intern experience is to hear it from the interns themselves. Watch these videos of former interns and graduate assistants as they describe their RFA experiences.

Nora Pillard-Reynolds, Graduate Assistant (Summer 2010-Summer 2011)

Afia Amobeaa-Sakyi, Graduate Assistant (Spring 2011)

Pangri Mehta, Graduate Assistant (Summer 2011)

Moses Palacios, Graduate Assistant (Summer 2011)

Ryan Good , Graduate Assistant (Summer 2011)

Theresa Breiner, Undergraduate Intern (2009-2011)

Or, watch these videos on our Vimeo Page.

Click here for a list of some of our recent alumni.

Now, it’s Your Turn!

How can an internship at Research for Action benefit you? Visit our employment page to take the first step in your journey at RFA!