Your Career in Justice Reform Starts Here.
An internship at the Tow Youth Justice Institute is not a simulation. It’s a hands-on opportunity to contribute to real-world policy, research, and community programs that are shaping the future of youth justice in Connecticut. We are a university-based center, and our mission is to build the next generation of leaders. We’re looking for passionate, dedicated students to join us.
What You'll Actually Do
From day one, you are part of the team. As a TYJI intern, you won’t just watch the work, you’ll help produce it. Your “regular basis” will vary by role, but you can expect to:
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Contribute to Real Research: Assist our team by conducting literature reviews, analyzing data, and co-authoring content for official reports and issue briefs.
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Support State-Level Policy: Sit in on and help prepare materials for high-level meetings, including the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee (JJPOC) and the Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health (TCB) committee.
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Coordinate High-Impact Events: Play a key role in the planning and execution of major TYJI programs, like our annual “Pathways to Success” conference and the “Change Can’t Wait” fellowship for high school students.
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Draft Public-Facing Content: Help create content for our newsletters, blogs, “Facts vs. Fiction” explainers, and social media channels.
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Network with Professionals: Build connections with state leaders, community advocates, and leading researchers in the field.
What Our Interns Say
The Tow Youth Justice Institute is a university, state and private partnership established to lead the way for juvenile justice reform through the engagement of policy makers, practitioners, service providers, students, communities, youth and their families. TYJI works to promote the use of effective, data-driven practices, programs and policies related to youth justice, focusing on the needs and wellbeing of youth up to the age of 24.
James Clark
'25 Policy & Research Intern
My TYJI internship was the most valuable experience of my college career. My day would go from sitting in on a JJPOC workgroup meeting to fact-checking data for a new report on restorative justice. I was given real responsibilities and treated like a core member of the team. I didn't just learn about policy; I saw how it was made.
Find Your Fit: Open Internship Positions
See how UNH students just like you are already making an impact at TYJI.The Tow Youth Justice Institute is a university, state and private partnership established to lead the way for juvenile justice reform through the engagement of policy makers, practitioners, service providers, students, communities, youth and their families. TYJI works to promote the use of effective, data-driven practices, programs and policies related to youth justice, focusing on the needs and wellbeing of youth up to the age of 24.
