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Youth Justice Research Fellow

Organizational Overview

The Sentencing Project advocates for effective and humane responses to crime that minimize imprisonment and criminalization of youth and adults by promoting racial, ethnic, economic, and gender justice. The Sentencing Project engages in research and advocacy on sentencing and related issues, advocates for criminal justice policy and practice reform, and conducts broad-scale public education through media, online, and other communications. Information about The Sentencing Project is available at www.sentencingproject.org.

Job Description and Responsibilities

The Sentencing Project is seeking a Fellow for its Research Team, specializing in youth justice. The Fellow will:

  • Support a research project on the scope of systematic abuse in juvenile facilities nationwide;
  • Draft brief write-ups about models of successful diversion programs, policies, and practices; and
  • Track legislation on issues such as the removal of youth from adult courts, jails, and prisons, the use of diversion, data collection initiatives, and other topics related to youth justice. The Fellow may also be asked to support other ongoing projects and work including writing and editing support, and attending educational webinars or events relevant to the youth justice field.

The position requires strong analytical, writing, and organizational skills, an interest in the youth justice system, and a passion for reform. The Research Fellow should be detail-oriented in research, writing, and editing. The position is best suited for someone who is currently working towards or has earned a graduate-level degree in social science, preferably public policy, criminal justice, criminology, or sociology.

Compensation

This is a part-time position for 20 hours/week at $30/hr, over 13 weeks roughly aligning with the spring academic semester. Applications are due January 10, with an anticipated start date on or after February 2, 2026. Strong preference will be given to candidates residing in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. The Sentencing Project operates in a hybrid office environment.

Application Procedure

Submit a cover letter, resume, two references, and a two-page writing sample to: employment@sentencingproject.org with the subject line “2026 Youth Justice Research Fellow.”

The Sentencing Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to cultural diversity and ensures that applicants have equal opportunity for recruitment and selection without regard to their race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, prior convictions, or status as a protected veteran. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with direct personal or familial experience with the criminal or youth justice systems.