Job Title: Data Scientist Intern             Date: 9/23/26                                Position: Summer Internship

Reports to: Data Science Lead             Department: Data Science         Travel: No

Status: Non-Exempt                               Compensation: Hourly               Remote: No 

Our Mission

The mission of Portage Learning is to transform lives and communities by providing learning opportunities for all who aspire to thrive. We do this not only through superior online instruction but with a deep commitment to expanding access to education. We believe service is the thread that binds our community and our team together. To that end, we choose to …

• Believe the best in our employees
• Invest in our people
• Collaborate with humility, respect, and appreciation
• Cultivate curiosity and encourage creativity

A Place Where Creativity and Curiosity Matter

The Data Science Intern will work closely with members of the Data Science team and collaborate with Engineering and other departments, the Data Scientist Intern will contribute to data analysis and data science projects throughout the project lifecycle. This may include preparing and exploring datasets, conducting statistical analyses, developing and evaluating machine learning models, creating visualizations, and communicating findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What You’ll Invest In:

The Data Scientist Intern carries out these responsibilities:

• Assist Data Scientists with collecting, cleaning, transforming, and validating data for analysis and modeling.
• Perform exploratory data analysis (EDA) to identify patterns, trends, relationships, anomalies, and potential data quality issues.
• Apply statistical methods to investigate business questions and support data-driven decision-making.
• Assist with developing, testing, and evaluating machine learning models using techniques such as regression, classification, and clustering.
• Evaluate model performance using appropriate metrics and assist with comparing modeling approaches.
• Write and maintain Python and SQL code used for data extraction, transformation, analysis, and modeling.
• Create clear visualizations, dashboards, reports, and summaries that communicate analytical findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Assist with monitoring and evaluating existing analytical models and data science solutions.
• Document analytical methods, assumptions, data definitions, model results, and project findings to support reproducibility and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with Data Science, Engineering, and other departments to understand business questions and translate them into analytical tasks.
• Participate in code reviews, project discussions, technical learning activities, and other team development opportunities.
• Research data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and analytical methods that may be relevant to company projects.
• Present project findings and recommendations to team members and other stakeholders when appropriate.
• Engage in weekly professional development sessions as part of the summer internship cohort, cultivating collaboration, strengthening skills, and encouraging continuous learning. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s).

We Believe the Best:

Portage Learning is seeking a candidate who exemplifies our mission, vision, philosophy, and goals.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in data science, computer science, business analysis, statistics, or related field. 
• Coursework or project experience involving Python, SQL, statistics, data analysis, or machine learning.
• Experience working with datasets through coursework, personal projects, research, internships, or other relevant activities.
• Successful completion of a background check and current and/or ability to obtain the following clearances: Child Abuse, State Police, and FBI Fingerprinting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of Python for data analysis and data science.
• Familiarity with SQL and relational databases such as MySQL.
• Familiarity with common Python data science libraries such as pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, Matplotlib, or similar tools.
• Understanding of fundamental statistical concepts, including descriptive statistics, probability, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression.
• Basic understanding of machine learning concepts and common supervised and unsupervised learning techniques.
• Ability to clean, transform, explore, and analyze structured datasets.
• Ability to create meaningful data visualizations and communicate analytical results.
• Familiarity with version control tools such as Git is preferred.
• Exposure to cloud computing, generative AI, large language models, or modern data science tools is beneficial but not required.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Curiosity and willingness to investigate data and ask meaningful questions.
• Ability to interpret analytical results and explain findings clearly.
• Attention to detail when working with data, code, and analytical results.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while seeking guidance when appropriate.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written, verbal, listening, and presentation skills.
• Service-oriented mindset with a willingness to help others.
• Demonstrated interest in applying data science and analytical methods to real-world problems.
• Willingness to learn new technologies, analytical techniques, and business domains.

At Portage Learning, we invest in our team members. All employees can grow professionally through our career progression tracks, professional development, and by utilizing our higher education assistance program.

Our inclusive culture drives our mission to transform lives and communities by providing learning opportunities for all who aspire to thrive. For those with a disability, we offer accommodation during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview and onboarding.

Collaborating with a Team that Values Humility, Respect, and Appreciation

Portage Learning operates in a professional, collaborative environment where meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community are valued. We foster a welcoming, team-oriented culture that encourages connection, mutual support, and shared success while maintaining a commitment to professionalism, excellence, and respect in all we do.

This is a summer internship, full-time position. Portage Learning typically operates Mondays to Fridays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Employee schedules may vary within those hours. All staff members must attend required meetings and training at the office in Chippewa Township, PA.

Portage Learning is an equal-opportunity employer, extending opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, ancestry, place of birth, disability, handicap, age, genetic information, use of a guide or support animal, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and accompanies the institution’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory, harassing, and retaliatory practices.

Travel:

This job does not require travel outside of the office. Travel would be primarily local during the business day, which may entail one or more overnight stays. Travel on one or more days of a weekend may occur occasionally.

Other Duties Disclaimer:

This is not an all-inclusive document. Additional duties, expectations, or demands may be added or changed to this document on an as-needed basis in order to meet organizational goals.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.