Social Justice Internship Program

Highlights of the 2019 Social Justice Internship Program

This past summer, Olivia Joseph (Class 12) and Zoe Robinson (Class 11) are interned at Nine Network and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), respectively, as part of Cultural Leadership’s 2019 Social Justice Internship Program.

Olivia led educational programming for elementary school students while Zoe gained hands-on experience working on JCRC’s international relations initiatives and advocacy efforts.

They had the opportunity to attend and staff the Diversity Awareness Partnership’s (DAP) summit, the region’s top diversity and inclusion conference. Thank you to Board member Steve Parks and DAP for supporting Cultural Leadership and all its programs!

The Internship Program Explained

Who

Alumni of Cultural Leadership’s High School Leadership Program or Camp Cultural Leadership. Open to alumni who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program and have completed two semesters of coursework.

What

Eight-week, part-time and full-time, paid summer internships with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and corporations. Internships focus on issues and programs relating to social justice, diversity, and inclusion. Interns will participate in summer cohort activities to deepen their understanding of current issues and tools in the field of diversity and inclusion, and reflect upon their learning and leadership skills.

When

Internships begin in June and continue for 8 weeks. Interns work a minimum of 20 hours per week (part-time), and up to 40 hours per week (full-time). Cohort activities are scheduled on weekdays throughout the summer internship.

Where

Internship hosts include nonprofit organizations and government agencies focused on social justice issues, and corporations with an interest in promoting diversity and inclusion. Past sites include: Centene, Cultural Leadership, Diversity Awareness Partnership, Jewish Community Relations Council, Nestle Purina PetCare, NineNetwork, Anti Defamation League, and University City Schools.

How

The interview process leads us to match organizations’ needs with alums’ interests and goals. Host organizations train, supervise, and support success during the 8-weeks by guiding interns to use their High School Leadership Program skills in the professional world. Interns will organize and lead a courageous conversation as they complete assignments designed to help an organization accomplish its mission. Cultural Leadership provides professional development opportunities that include an orientation, networking events, leadership skill building workshops, and a concluding session where interns report on their learning.