The Summer Social Justice Internship is a program that offers students a $4,000. stipend to practice turning their passion for change into action by serving in a non-profit setting. Students will develop and apply desirable work skills, practice active listening and effective communication, and gain leadership experience. Guided by the needs and direction of the community partner, you will contribute to real-world solutions for a more just future. In addition to working at the site location, the internship includes attending UW Tacoma workshops with faculty and staff about how to practice community engagement with a liberatory approach built on cultural humility and an critical equity lens.

  • All UW Tacoma students are encouraged to apply. The application process includes an interview with the program coordinators and potential community partners for matching.
  • Space is limited. Students will be selected by the Office of Equity Inclusion staff and each nonprofit representative based on merit and career alignment with the mission and goals of our community partners.
  • Participation includes an orientation and 210 hours of service over 6 weeks.
  • OEI staff share on-boarding and supervisory responsibilities with participating nonprofits over the summer.
  • Our successful collaborations will culminate in a showcase at UW Tacoma to highlight community voice and student reflections about their service learning experience. 

For more information, please contact the Center for Equity and Inclusion Director, Nicole Jordan, email: ncol3j@uw.edu or uwtcei@uw.edu 

Applications Closed for 2025

 

“I commit to learning people's stories and asking questions to understand their experiences, especially those who do not share the same identities as me.” – APCC Mental Health Intern

Community Engagement

Each intern will commit to approximately 30 hours a week, interning at their site, participating in one-on-one meetings, and group sessions to explore critical and liberating service learning principles and building a community partnership. 

Skillset Development

Earn valuable experience while contributing to the mission of non-profit organizations! Student tasks, defined by the needs of the organization, may include data entry, program development, community outreach, event planning and more.

Career Preparation

Develop essential skills for a career in community engaged, non-profit work. Practice intercultural communication skills, empathy, and a deeper understanding of social justice issues.