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

  • All UW Tacoma rising sophomores, juniors and seniors 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 approximately 200 hours of service over 8 weeks.
  • OEI staff share on-boarding and supervisory responsibilities with participating nonprofits over the summer.
  • Our successful collaborations will culminate in a final showcase at UW Tacoma to highlight community voice and student reflections about their service learning experience. 

Applications Closed for 2025

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

Community Engagement

Each intern will commit to approximately 25 hours a week, interning at their site, participating in one-on-one meetings, and attending group sessions to explore critical and liberating service learning principles that strengthen community partnerships. 

Skillset Development

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

Career Preparation

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