Internship Program

Fall 2026 Quarter
Internships — Timeline & Information

Planning ahead for Fall Quarter? Applications for Fall 2026 internships typically open in mid to late July. Watch your email and follow @blumcenterucsb for the application announcement.

Interested in a Fall 2026 internship? Complete the Internship Preparation Form by Friday, July 17th at 5pm:

Complete Preparation Form

What to Expect

 
Friday, August 7
The Blum Center shares the internship list, including all participating partner organizations and their postings, with all MPISJ students.
 
Monday, August 17 – Friday, August 21 at 9am
Application period. Submit your application (resume and cover letter) directly to partner organizations before the period closes. From August 17–19, meet 1-1 with the Assistant Director to prepare your application.
 
Monday, August 24
Deadline for partner organizations to reach out to selected students and schedule interviews.
 
Monday, August 24 – Friday, September 4
Interview period (two weeks). Partner organizations interview selected students.
 
Tuesday, September 8
Deadline for partner organizations to confirm their offer to selected student intern(s).
 
Wednesday, September 9
Deadline for students to confirm their final selection.
 
Wednesday, September 16
Target deadline for signed Learning Agreements, so students receive add codes for HIST/GLOBL 196SJ.
 
Thursday, September 24
Internships begin (Week 1 of Fall Quarter).

ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP:

Through the Poverty, Inequality, & Social Justice Minor, students complete a 120-hour internship (over a 10-week academic quarter) with an organization working to address poverty and inequality.

Students are required to be simultaneously enrolled in an internship course (HIST 196SJ/GLOBL 196SJ, or an equivalent course) to receive 4 units for their internship experience.

Note: HIST 196SJ/GLOBL 196SJ is available during the Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters. 

 

CONTACT:

Internship Instructor: Dr. Andrea Medina

Email: andreamedina@ucsb.edu

Office Hours: email for appointment

We strongly encourage you to contact the Blum Center approximately 8 to 10 weeks before you plan to enroll in the internship course to learn more about the options, major requirements, and deadlines to secure your preferred internship. We regularly provide Zoom information sessions during the internship application period.

 

Steps to Take:

Step 1

Start planning 8–10 weeks ahead. We recommend beginning at the start of the quarter before your internship enrollment quarter.

Step 2

Fill out the Internship Interest Form located at the top of this page by the due date for the quarter you want to enroll in HIST 196SJ / GLOBL 196SJ.

Step 3

After you submit the form, you will receive an email from the instructor within one to two weeks to attend a Zoom Information Session and schedule an individual student meeting.

Step 4

In consultation with the instructor, apply for an internship. Submit your signed Learning Agreement Form to the instructor to receive an add code for HIST 196SJ / GLOBL 196SJ.

See Internship Experiences in Action

We feature student internship experiences on our Instagram account. Follow @blumcenterucsb to hear directly from students about their work in the community.

Prepare Your Internship Application Materials

Internships with Blum Center partner organizations require an interview, resume, and cover letter. UCSB Career Services offers free advising, resume reviews, and interview prep to help you put your best foot forward. Visit them early in the process.

THREE PATHWAYS TO COMPLETE YOUR INTERNSHIP

Pathway #1

Blum Center Partners

Using our internship list that includes local organizations with whom we have developed partnerships who accept interns.

The latter list only becomes available roughly 4-5 weeks before the next quarter starts, and students subsequently apply during a set application time.

 

Pathway #2

Proposing Your Own Internship

Students are encouraged to pursue internships that fit their specific interests.

Plan ahead to locate an internship in time for the quarter you wish to enroll.

This path requires your chosen internship to be reviewed and approved in advance to qualify. Please contact Dr. Medina for additional guidance.

Pathway #3

Campus Programs

Completing an internship through relevant campus programs (e.g. UCDC, UC Sacramento, or UCEAP).

This may or may not require you to be enrolled in the HIST 196SJ/GLOBL 196SJ internship course depending on the nature of the internship. However, you must still complete the internship form for the purpose of obtaining academic credit through the PISJ Minor.