Internship Program

MAY15

2026 Summer Internships - Independent Study Pathway

For those interested in completing a PISJ Minor internship during Summer 2026, you must submit THIS FORM no later than 5pm on Friday, May 15th, 2026.

Please note that HIST/GLOBL 196SJ is not offered during Summer. To complete the internship requirement over the summer, you must arrange an Independent Study (a 199 course) with a UCSB faculty member in that faculty member's home department for academic credit. Summer tuition fees will apply.

Your submission will be reviewed by the Blum Center, and you will be contacted with next steps. Please note that each proposed internship site must have a clear connection to poverty, inequality, and social justice to be approved.

 

SEPT23

Fall 2026 Quarter Internships - Timeline & Information

Planning ahead for Fall Quarter? Applications for Fall 2026 internships with Blum Center partners typically open in mid to late July. Watch your email and follow @blumcenterucsb for the application announcement. Read on below for other internship opportunities that fulfill the PISJ Minor's internship requirements.

What to Expect:

  • Early to Mid-July: Internship Preparation Email Announcement & Form is emailed to all declared minors. Complete this form to indicate your interest in a Fall internship.
  • Mid to Late July: Internship Preview Session (one hour) for students who completed the Preparation Form. This session covers the application process, partner organizations, and timeline.
  • Early August: List of available partner organizations is shared. Application period opens, and students have two weeks to submit applications (resume and cover letter) directly to partner organizations.
  • Mid-August: Application deadline. Partner organizations review applications.
  • Late August: Interview period (approximately one week). Partner organizations contact selected students and conduct interviews.
  • Early September: Students confirm their placement and submit signed Learning Agreements to receive add codes for HIST/GLOBL 196SJ.
  • Late September (Week 1 of Fall Quarter): Internships begin.

 

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. For questions about Summer term internships, please contact Dr. Andrea Medina.

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.