Undergraduate Community Based Internships (UCBI)

UCBI is a paid internship program that places undergraduates in nonprofit and public sector organizations. Students interested in public service get the chance to explore, contribute, and grow as they work in, with, and for local communities.

Why get involved

  • Take your learning off campus and (re)connect with communities
  • Dive into a topic or issue you’re passionate about and explore career opportunities
  • Learn more about power, privilege, identity, and systems of oppression through community engagement
  • Receive mentorship and coaching from experienced student mentors and nonprofit/public sector leaders
  • Engage in professional development opportunities and build your personal and professional network with your cohort and host organization
  • Earn a $5100 stipend ($2,550/quarter) for your work

What to expect

  • Work with host organizations for 10 hours per week
  • Spend an additional two hours each week with UCBI staff and fellow interns through weekly cohort meetings (optional academic credit available)
  • This cohort-based model allows students to learn in depth about social issues and reflect on power, privilege, identity, and systems of oppression

Apply today!

Email ucbiteam@uw.edu

 

Who is eligible for UCBI?

Undergraduate students who will be registered for a minimum of six credit hours during Winter and Spring Quarters are eligible for the program; preference will be given to students that have an expected graduation date of June 2026 or beyond.

International students may be eligible, depending on visa status and work authorization details; please check with an advisor in International Student Services if you have questions about your eligibility for CPT or other work authorizations.

Undocumented students may be eligible, depending on your work authorization status. Please check in with a trusted advisor (we recommend Leadership Without Borders) to assess your work eligibility. 

What is the application process?

The application for the 2026 UCBI program year will open the first week of the academic year and will close October 12, 2025. Please keep an eye out for the application linked here when available. 

Applications are submitted electronically and reviewed by the UCBI team and community partners. Interviews will be held in late October and early November, and selected interns will be notified shortly after.

How to apply:
1. Review the complete UCBI program description. 

2. Read this year’s internship descriptions and choose up to three positions that you’d like to apply for. The application will ask for your reasoning of why you chose those organizations and/or positions. 

3. Watch the recording of our info session: https://washington.zoom.us/rec/share/jxnHlQdD-weeI58L0QNavzx9KijWTQh6ye_PNdB8LO52CliGC5oGg7meSYaC36s4.wppdnvvC7-Yt7IcS

4. Complete the online application.

(https://airtable.com/appQh9bZF3qdLqOuf/pagvRwxvCEUCJE8Vv/form)

5. Our team will be in contact with you about your application status no later than October 20, 2025.

**Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an info session before applying! 

Helpful tips for preparing your application

When does the program run?

Internships run during winter and spring quarters (January 5, 2026 through May 31, 2026). Cohort meetings are every Wednesday, 5:30-7:20PM. Interns are not expected to work during finals weeks and breaks.

Who are our host organizations?

Host organizations are located throughout Seattle and King County. Our community partners work with a variety of populations and address a wide range of topics and issues. Interns receive coaching and support from a site supervisor. Internship host organizations and position descriptions are listed here. 

Email ucbiteam@uw.edu