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 $4,500 stipend ($2,250/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

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 2025 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 2025 UCBI program year is open now! The application deadline is Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 11:59PM PT. Please access the application here: https://airtable.com/appnc8QYXHmeBqrSB/pagvRwxvCEUCJE8Vv/form 

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. View our 2024-2025 informational session here.

4. Complete the online application. [The application for 2024-2025 is now closed. The application for the next program year will open in Sept 2025.]

5. Our team will be in contact with you about your application status no later than October 25, 2024.

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

Helpful tips for preparing your application

• The application includes three (3) free response questions. We suggest that you to prepare and save your responses in a separate document before completing the application. You can preview the questions here.
• Update your resume. The Career & Internship Center offers many helpful resources.
• Read the internship descriptions carefully! Projects, qualifications, scheduling details and modality (remote v. in-person) vary widely.
• Research the organizations that you’re most interested in. Visit their websites to learn more about their mission, vision, values, scope of work, community and staff. 
• View the recording of our Information and Application Advice session here.
• Follow us on Instagram @ucbi_uw for updates
• Email us at ucbiteam@uw.edu with any questions or concerns. 

When does the program run?

Internships run during winter and spring quarters (January 6, 2025 through May 30, 2025). 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 for 2024 - 2025 are listed here.