Civic Engagement Intern

Internship Title: Civic Engagement Intern for the Department of Student Involvement Department
Hiring Manager: Dana Hirsch Duration
Starts: Fall Semester 2026 (15 weeks)
Location: SUNY Westchester Community College, Valhalla Campus
Pay: Westchester County Minimum Wage for up to 120 hours

How to Apply

1. Complete the SUNY Westchester Community College Internship Application Fall 2026 On-Campus Internship Application – Fill out form
   
2. Email a resume and cover letter to Dana.Hirsch@sunywcc.edu and cc getinvolved@sunywcc.edu

Priority Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Applications received after the priority deadline may be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Hiring Timeline

1. Priority Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
   
2. Interviews: Week of September 7, 2026
   
3. Internship Start Date: Between September 8 and September 14, 2026, based on the student's class schedule and availability.
   
4. Internship Duration: Fall Semester 2026 (15 weeks)

Selected candidates will be contacted via their SUNY WCC email address to schedule an interview.

Job Description

The Department of Student Involvement is committed to providing comprehensive and meaningful educational experiences that foster student success inside and outside the classroom. Through intentional co-curricular programming, leadership development, and civic engagement initiatives, the department empowers students to become informed, engaged, and active members of their communities.

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Student Involvement for Clubs and Organization Support, the Civic Engagement Intern will assist in the planning, promotion, implementation, and assessment of civic engagement initiatives designed to increase student participation in democratic processes. This position will support nonpartisan voter education, voter registration efforts, Constitution Day programming, community partnerships, and educational events that help students understand how civic engagement impacts their daily lives.

The Civic Engagement Intern will represent the Department of Student Involvement at campus events, collaborate with community organizations, assist with educational outreach, and contribute to the development of programs that encourage informed and active citizenship. Training and ongoing supervision will be provided throughout the internship.

The ideal candidate is organized, enthusiastic about civic participation, comfortable engaging with diverse populations, and interested in event planning, education, public service, communications, or community engagement.

Job Requirements

1. Work up to eight hours per week for shifts of two or more hours; office located in Student Center 108.
   
2. Successful candidates must complete a total of 120 internship hours during the semester.
   
3. Keep a basic work log/journal summarizing when you worked and the projects or assignments completed during each shift.
   
4. Check in periodically with the Internship Coordinator and internship supervisor throughout the semester as requested.
   
5. Submit a 1.5-page (approximately 750-word) reflection paper at the end of the semester describing what you learned through the internship and how the experience connects to your academic studies and professional goals.

Qualifications

1. Currently enrolled at SUNY Westchester Community College.
   
2. Preferred majors include Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Education, Human Services, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related fields.
   
3. In good academic and judicial standing.
   
4. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (3.0 preferred).
   
5. Approval from the student's academic department when applicable.
   
6. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
   
7. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
   
8. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
   
9. Interest in civic engagement, public service, community organizing, elections, or democratic participation.
   
10. Comfortable interacting with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
    

Job Duties

1. Assist with planning and implementing civic engagement programs including voter registration drives, Constitution Day events, educational workshops, and Election Day initiatives.
   
2. Staff civic engagement tables and outreach events by providing nonpartisan voter information and connecting students with campus and community resources.
   
3. Assist students with voter registration, registration updates, absentee ballot information, and locating trusted election resources while remaining strictly nonpartisan.
   
4. Research and compile voter education materials, election resources, and civic engagement opportunities relevant to college students.
   
5. Develop promotional materials including flyers, social media content, digital signage, newsletters, and campus announcements.
   
6. Coordinate event logistics including room setup, supply preparation, volunteer coordination, and participant engagement.
   
7. Assist in building and maintaining partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations focused on civic education and community involvement.
   
8. Track participation data, event attendance, voter registration metrics, and assessment results to support departmental reporting.
   
9. Represent the Department of Student Involvement during campus outreach events, orientations, involvement fairs, and civic engagement programming.
   
10. Help maintain an inclusive, welcoming, and nonpartisan environment during all civic engagement activities.
    
11. Attend planning meetings and contribute ideas for new civic engagement initiatives that encourage student participation.
    
12. Other duties as assigned.
    

Compensation

1. Upon successful completion of all internship requirements and submission of all required materials, interns will be paid $17.00 per hour for up to 120 hours, contingent upon satisfactory performance as determined by the internship supervisor.
   
2. Payment will be issued by check and mailed to the address listed in PeopleSoft, typically 3–4 weeks after the end of the semester.
   
3. Gain hands-on experience in:

• Civic engagement programming
  
• Event planning and logistics
  
• Community partnership development
  
• Nonpartisan voter education and voter registration
  
• Marketing and communications
  
• Assessment and program evaluation
  
• Develop leadership, communication, project management, public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that are transferable to careers in higher education, government, nonprofit organizations, public service, and community engagement.
  
• Build professional relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders while learning about civic engagement initiatives in higher education.
  

Learning Outcomes

By the conclusion of the internship, the student will be able to:

• Explain the importance of civic engagement and democratic participation in higher education.
  
• Plan and execute educational programs that increase student engagement.
  
• Demonstrate professional communication with students and community partners.
  
• Apply event planning and project management skills in a higher education setting.
  
• Evaluate program outcomes using assessment data and participant feedback.
  
• Demonstrate ethical, inclusive, and nonpartisan practices when discussing civic participation.
  

NOTE: This position is offered on a semester-by-semester basis. Interns must commit to completing the full semester for which they are hired. Reappointment for future semesters is contingent upon performance, departmental needs, and funding availability.