In the Women’s and Gender Studies Program, we strongly encourage students to do an internship at some point during their academic career. Previous students have found them an excellent way to find out what kind of work they might want to do after graduation and make connections with people in the community.
To learn more about internships and the possibility of earning course credit, contact the CAS Career Coaches and one of the Women's and Gender Studies advisors: Rose Holz (WGS Associate Director) or Kathleen Lacey (WGS Academic Advisor). Below is a list of organizations that students have worked with in the past. You can also use Handshake to find more internship opportunities.
| Organization | Description of Agency | Internship Opportunities | Contact(s) |
| UNL Gender and Sexuality Center (starting August 2023) | The Gender and Sexuality Center provides volunteers with potential opportunities and projects focused on: staffing events, staffing booths, center projects, creative projects, outreach, and leadership. | They employ 1-2 paid intern(s) per summer through the Hall Internship. Applications open annually during the spring semester. Those interested in volunteering must complete a volunteer application. Until further notice, please email the Gender and Sexuality Center for applications. | JD McCown |
| UNL Center for Advocacy, Response & Education (CARE) | The Center for Advocacy, Response & Education (CARE) is a confidential resource that provides advocacy and support for students, faculty and staff who have experienced sexual violence, domestic/dating violence, sexual harassment and stalking. | CARE advocates are here to help navigate campus and community resources. CARE also facilitates violence prevention on campus through trainings such as the Sexual Assault and Relationship (SARV) workshops, which are conducted by a team of undergraduate peer educators. CARE believes in the strength and resilience of individuals and communities impacted by power-based violence. We offer a safe, inclusive, survivor-centered space while providing confidential support focused on individual needs and concerns. · Contact CARE at care@unl.edu or 402-472-3553 to inquire about internship opportunities or if you have project ideas you would like to discuss. CARE is located in 211 Louise Pound Hall. | Meredith Cain |
| ACLU of Nebraska | For over 50 years in Nebraska, the ACLU has worked in courts, legislatures, and communities to protect the constitutional and individual rights of all people. With a nationwide network of offices and millions of members and supporters, we take up the toughest civil liberties fights. Beyond one person, party, or side — we the people dare to create a more perfect union. | Undergraduate students and law students, visit here for more information. Also, the ACLU encourages interested students to watch its website and social media channels for information on internships and clerkships. | Maria Funk, 134 S. 13th St. #1010, Lincoln, NE 68508. (402)-476-8091. |
| The Asian Community & Cultural Center | This organization supports and empowers all refugees and immigrants through programs and services and advances the sharing of Asian culture and the celebration of multicultural heritage with the community at large. | Get Involved! | Joy Oyebefun at joy@lincolnasiancenter.org, or call (402) 477-3446. We are located at 144 N 44th Street, Suite A, Lincoln, NE 69503. |
| Civic Nebraska | Civic Nebraska creates a more modern and robust democracy for all Nebraskans. Our diverse programming across Civic Health, Youth Civic Leadership, and Voting Rights works in tandem to invest in the lives of Nebraskans and strengthen statewide civic leadership, with the ultimate goal of improving civic health. | To learn more about employment and paid internship opportunities, check out our open positions here! | Any other questions about Civic Nebraska's work or internship prospects, please reach out to the Director of People and Culture, Nicholette Meyer at nicholette.meyer@civicnebraska.org |
| Collective Impact Nebraska | Collective Impact Lincoln supports resident-led investment and positive change in the city’s core neighborhoods. Through canvassing, community events, and Community Builder Workshops, we help neighbors examine their communities’ strengths and identify new ways to improve. Collective Impact Lincoln is a partnership between Civic Nebraska and Nebraska Appleseed. We focus on Belmont, Clinton, Everett, Hartley, Near South, and University Place neighborhoods. | ||
| Community Action Partnership | Community Action empowers people living in poverty to reach economic stability. Its programs and services address the causes and conditions of poverty in four impact areas: Early Childhood Education, Homelessness Prevention, Financial and Family Well-Being, and Hunger Relief and Healthy Food Access. |
To apply, fill out the volunteer/intern application and CAP will work to find you a placement if openings are available. Please note that students should reach out to the organization as far in advance as possible to ensure a spot for them and to get through their background check process. Sam Bates (she/her/hers) is the contact for internships and practicum placements. |
Sam Bates (Community Engagement and Partnerships Coordinator) -- sbates@communityactionatwork.org |
| Friendship Home | Friendship Home’s mission exists to support, shelter and advocate for victims of domestic violence and their children. Services include emergency and long-term shelter, crisis counseling, support groups, child advocacy, short-term mental health and substance abuse counseling. | Interns with Friendship Home are required to attend several training sessions (totaling approximately 25 hours) and are subject to interviews and record checks. Friendship Home prefers interns who can work at least six hours a week, can work without direct supervision and can prioritize duties. Interns work one-on-one with women as advocates, respond to crisis situations, facilitate conflict resolution, and take phone calls. They may help educate women about domestic violence, provide information and referral services. General training dates are January, May, and September. Friendship Home seeks students with initiative, flexibility and investment in ending domestic violence. | Reiney Korte, (402) 437-9367. |
| League of Women Voters | The League’s aim is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in their government. The League’s major project is registering voters, educating voters and policy advocacy/lobbying on public policy issues. | Interns with the League may work on a variety of projects depending on the activities of the League. Students may assist with voter registration in the community, schools, and nursing homes and community events. Depending on their area of interest, interns may assist with voter education forums on policy or with candidate forums sponsored by the League. They may serve as speakers, moderators or technical assistance. They may also assist with updating educational materials such as the directory of Election Officials or organizational materials such as the members Yearbook/roster or the Lincoln League's program policy position publication, Impact on Issues. | Mary Boschult, President for the Lincoln/Lancaster League; Sharon Nemeth, League Office Administrator. Turbine Flats, Flat 228, 2124 Y St, Lincoln, NE 68503. (402) 475-1411. |
| Nebraska Appleseed | Nonprofit organization that fights for justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans. We take a systemic approach to complex issues – such as child welfare, immigration policy, affordable healthcare and poverty – and we take our work wherever we believe we can do the most good, whether that's at the courthouse, in the statehouse or in the community. | Paid internships available. | Nebraska Appleseed Internships Page |
| Nebraska Civic Engagement Table | As part of their mission to develop the next generation of nonprofit leaders in Nebraska, The Nebraska Civic Engagement Table offers a paid internship program open to any person seeking experience in field organizing and/or communications work as it relates to civic engagement, advocacy, public policy. and nonprofit leadership. | ||
| OutNebraska | OutNebraska is a statewide education and advocacy organization working to celebrate and empower the LGBTQ+ community across the state. We have 3 main focus areas: advocate, educate and celebrate. | Possible internship projects include providing educational sessions to nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies; tracking legislation and preparing policy summaries; learning about relational organizing and participating in phone and/or text banks; registering voters and engaging in Get Out the Vote activities. Administrative, communication and marketing opportunities also are possible. | Abbi Swatsworth |
| PFLAG – Parents Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays | PFLAG has a threefold mission: support, education, and advocacy. Monthly meetings have support groups by interest (youth, parents, and LGB) and a program, usually a speaker, panel or firm. Meetings are attended by lesbian and gay people as well as by parents, family members, friends, ministers, teachers, and others who want to be supportive. PFLAG has a series of pamphlets for anyone interested in increasing their understanding of lesbian, gay and trans people, including assistance for those coming out. PFLAG Lincoln maintains a lending library. | PFLAG Lincoln volunteers would assist with monthly Tuesday night meetings, do minimal research, and initiate and participate in special projects including social media reach-out, and organizing food-centered gatherings (July and November). Students with social media experience are highly desired. It is important to realize that PFLAG meetings are confidential. People’s privacy must be respected. | Contact |
| Planned Parenthood – North Central States | Planned Parenthood provides health care for women in the areas of gynecological exams, pap smears, STDs, birth control, and provides information and education programs for parents and teenagers about human sexuality, encouraging communication. It provides a valuable service for low-income women and others seeking diverse options as they look at their reproductive rights. | Planned Parenthood can use interns in a variety of areas, including clinical work, community education, public affairs, preparation of education materials for families and children. Also, volunteers are needed for stuffing envelopes, advocacy work, telephone calling, etc. Public affairs interns are paid $17/hr, and the environment is woman-centered and feminist. | Adelle Burke at aburk@ppncs.org |
| St. Monica's | St. Monica’s offers a supportive and therapeutic environment for women dealing with the issue of substance use and mental health. They have openings for interns, including for a new program called Women are Sacred that serves Native American women and their children and has a day care center. St. Monica’s also has additional opportunities for interns to work with children and mothers. | St. Monica's | |
| Voices of Hope | Voices of Hope serves as an internship site for students enrolled at the undergraduate and graduate level. Interns provide a variety of direct services to victims/clients of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, and adult survivors of childhood abuses. These services include face-to-face crisis intervention through “in-house” shifts, individual brief short-term crisis counseling, crisis line, on-call advocacy, and group facilitation. Please note an additional application, interview, and training are required. | Lizeth or Lindsey for more information and/or an application. | |
| YWCA | The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The YWCA community contributes time, talent, tenacity and financial support for the betterment of women everywhere. The YWCA is a powerful voice for the rights of women and is a community united by a passion for positive social change, justice and economic empowerment. The YWCA Lincoln continues to be a vital community agency that addresses crucial social problems. Our programs have an important impact on the development of disadvantaged children, leadership and empowerment for adolescent girls, and the self-reliance of women in economic crises. | Contact | |