The Office of Equity Internship

The internship program within the Office of Equity provides highly motivated undergraduate or graduate students (including MSW, MPP, MPA, MA, PhD, and law students) an opportunity to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in State of Illinois government. Office of Equity Interns are recruited from public and private colleges and universities throughout Illinois.

In the program, future DEIA leaders gain hands-on experience in government and obtain tools for public service. Interns are mentored to support DEIA projects in collaboration with the Office of Equity team and will have the chance to develop special DEIA projects and initiatives that leverage their interests and expertise. We are interested in self-directed candidates who thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment. Internships are part-time and unpaid.

• Candidates must have source of academic credit and/or funding from their academic institution.
• Candidates must be Illinois residents. 
• Candidates must be currently working toward a college/university degree or certification.
• Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to DEIA principles through community/public service. involvement, activism, advocacy, academic study, and/or extracurricular activities.

• Assist with planning for the Office’s DEIA focused initiatives and programming
• Attend meetings with government leaders, advocates, and other DEIA stakeholders
• Conduct policy and legislative research

*No Summer Session in 2024
**Start and end dates are flexible for selected candidates

To apply, please submit the following materials to Gov.EquityOffice@illinois.gov

1. Application (below), which must be fully completed and typed.
2. Cover letter that describes why you are the right candidate for the internship
3. Résumé
4. Writing sample
5. College transcript (official or unofficial)
6. Name, title, and contact information for an academic or professional reference (reference must be a supervisor, professor, or mentor; a letter of recommendation is not required)

For further information or to request an accommodation in the application process, please email Gov.EquityOffice@Illinois.gov and have the subject line read: Office of Equity internship.