Choose Your JSI Opportunity
JSI offers six distinct summer internship opportunities, each focused on a different area of justice. Explore the programs below to find the opportunity that best matches your interests and goals.
Los Angeles Program
01 - Affordable Housing, Community Development & Environmental Justice
Explore: Housing • Community Development • Environmental Justice • Climate Justice • Urban Planning
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Work with professional staff on community-based approaches to addressing tenants’ rights, gentrification/displacement, affordable housing development, housing policy, and environmental justice.
Past Partner Organizations include:
02 - Food Studies & Urban Agriculture
Explore: Food Justice • Urban Agriculture • Community Engagement • Food Systems • Education
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Begin with a two-week orientation exploring urban agriculture and food justice initiatives across Los Angeles through classroom instruction and interactive site visits. You’ll then complete an eight-week placement with a local urban farming organization.
Interns may gain hands-on experience in sustainable cultivation, community outreach, workshop facilitation, farm marketing and sales, and food assistance programs.
Past Partner Organizations include:
03 - Immigrant Rights & Social Justice
Explore: Immigrant Rights • Community Organizing • Education • Housing • Health Access
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Begin with a two-day orientation focused on community partnerships and immigrant advocacy. You’ll then spend the rest of the internship period working alongside professional staff at and contributing to initiatives that advance justice and inclusion.
Interns may work on projects involving legal advocacy, educational outreach, housing assistance, workplace rights, family support, and healthcare access.
04 - Los Angeles & the Olympics
Explore: Housing • Transportation • Sustainability • Environmental Justice • Community Engagement
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Work with staff in the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office and local community organizations preparing for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Interns may contribute to initiatives focused on transportation, affordable housing, tenant rights, environmental justice, and neighborhood sustainability. Host sites may include municipal departments and community-based organizations.
Preferred qualifications:
- Strong writing and research skills
- Ability to set priorities and manage time
- Ability to take initiative
- Ability to work independently and in teams
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in diverse environments
05 - Public Health & Street Medicine
Explore: Public Health • Healthcare Access • Health Education • Nutrition • Street Medicine
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Work with frontline public health organizations and clinics serving vulnerable populations throughout Los Angeles.
Students may contribute to projects related to women’s health, reproductive health, health education, nutrition and physical activity, healthcare access, street medicine, and food assistance program enrollment.
Students must have completed before the start of the summer internship program.
Past Partner Organizations includePossible Organizations:
Global Program
06 - Global Immigrant Rights & Social Justice - Greece
Explore: Refugee Rights • Migration • Education • Humanitarian Aid • Social Services
Application Alert: The Greece program has an earlier application deadline (November 16, 2026) than the Los Angeles programs (February 2, 2027).
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Spend the summer in Greece working with organizations that support refugees and displaced communities.
Students may contribute to education, English-language instruction, interpretation, social services, research, and programs supporting women. The program offers an opportunity to explore global migration and humanitarian issues while working directly with organizations serving refugee communities.
Areas that the students will be engaging in include:
- Education and English Language Teaching:
- Conduct English lessons for minors or adults.
- Facilitate recreational activities with children.
- Interpretation Support:
- Assist with Arabic, Farsi, French, or Urdu interpretation.
- Collaborate with services such as reception or social services.
- Support data collection for ongoing research initiatives.
- Women’s Activities:
- Potential involvement in Female Friendly Spaces, focusing on supporting women through organized activities and services.
Preferred Attributes:
- Students with a commitment to social justice and global issues.
- Demonstrated interest in refugee rights, education, or humanitarian aid.
- Proficiency in relevant languages (Arabic, Farsi, French, or Urdu) is highly desirable but not mandatory.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in diverse environments
What Does a JSI Summer Look Like?
Before the Internship
Prepare for your summer through orientation, readings, discussions, and conversations with faculty mentors and community partners.
During the Summer
Work full-time with your host organization while participating in JSI weekly seminars with the faculty mentor and maintaining a reflective journal.
Share Your Work
L.A. interns participate in the URC Summer Research Program Conference on the last Wednesday of the summer internship program. Greece interns will participate in a speaker panel in the following fall semester.
After the Internship
Reflect on what you learned and how your experience connects to your academic interests, future goals, and understanding of justice.
Who Can Apply?
Students from all majors are encouraged to apply.
Generally Eligible Students:
- Current Occidental students returning to ºù«Ӱҵ in Fall 2027
- Students interested in social, environmental, public health, immigrant, or global justice
- Students who are able to commit to a full-time, 10-week summer internship
- Students who are in good academic and conduct standing
Good to Know:
- Rising juniors and seniors are especially encouraged to apply.
- Previous JSI participants may apply to a different program area, with priority given to students who have not previously participated.
- Some internship programs have additional requirements. Review the individual program description before applying.
- Graduating seniors are not eligible to apply.
Apply to JSI
🇬🇷 Applying for the Greece Program?
Global Immigrant Rights & Social Justice - Greece
Because the Greece program has an earlier selection process, students interested in this opportunity should review the application requirements and begin preparing their materials early.
Application deadline: 5:00 PM (PT) on November 16
Interviews: November 30 - December 4
Selection: December 8 - December 9
Application Materials
- Personal Statement
Explain why you are interested in the program you are applying for, what you hope to learn, the skills and experiences you would bring to the internship, and how the opportunity connects to your academic or professional goals. - Resume
- ºù«Ӱҵ Transcript
An unofficial transcript is acceptable.
Intern Requirements and Disclosures
Applicants should be aware of the following requirements prior to applying.
- Valid Passport: Applicants must have a valid passport or be able to obtain one before departure.
- Immunizations: Applicants must be up-to-date on all immunizations required for international travel to Greece.
- Background Check: Selected interns will be required to complete a "Livescan" criminal background check prior to participation.
- Physical Demands: This internship involves extensive walking, climbing stairs, and participation in field-based activities. Accommodations for mobility limitations are limited.
- Shared Housing: Interns will be expected to live in shared accommodations with other ºù«Ӱҵ participants.
- International Programs Office (IPO): Interns will be required to contact IPO and complete the Clearance Form prior to March 15.
🇺🇸 Applying for a Los Angeles Program?
Five Los Angeles JSI Opportunities
Application deadline: 5:00 PM (PT) on February 2
Interviews: February 8–March 3
Selection: March 5
Application Materials
- Personal Statement
Explain why you are interested in the program you are applying for, what you hope to learn, the skills and experiences you would bring to the internship, and how the opportunity connects to your academic or professional goals. - Resume
- ºù«Ӱҵ Transcript
An unofficial transcript is acceptable.
Apply for a Los Angeles Program (Application will open in November/December)
Meet Our JSI Interns
