Internship Applications Open!

We are now accepting internship applications for Spring 2024!
To begin the application process, please complete the Interest Form

For more information, please contact Angelica Santiago at [email protected].

Universidad Popular Internship Program

Universidad Popular is a grassroots community-based organization promoting health, education and nurturing a culture of trust and civic participation in our nation’s democratic process. We bring together community leaders and educators with bold ideas who create programs that are culturally and linguistically responsive, data-driven, and social justice focused.

We build on a resilient tradition of resistance known as educación popular or popular education, meaning education of the people. This model of education is most commonly known as a liberating pedagogy through which an individual becomes aware of his or her personal experiences and how these experiences are connected to the larger society. An essential element to the model is empowerment and connecting individuals’ learning with their role in creating positive social change.

Internships/Volunteer Opportunities at Universidad Popular 

Universidad Popular offers programs throughout North County with the intent of capturing community knowledge and fostering an appreciation for traditional know-how while strengthening family and community cohesion. The goal is to teach living skills and to learn from each other. For us, it is about building self-reliance in a unique multi-generational setting and facilitating hands-on learning experiences.

Interns are expected to participate in at least one of the following programs:

Cultivando Liderazgo - Citizenship (Naturalization) and Civic Engagement  

Students work with community members who are preparing for naturalization/citizenship interviews by reviewing history, government and English language content. Students will gain an increased understanding of the Latinx community in the service area and will develop teaching and communication skills. Additionally, students will gain expertise in language and culturally relevant approaches working with Spanish speaking members of the community.

Community education classes are scheduled every Tuesday from 4:30pm to 7:30pm San Marcos Elementary School, 1 Tiger Way, San Marcos, CA 92069. 

Cultivando Fortaleza - Disaster Preparedness 

Students work with community members, community leaders, promotores, and community educators in order to cultivate community education around disaster preparedness. Students and community members will engage in a series of courses to prepare our community for disaster through the CA Listos initiative. We are working together to build sustainable leadership skills among community members in order to bring the needed resources into our communities. Additionally, students will gain expertise in language and culturally relevant approaches working with Spanish speaking members of the community. 

Community education classes are scheduled every Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm in our office, 261 Autumn Dr, Suite 115, San Marcos, CA 92069. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Access, Education and Outreach 

Students work with Universidad Popular’s Community Health Workers team to conduct outreach and education activities in hard to reach communities with the goal of informing community members and facilitating COVID-19 vaccine and testing access. Students will gain an increased understanding of the Latinx community in the service area and will develop an understanding of the community needs. Additionally, students will gain expertise in language and culturally relevant approaches working with vulnerable community members.

Community education activities are scheduled at different times throughout the week and weekend. Students must have availability on the weekends. Activities are mainly in North County (San Marcos & Escondido). 

Cultivando Salud - Food Justice 

Students work with Universidad Popular’s Community Education Team and partnering organizations to assist in the distribution of food to community members in multiple locations in North County, primarily in the unincorporated Pauma Valley area. Students will gain an increased understanding of the Latinx community in the service area and will develop community education and communication skills. Additionally, students will gain expertise in language and culturally relevant approaches working with vulnerable community members.

Food distributions are scheduled every Tuesday from 9am to 2pm in Pauma Valley Community Center (16650 CA-76, Pauma Valley, CA 92061). In addition, other distributions are scheduled at different times throughout the week. Students must have availability and reliable transportation. 

The Application Process

The application process serves to: a) assess applicants’ academic interests and needs; b) determine applicants' qualifications; c) identify project availability, and d) ensure appropriate internship placement.

Step 1. Initial Contact – Interested individuals are encouraged to contact our Internship coordinating team. Please include in your email your name, major, reasons for interest, and course information (if applicable). Universidad Popular will contact interested individuals with information on current projects and how to apply.

Step 2. Application – Applicants submits required application forms/documents on deadline provided. The UP team reviews student’s information to determine eligibility and availability of projects.

Required documents:

• Letter of Intent (In 1 page, describe the reasons for your interest in an internship with UP, your academic goals, experiences, areas of interest, and what you expect to accomplish as an intern with UP).
• Resume or CV
• Current class schedule (if applicable)
• Course Syllabus (if applicable)

Step 3. Training – Selected applicants are invited to attend a mandatory training session before they can begin their internship. This is an all-day training that includes: 1) An introduction to Universidad Popular and projects; and 2) cultural and linguistic competency training. 

Step 4. Project Placement – Interns will be assigned to a project and will receive a starting date.