The UC Merced Community and Labor Center is excited to mark our 9th consecutive year participating in the Statewide Labor Summer Internship Program! We are seeking to partner with worker focused organizations from labor unions and community based in the Central Valley that address the range of issues working people face today.
Become a Host Organization:
As a host site, you will be able to host and mentor undergraduate students(s) at your organization for the timeframe of the Labor Summer program from June 22 to August 7,2026. All stipends for Labor Summer Interns are paid by the UC Merced Community and Labor Center. Host sites are also expected to provide a clear project or campaign with a timeline and work that offers hands-on learning and skills building.
Program Purpose:
The Labor Summer internship program partners with local and statewide labor and community organizations and introduces students to the labor movement and social and economic justice initiatives at the intersection of race, class, and immigration status, among many others. Students will learn the basics of community and labor organizing and intern with a Central Valley-based organization. Students will gain valuable insights and hands-on experience working on worker rights and economic and social justice issues impacting local communities! As a result of the historic expansion of new labor centers across the University of California, students will have an opportunity to meet and collaborate with students across the state!
Timeline:
The internship placement through the UC Merced Community and Labor Center is an eight-week program held during the summer from June 15 through August 7. It is open to UC Merced undergraduate students. Students will participate in a 4-day orientation during June 15-18 and begin placement at their host organization on June 22 for the rest of the internship. Students and host sites will participate in the Closing Ceremony scheduled for August 7th. Students cannot exceed a 40-hour workweek.
Host Organization Expectations:
We have a pool of University Students with an interest in labor and social justice ready to learn and take onsummer projects. Host organizations may choose to host students in person or offer hybrid opportunities.
For organizations interested in hosting a student intern, we ask of the following:
- Host undergraduate student(s) at organization for the full placement timeframe of the Labor Summer program from June 22, 2026 to August 06, 2026.
- Organization mission and values building leaders for the labor movement, for the immigrant and worker rights movement, and for efforts to revitalize worker power.
- Provide an organization orientation and ongoing guidance to ensure successful transition into organization.
- A clear project/objective, campaign timeline, and work plan to provide a hands-on learning experience and skills-building for student(s).
- Host organizations will be invited to attend a meet-and-greet luncheon on June 18th, as well as a closing ceremony on August 7th.
If you have any questions about being a hoste site, contact us at: alejandrocarrillo@ucmerced.edu.
