Center for Democracy and Civic Life Intern and Peer Leader Positions [PAID]

The Center for Democracy and Civic Life is looking for undergraduate and graduate students to join our team as interns and peer leaders. 

Research and evaluation interns ($15.00/hour for roughly 10-15 hours/week when classes are in session, August 2026 - May 2027): Research and evaluation interns support the Center for Democracy and Civic Life's assessment, evaluation, and research projects; investigate topics related to Center for Democracy and Civic Life programs; and support the Center's contributions to national higher education initiatives. All graduate and undergraduate students with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA are invited to apply. Applicants with (a) experience conducting qualitative research and/or (b) experience facilitating dialogue will be given preference in the selection process.

Special projects interns ($15.00/hour for roughly 10-15 hours/week when classes are in session, August 2026 - May 2027): Special projects interns support the planning and implementation of the Center for Democracy and Civic Life's programs and initiatives. Tasks may include finding and compiling information, preparing instructional materials, ensuring the availability of program supplies, creating and distributing promotional materials, helping with program setup and cleanup, guiding and checking in guests at program venues, helping to envision and plan programs, and facilitating dialogue programs. All undergraduate students with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA are invited to apply.

STRiVE coaches ($1,250 stipend, September 2026 - January 2027): STRiVE coaches help to organize and facilitate the STRiVE leadership for public purpose program, hosted by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life. Each pod coach is paired with a staff coach to facilitate activities for a small group (a "pod") that will meet regularly during STRiVE, and participates on the teams facilitating activities for the entire STRiVE community. Site coordinators assist with the purchasing and preparation of program materials and are responsible for setting up spaces, managing materials, keeping time, and communicating with site staff during the week of STRiVE. All undergraduate students are invited to apply. Applicants who have previously participated in STRiVE will be given preference in the selection process.

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) leaders ($2,000 stipend, June 2026 - March 2027): ASB leaders help to plan for, organize, and facilitate the Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program, hosted by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life. Pairs of ASB leaders work to develop and facilitate small group experiences exploring social issues in Baltimore. All graduate and undergraduate students are invited to apply. Applicants who have previously participated in ASB will be given preference in the selection process.

Election ambassadors ($1,250 stipend, August - November 2026): Election ambassadors work collaboratively with members of the Center's staff team to support Election 2026 programs and initiatives as peer educators, resource navigators, and campus organizers who help motivate and support UMBC students. Voter engagement ambassadors connect students with voter registration and civic engagement opportunities. Social media & communications ambassadors develop content to help promote civic engagement at UMBC. All graduate and undergraduate students are invited to apply. Applicants who have (a) experience in initiating conversations with new people and representing organizations in public-facing settings and/or (b) familiarity with social media platforms and digital communication tools will be given preference in the selection process.

Summer orientation leaders ($600 stipend, May - August 2026): Summer orientation leaders support the Center for Democracy and Civic Life's involvement in UMBC's first-year and transfer orientation programs. Summer orientation leaders play a central role in facilitating a large-group orientation session about inclusive excellence for orientation groups of about 150 undergraduate students, as well as managing session materials (e.g. counting and distributing worksheets; transporting materials across campus) and helping with set-up and clean-up. Summer orientation leaders also manage the Center's voter registration tabling each morning of orientation. All graduate and undergraduate students are invited to apply. Applicants with previous large group facilitation and/or speaking experience will be given preference in the selection process.