Summer 2025: Digital Inclusion Intern *Unpaid*

IRC BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading organization providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression throughout the U.S. IRC in San Diego has resettled over 31,000 refugees to San Diego County over the past 50 years and provides numerous program services. In San Diego, the IRC opened its doors in 1975 and has grown to serve approximately 7,000 refugee and immigrant individuals from 115 countries of origin each year through 5 different departments.

SCOPE OF INTERNSHIP: In this internship, students will have the opportunity to contribute to the Digital Inclusion Program, which supports digital skill development for refugees, newcomers, and low-income families. The program provides clients with access to technology and helps them develop essential digital skills to enhance their daily lives, job opportunities, and overall self-sufficiency. Interns will assist in delivering training, developing resources, and supporting participants in building confidence with technology.

RESPONSIBILITIES: With oversight from the Senior Digital Inclusion Specialist, the Digital Access Intern will:

• Support the intake process by conducting screening calls for potential clients, working with interpreters and determining eligibility for the program

• Conduct digital skills assessments to determine clients' technology proficiency and learning needs.

• Develop innovative training materials to enhance digital literacy classes.

• Provide basic instruction on computer and smartphone use.

• Offer ongoing technical support to help clients confidently navigate digital tools and online resources.

• Help clients overcome technological barriers that limit their access to essential services, including online healthcare, job readiness resources, and educational platforms.

• Assist in organizing and facilitating device donation events.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Interns will develop expertise in digital inclusion strategies and technology support, empowering multicultural communities to overcome digital barriers.

• Interns will gain hands-on experience in program enrollment, case management, and client engagement within a nonprofit setting.

• Interns will actively contribute to the planning and execution of community-based events, including device donation initiatives.

• Interns will enhance their cross-cultural communication, problem-solving, and client-centered service delivery skills in a professional environment.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be currently enrolled in or have recently completed an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's program in a relevant field, such as Social Work, Communications, Graphic Design, Information Technology, or a related discipline.

• Previous experience teaching technology basics and troubleshooting preferred; experience with refugees a plus.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with Canva and SharePoint is a plus.

• Experience using online meeting platforms such as Zoom.

• Adherent to IRC volunteer and workplace policies & dress code.

• Willingness to learn about the IRC and engage in cross-cultural communication with clients.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; fluency in Haitian Creole, Farsi, Dari, Spanish, Pashto, Arabic, Swahili, Ukrainian or Russian preferred.

• Independent, efficient, and able to accomplish tasks in a timely manner.

• Must pass the IRC background check.

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship opportunity.

Working Environment:

The Digital Inclusion Internship can be completed in-person at San Diego offices (El Cajon and City Heights); remote as needed office or partially remote, depending on program needs and intern availability.

El Cajon Office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm PST. Selected interns can choose their hours based on this window of availability.