CAIR-Chicago Internship Program

The CAIR-Chicago Internship Program is an unpaid civil rights and advocacy internship at the Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, open to high school students in grades 9 through 12 as well as college and graduate students. The program runs year round in three sessions: Winter-Spring (January 1 to May 15), Summer (May 15 to August 31), and Fall (September 1 to December 31). The program is based at the office at 17 N. State Street in downtown Chicago. Current openings include Outreach and Operations internships, which involve community events, civic engagement, research, grant writing, and office support. The program is unpaid, but high school students can earn community service hours.

Open to high school students in grades 9 through 12. High school interns must serve at least 8 weeks and at least 10 hours per week. The Communications internship is limited to college and graduate students, and the law clerk role is for law students. Each session has its own deadline: December 1 for Winter-Spring, April 15 for Summer, and August 1 for Fall. Positions are filled on a rolling basis, so applying early helps. To apply, fill out the online form and email a cover letter, resume, and short (2-3 page) writing sample to the department.