Who We Are

The Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is now Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (“Amica Center” for short). Click here to learn more about our new name. Since our founding in 1999, we have grown significantly and added new services to support immigrants in detention. Recently, Amica Center has outgrown our name, expanding beyond our initial services and geographic boundaries.

“Amica” is the Latin word for “friend,” and that echoes the way we approach what we do. Just as friends stand with one another, Amica Center stands with our clients to achieve the safety, stability, and opportunity we all deserve.

We are the only non-profit organization in the Washington, D.C. area that is exclusively focused on providing legal assistance to adult and child immigrants detained by the government in the Capital Region and beyond.

Position Summary

Amica Center is looking for an undergraduate or graduate student to support our staff on our Development and Communications Team. The internship will provide the opportunity to learn and work in a wide range of projects centered on communications, nonprofit development, grants, and database management.

We are currently accepting intern applications for Summer 2026. Our Summer Internship program asks for a commitment of 15-30 hours a week for at least 10 weeks, starting on or about May 26, 2026.

Applicants from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. If relevant, please discuss in your application how your background motivates your interest in this position or otherwise affects your career goals.

Internships are unpaid; however, Amica Center can assist students seeking internship credit or funding.

Scholarship Opportunity:

Amica Center for Immigrant Rights invites all prospective interns to apply for the Amica Center Scholarship for the Summer 2026 semester. Amica Center will distribute four $1,000 tax-free* scholarships to eligible interns for the primary purpose of educational and professional development. To learn more, please visit https://amicacenter.org/join-the-fight/careers-internships/.

*Scholarship funds are intended to be used to pay for tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at an educational institution, or for fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses at the institution. Scholarship recipients are advised to speak to a tax-expert and report the scholarship funds in their gross income to the IRS.

Remote Work:

To keep our internships accessible to all students regardless of geographic location, this Summer 2026 internships may be remote. We encourage applicants from local law schools and those from outside the D.C. area to apply. There is no requirement that interns conduct any in-person work during their internships, but interns may have the opportunity to appear in or observe court in person. There will be opportunities for in-office work, in-person meetings, and events with staff and fellow interns in compliance with Amica Center’s COVID-19 policies.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Communications (75%)

• Support the Communications Team with social media and digital media, which will include writing and editing content, creating graphics, and monitoring Amica Center’s platforms.
• Research for and prepare emails and other e-connect to be shared with supporters
• Assist with general social media and website management and upkeep.

Development (25%)

• Assist with fundraising campaigns and any events.
• Research and identify new potential avenues for funding, including grant research.
• Utilize fundraising database with donor and prospect information.
• Other administrative tasks as needed.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To be considered for the internship, please fill out the application link below and attach the following materials in .pdf format to your Paylocity application.

• A cover letter indicating your interest in the position. Please describe what experiences, personal and professional, have motivated you to apply.
• A resume;
• At least 2 references

Please apply to ONLY ONE department within Amica Center. For example, if you apply for this internship with the Immigration Impact Lab, please do not also apply for an internship with the Detained Adult Program. Please choose the department that best matches your preference, skills, and experience.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews may be scheduled and offers given before the deadline, so please apply as soon as you are able.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, May 1

Qualifications:

• Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree
• Must be 18 or older
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Ability to work independently and a part of a team
• Ability to respond quickly to events as they arise
• Highly organized and self-motivated
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills

Required Resources:

• A laptop or computer (*);
• Reliable internet; and
• A phone