Humanities EXCEL Internship with United Way, 2026 – Project Coordinators

Humanities EXCEL: Experiential Career Exploration and Learning

We encourage work-study and non-work-study students to apply. This internship is only open to undergraduate students with a declared or proposed major or minor in the Humanities Division and requires work authorization.

The Humanities Experiential Career Exploration and Learning (EXCEL) Program connects undergraduate Humanities majors and minors with community partners for paid internships. Fellows gain valuable professional experience while exploring potential career paths.

Number of Positions Available:

Partner Organization: United Way of Santa Cruz County

Location: Hybrid — Travel to Capitola, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley may be required. Interns are compensated for transportation time. 

  • UCSC Humanities funds a Zipcar account to cover car transportation for students age 18+ who have a valid Driver’s License. Gas expenses are not covered. Please review our transportation guide to learn about your options for traveling off campus. 

Duration: January 2026-June 2026

Hours: ~10 hours/week working with your class schedule

Pay: $20/hour

Mentorship: Regular check-ins and support from United Way professional staff. 

Since 1941, United Way of Santa Cruz County (UWSCC) has worked to ensure that youth succeed in school and life, residents are healthy, and families are financially stable. UWSCC employs a collective impact framework—data-driven, results-oriented, and grounded in cross-sector collaboration—to address complex community challenges, including economic mobility, access to healthcare services, and youth well-being.

United Way’s work is organized across four key departments. Interns will be matched with one of these departments based on their interests, skills, and organizational needs.

  • United4Youth – advancing youth voice, leadership, and opportunities.
  • United4Community – strengthening safety-net programs such as 211, Free Tax Services, and Emergency Preparedness.
  • Finance – supporting sound financial management and accountability.
  • Development – building community support through fundraising, donor engagement, and workplace campaigns.

The Project Coordinator Intern will support one of UWSCC’s core departments (United4Youth, United4Community, Finance, or Development) through project coordination, communications, and community engagement. This part-time position provides meaningful opportunities to contribute to United Way’s mission while gaining professional experience in nonprofit operations.

Interns may assist with event logistics, program documentation, communications, financial tracking, or donor engagement, depending on their placement. All interns will learn how a leading nonprofit collaborates with community partners to drive measurable impact.

  • (40%) Storytelling & Documentation
    • Capture photos, quotes, and testimonials from participants and partners.
    • Assist in writing impact stories and donor or partner spotlights.
    • Support video and multimedia content creation.
  • (10%) Program & Event Coordination
    • Prepare materials and coordinate logistics for meetings, workshops, and community events.
    • Take notes, track participation, and support follow-up.
    • Assist with promotion and coordination of youth, community, or donor-focused events.
  • Humanities EXCEL Programming: Attend two cohort meetings each quarter when possible and participate in asynchronous Canvas experiential learning reflection.
  • You must be a declared or proposed major or minor in a Humanities Division department and have good academic standing. If proposed, declare by June.
    • Eligible majors: Applied Linguistics and Multilingualism, Classical Studies, Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, Feminist Studies, History, Jewish Studies, Language Studies, Linguistics, Literature, Philosophy, Spanish Studies
    • Eligible minors: Black Studies, Classical Studies, East Asian Studies, History of Consciousness, History, Italian Studies, Jewish Studies, Language Studies, Linguistics, Literature, Middle Eastern and North African Studies, Philosophy, Spanish Studies
  • You have work authorization (required)
  • You can work independently and collaboratively (required)
  • Interest in nonprofit work, program coordination, communications, finance, or development.
  • Experience with Canva, Google Suite, and social media platforms preferred.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and eager to learn.
  • Spanish/English bilingual preferred but not required.
  • Commitment to equity, community empowerment, and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Position requires sitting and using a computer for long periods of time; moderate activity, including walking, reaching, bending, and carrying objects up to 25 lbs

How To Apply

  • Updated resume
  • 1-page cover letter addressed to the United Way team sharing:
    • Why you’re interested in this role and United Way (explore their website!)
    • How your background and skills apply
    • What you hope to gain from the experience

Questions? Email Kylie Rachwalski at hum-experiential-learning@ucsc.edu.

The Mellon Foundation, The Helen and Will Webster Foundation, The Humanities Institute, the UCSC Humanities Division, and private donors generously support the Humanities EXCEL Program.


Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Last modified: Sep 24, 2025