Call for Applications: Humanities EXCEL Fellowship with Black Surf Santa Cruz– Community Engagement Intern 2025-2026

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

Application Deadline: May 11, 2025

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.

Internship Details

Partner Organization: Black Surf Santa Cruz

Location: Hybrid position. Applicants should be based in Santa Cruz County. This position is has dedicated remote hours and in-person hours for programming at various beaches across Santa Cruz County and office hours at our downtown office space.

Mandatory In-Person Dates:

• At least 4 x 6 hour in-person weekday meetings per month. (Dates TBD)
• 6-8 additional weekend program dates. (4-5 hrs each, Dates TBD)
• 2026 Liberation Paddle Out (6-8 hrs, June 2025; Date TBD)

Duration: Academic Year 2025–26

Hours: 10–20 hours/week

Pay: $20/hour

Mentorship: Regular check-ins and support from a designated supervisor

What You’ll Do – Social Media and Community Engagement Intern

Administrative Tasks

• Assist in coordinating and executing various operational and administrative tasks and projects as assigned by the Executive Director.
• Assist with day-of-event logistics, post-event communication/ evaluation, compiling materials, and other event-related activities.
• Provide general administrative support to the organization, including managing schedules, arranging meetings, assisting with our online shop, and maintaining files.
• Other tasks and duties as needed.

Social Media & Communications

• Assist with the design and execution of a strategic communications plan (social media, newsletters, website, mailers, memos, emails, campaign materials, etc.)
• Assist with the design of marketing collateral (e.g., flyers, social media postings, etc.)
  • Create visually appealing content using Canva.
• Capture behind-the-schenes phot/video content at all programming when possible.
• Design and execute social media campaigns.
  • Create and distribute content such as blogs, infographics, videos, and press releases on social media and traditional news outlets.
  • Track social media engagement to identify high-performing ideas and campaigns for scalability.
• Work to draft, distribute, and pitch eNewsletter media alerts and update the BSSC website/socials with current events and relevant news.

Community Engagement

• Represent Black Surf Santa Cruz at community events, pop-ups, and tabling opportunities.
• Engage with the public to promote the organization's mission, programs, and initiatives while fostering positive relationships and increasing visibility within the community.
• Develop community contact documents and assist with promotion and outreach to BSSC partners and the public.
• Engage with participants and get stories to share.

Humanities EXCEL Programming:

• Attend two cohort meetings each quarter when possible and participate in asynchronous Canvas experiential learning reflection.

Eligibility & Qualifications

• 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)
• You know the ins and outs of Google Suite, particularly Google Sheets (basic to intermediate skill level). You check your Gmail daily.
• You’re tech-savvy and have experience working with social media platforms and tools (e.g., Meta Platforms, TikTok, Canva, Wix, etc.).
• You’re comfortable working independently and with a team of collaborators in a hybrid remote/in-person workflow.
• You are very organized and have a routine that helps you prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• You show excellent attention to detail and accuracy in completing tasks.
• You’re committed to anti-racism.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• You have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• You’ve worked in an administrative role before (bonus).
• You can and are excited to work and learn in a dynamic "startup environment."
• You show a problem-solving mindset and handle challenges proactively.
• You have an understanding of the history of slavery, segregation, and how white supremacy affects modern-day society, specifically in Santa Cruz.
• You’re creative, self-motivated, self-driven, and pay attention to detail — diligent and intentional in completing assigned tasks. You can multitask.
• You can demonstrate strong, clear written & oral communication.
• You can work and thrive in a sometimes high-pressure, high-speed environment.

How To Apply

• Updated resume
• 1-page cover letter addressing:
  • Why are you interested in this role and Black Surf Santa Cruz (explore their website!)
  • How your background and skills apply
  • What you hope to gain from the experience
  • Why do you think you’ll be a good fit for this role?
• What worlds do you come from and what histories and experiences have shaped who you are? In this role, you’ll be a visible, community-facing representative of Black Surf Santa Cruz - how do you think your identity and personal relationship with power and privilege will prepare you to show up for the role, the organization, and the community?Address your letter to Esabella Bonner, Executive Director

Review these resume and cover letter resources to ensure you are a strong candidate! For application help, see Humanities Career Engagement.

APPLY NOW

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.

1. “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
   • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
   • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
   • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace