Call for Applications: Humanities EXCEL Fellowship with Community Foundation Santa Cruz County–Engagement & Impact 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: Community Foundation Santa Cruz County – learn more on their website.
Location: Hybrid – remote and in person (at least 2 x per week) at 7807 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
- UCSC Humanities funds a ZipCar account so students can book vehicles to travel to work or required events in Santa Cruz County if needed.
Duration: Academic Year 2025–26 (September—June)
Hours: 10 hours/week
Pay: $20/hour
Mentorship: Regular check-ins and support from Kevin Heuer, Director of Engagement & Impact
What You’ll Do – Engagement & Impact Intern
Our vision is to make Santa Cruz County thrive for all who call it home, now and in the future. That starts in the workplace. We strive to build an office community where employees feel that they belong and can thrive. Learn more about our equity approach and actions. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ people, Bilingual (Spanish/English) candidates, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
- Nonprofit Submissions Coordination (35%): Helping process nonprofits’ submissions of funding requests and impact profiles that we share with our donors
- Scholarship Program Support (30%): Support of scholarship program, including by assisting students in completing applications and renewal requests
- Data Management & Storytelling (20%): Inputting and tracking key data points and helping create charts and presentation slides telling the story of our work
- Event & Program Support (10%): Support events and programming where nonprofits come together to share lessons learned
- Humanities EXCEL Programming (5%): 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 are available to work a minimum of 15 hours/week during business hours (required).
- You are reliable, can meet deadlines, respond promptly, and solve problems proactively. (required)
- You bring a positive attitude to your work. (required)
- You are a thoughtful collaborator and team player. (required)
- You are not afraid to ask questions! (required)
- You are adaptive, learn from your mistakes, and are open to experimenting. (required)
- You have some experience in events, programming, or education.
- You have some experience in Google Docs, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, or Wix.
- You value solutions, building trust, and leveraging resources to create more equitable opportunities for Santa Cruz County.
- You’re committed to advancing racial equity in Santa Cruz County. (required)
How To Apply
- Updated resume
- 1-page cover letter addressing:
- Why you’re interested in this role and Community Foundation Santa Cruz County (explore their website!)
- How your background and skills apply
- What you hope to gain from the experience
- Address your letter to Kevin Heuer, Director of Engagement & Impact
Review these resume and cover letter resources to ensure you are a strong candidate! For application help, see Humanities Career Engagement.
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.
- “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:
