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Call for Applications: Humanities EXCEL Fellowship with Santa Cruz Works–Business and Communications Assistant 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 18, 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: Santa Cruz Works

Location: Fully remote; 1-2 half-days/month in person to support events. Flexible hours to fit your needs.

Duration: Academic Year 2025–26

Hours: 10–20 hours/week

Pay: $20/hour

Mentorship: Regular check-ins and support from The Executive Director and Business Development Manager of Santa Cruz Works (both of whom are UCSC Alums!)

What You’ll Do – Business and Communications Assistant

Santa Cruz Works, Inc. is a non-profit organization fostering a vibrant and inclusive business ecosystem in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Through monthly events, an accelerator, a weekly newsletter, networking opportunities, and resources, we empower entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes to launch, thrive, and expand, contributing to a dynamic and prosperous community. Santa Cruz Works is seeking a motivated Humanities intern to join our team. This internship is a fantastic opportunity for a UCSC undergraduate student to apply their academic background to real-world projects and contribute to a thriving organization.

  • Marketing & Communications (60%): Assist with article creation for newsletter, website, social media, or grant proposals.
  • Industry Research (10%): Research industry trends, competitor analysis, or specific topics relevant to Santa Cruz Works' initiatives. Training can be provided.
  • UX Research (10%): Participate in user experience (UX) research, including user interviews and data analysis, to improve our programs and services.
  • Community Outreach (10%): Help Santa Cruz Works connect with the Santa Cruz community. Support strategy to engage UCSC student organizations, do student and business outreach.
  • Administrative Tasks (10%): Assist with other tasks as assigned, which may include writing, editing, or administrative support.
  • 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 have substantial research and communication skills and can write clearly and concisely.
  • You have proven critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
  • You are interested in the nonprofit sector and want to make a positive impact.
  • Experience in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is preferred.

How To Apply

  • Updated resume
  • 1-page cover letter addressing:
    • Why you’re interested in this role and Santa Cruz Works (explore their website!)
    • How your background and skills apply
    • What you hope to gain from the experience
  • Address your letter to The Santa Cruz Works Team
  • A writing sample - This may be a published piece, a short response, or an essay excerpt. Consider going to the News site on SC Works and looking at some of the articles. You could rewrite one of those articles in your own voice or write an article about a company or topic that fits the type of content SCW produces (300-500 words).

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.

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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: