Fall 2026: Digital Inclusion Intern (Unpaid)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

SCOPE OF INTERNSHIP: In this internship, students will have the opportunity to contribute to the Digital Inclusion Program, which supports digital skill development for refugees, newcomers, and low-income families. The program provides clients with access to technology and helps them develop essential digital skills to enhance their daily lives, job opportunities, and overall self-sufficiency. Interns will assist in delivering training, developing resources, and supporting participants in building confidence with technology.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Interns will develop expertise in digital inclusion strategies and technology support, empowering multicultural communities to overcome digital barriers.

• Interns will gain hands-on experience in program enrollment, case management, and client engagement within a nonprofit setting.

• Interns will actively contribute to the planning and execution of community-based events, including device donation initiatives.

• Interns will enhance their cross-cultural communication, problem-solving, and client-centered service delivery skills in a professional environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES: With oversight from the Digital Inclusion Specialist, the Digital Inclusion Intern will:

• Support the intake process by conducting screening calls for potential clients, working with interpreters, and determining eligibility for the program.

• Conduct digital skills assessments to determine clients' technology proficiency and learning needs.

• Develop innovative training materials to enhance digital literacy classes.

• Provide basic instructions on computer and smartphone use, as well as fundamentals of AI and the use of virtual reality for educational purposes.

• Offer ongoing technical support to help clients confidently navigate digital tools and online resources.

• Help clients overcome technological barriers that limit their access to essential services, including online healthcare, job readiness resources, and educational platforms.

• Assist in organizing and facilitating device donation events.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be currently enrolled in or have recently completed an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s program in a relevant field, such as Social Work, Communications, Graphic Design, Information Technology, or a related discipline.

• Genuine enthusiasm for teaching and supporting adults, with the patience and dedication required to help non-technical individuals overcome digital barriers.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with Canva and SharePoint is a plus.

• Experience using online meeting platforms such as Zoom.

• Willingness to learn about the IRC and engage in cross-cultural communication with clients.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; fluency in Haitian Creole, Farsi, Dari, Spanish, Pashto, Arabic, Swahili, Ukrainian or Russian preferred.

• Independent, efficient, and able to accomplish tasks in a timely manner.

• Adherent to IRC volunteer and workplace policies & dress code.

• Currently residing in San Diego County and have lived locally for at least one year.

• Must pass the IRC background check.

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship opportunity.

Working Environment:

The Digital Inclusion Internship can be completed in-person at San Diego offices (El Cajon and City Heights); Partially remote, depending on program needs.

The office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm PST. Selected interns can choose their hours based on this window of availability.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.