Summer Intern, Sycamore & Oak: Community Engagement
Overview
Emerson Collective (EC) is a company of investors, changemakers, creative thinkers, and problem solvers working to make a lasting mark on the world.
For our summer internship, we’re looking for college students who think big, are eager to take on challenges, and are ready to collaborate with their teams and with one another.
Emerson Collective’s summer internship program places rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors - and, for select opportunities, recent college graduates - in paid internship opportunities across Emerson Collective and our longstanding nonprofit partners XQ Institute, E Pluribus Unum, and Chicago CRED.
Candidates may apply to a maximum of three positions. Any additional submissions will not be considered.
The Opportunity
The Sycamore & Oak team brings together community leaders, developers, and designers to create regenerative, mass timber projects that unite sustainability, local ownership, and lasting economic opportunity.
As the Community Engagement intern, you’ll focus on advancing place-based equity, civic participation, and inclusive community development. You’ll conduct research, support community mapping, and help create materials for presentations and convenings that elevate local voices and ideas. You’ll collaborate closely with teammates across Emerson Collective and community partners committed to social and economic equity. Ideal candidates are thoughtful, curious, and community-minded, with strong communication skills and a deep interest in how listening and storytelling can drive positive change.
Role and Responsibilities
- Conduct research and data analysis on community equity, civic participation, and local impact.
- Support the development of community engagement plans and equity-centered initiatives.
- Assist in creating presentations and reports for meetings and convenings.
- Contribute to storytelling efforts that highlight the voices and experiences of community partners.
- Collaborate across teams to identify opportunities for inclusive impact.
Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements
- Rising undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior pursuing a degree in social work, communications, non-profit management, urban studies, public policy, public health, or a related field.
- Demonstrated interest in community engagement, equity, and inclusive development, and passion for EC’s work.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor materials for different audiences.
- Organized, adaptable, and proactive, with the ability to balance multiple projects and priorities.
- Collaborative and creative, bringing curiosity and problem-solving skills to complex community issues.
- Operates with care, humility, and respect in all community and team interactions.
- High standards for accuracy, quality, and integrity, and the ability to maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality.
Application Questions:
- Why are you interested in this role? Please describe any skills, experiences, or past projects that make you particularly qualified for this role. (Please answer in 250 words or less)
- Think of a community event, project, or campaign that brought people together in a surprising or inspiring way. What stood out to you, and what do you think made it so effective? (Please answer in 250 words or less)
Internship Details
The internship is onsite, 40 hours per week from June 15 through August 7, 2026. A mandatory paid virtual onboarding and orientation will take place June 10 - 12.
Compensation
- All interns are paid $25 per hour and can expect to work 40 hours per week from June 15 to August 7 (eight weeks).
- Interns will also be paid $25 per hour for onboarding and orientation sessions taking place June 10–12.
- All interns receive a lunch allowance and a commuter allowance, and may also receive travel and housing allowances as needed.
Key Dates
- November 18 - January 9: Internship applications accepted, and interviews commence on a rolling basis (Please note that not all applicants will be selected for interviews.)
- January 12 - March 7: Interviews continue, and offers are extended
- June 10-12: Mandatory virtual onboarding and orientation
- June 15: Internship program begins
• • August 7: Internship program concludes