Fall 2025: Digital Inclusion Intern (Unpaid)
Contribute to the Digital Inclusion Program by supporting digital skill development for refugees and low-income families.
Overview
Contribute to the Digital Inclusion Program by supporting digital skill development for refugees and low-income families.
You have:
- 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.
- Previous experience teaching technology basics and troubleshooting preferred; experience with refugees a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with Canva and SharePoint is a plus.
- Experience using online meeting platforms such as Zoom.
- 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.
- Currently residing in San Diego County and have lived locally for at least one year.
- Must pass the IRC background check.
Job Description
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.
RESPONSIBILITIES: With oversight from the Senior Digital Inclusion Specialist, the Digital Access 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 instruction on computer and smartphone use.
- 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.
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.
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.
- Previous experience teaching technology basics and troubleshooting preferred; experience with refugees a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with Canva and SharePoint is a plus.
- Experience using online meeting platforms such as Zoom.
- Adherent to IRC volunteer and workplace policies & dress code.
- 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.
- 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.
- El Cajon Office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm PST. Selected interns can choose their hours based on this window of availability.
Qualifications
Potential interview questions
| What inspired you to apply for the Digital Inclusion Internship? | This question assesses your motivation and understanding of the role. | Explain your passion for digital inclusion and how it aligns with the organization's mission. |
| Can you describe a time when you helped someone overcome a technological challenge? | The interviewer wants to gauge your problem-solving skills and experience in supporting others. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you approach teaching digital skills to a group with diverse backgrounds? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What tools or resources do you think are essential for improving digital literacy? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you plan to stay updated with emerging digital technologies? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe an experience where you had to communicate complex information clearly. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What do you think are the biggest barriers to digital inclusion for refugees and low-income families? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you handle a situation where a client is hesitant to use digital tools? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |