FIRE's Summer Internship Program

November 11, 2010

Overview

FIRE offers an eight-week, paid Summer Internship Program as part of our efforts to educate students about individual rights at colleges and universities. This internship gives current undergraduates the opportunity to assist FIRE in defending civil liberties on campuses all across the country. FIRE interns do substantive work on behalf of rights, liberty, and individual dignity. Interns also participate in weekly seminars with FIRE staff and other experts on civil liberties.

Interns will work at FIRE's downtown Philadelphia office. The 2013 program will run from Monday, June 10 through Friday, August 2 and interns will receive a stipend of $2,200.

Qualifications

FIRE is looking for intelligent and energetic undergraduates (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors) who are interested in FIRE's mission and work. Ideal candidates are responsible, focused, and organized, and have an interest in civil liberties. All interns are expected to demonstrate excellent research, writing, and communication skills. The ability to work under pressure and a sense of humor are also important.

For information on FIRE's Legal Internship for rising second- and third-year law students, click here. 

Responsibilities

FIRE interns:

  • Work closely with our Campus Freedom Network (CFN), Defense, Education, Development, and Media programs to assist with research and administrative projects. Interns complete research projects and help staff members with writing, case work, fundraising, public relations, and administrative duties.
  • Attend and assist with the CFN's annual summer conference. The FIRE interns will also lead an hour-long session for conference attendees.
  • Write about FIRE cases and issues for our blog, The Torch.
  • Develop strategies for ensuring open discourse once they return to campus.
  • Learn the foundational arguments for a free society through reading and discussion in weekly seminars with FIRE's staff and other experts on civil liberties.

Application Procedures

The application period for the Summer 2013 internship is now open, and will end on March 15, 2013. All prospective interns will be informed of their application status within two weeks of the deadline.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, résumé, and writing sample. The sample should be a piece of original writing (or an excerpt) no longer than five pages. While the style of the writing sample is your choice, please consider the type of writing done by FIRE in making your selection. If you do not have an appropriate writing sample, we encourage you to write about your interest in our mission.

Please send application packages to the address below. Email is preferred.

Jaclyn Hall, Associate Director
FIRE's Campus Freedom Network
601 Walnut Street, Suite 510
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Fax: (215) 717-3440
E-mail: internships@thefire.org

Questions and inquiries about FIRE's Summer Internship Program can be submitted to internships@thefire.org.

Testimonials

“After a summer at FIRE, I understand the importance of thinking for myself and ensuring that my own college protects and encourages free expression.”

— Shelli Gimelstein, 2012 Intern, University of Pennsylvania

“In just a few weeks at FIRE, I was able to gain a real world education on First Amendment rights that has sharpened the way I think about my responsibilities not only as a college student, but also as a citizen of this country. I was able to engage in thought-provoking conversations with lecturers, fellow interns, and FIRE staff every day, an experience that I found both fun and tremendously valuable. I am walking away from this internship with a new-found interest in constitutional law, a huge appreciation for what FIRE does, and a group of great friends.”
— Yean Do, 2012 Intern, Georgetown University

“Working as a FIRE intern, I gained valuable strategies for defending First Amendment rights when I return to campus. My time at FIRE this summer taught me even more than that, though: I also had the opportunity to learn from my peers and their experiences, which gave me insight into the real challenges facing free speech rights at schools all over the country. Because of FIRE's internship program, I made great friends and also had the chance to do substantive work that helps other students—it was truly a remarkable experience.”
— Emily Kraus, 2011 Intern, Brandeis University

"A short time at FIRE is enough to convince virtually anyone that our First Amendment rights are, both legally and philosophically, an indispensable component of American society. Working environments such as the one at FIRE are rare gems which stimulate intellectual development and model the kind of free-thinking milieu they hope to restore throughout academe."
— Brian Mink, 2008 Intern, University of Georgia

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