Students Urged To Find Civic Voice As Mikva Challenge Interns

CHICAGO — It’s the dawn of a new era in Chicago, Mikva Challenge is accepting applications for summer internships where Chicago youth will get the chance to meet and work with civic leaders in local, state and national politics.

Passionate, powerful students from across Chicago between the ages of 16-20 will have opportunities to work on issues they care about, as well as build on experiences they've had in other Mikva programs.

The internships will enable students to enhance their resumes and college applications, and earn money doing something fun and interesting. Mikva Challenge works with young people in the city of Chicago to develop the next generation of civic leaders, policy-makers, activists and advocates. Student interns will have the chance to:

• Developing leadership and professional skills.
• Critically think about issues of importance.
• Conduct research and develop policy recommendations.
• Work on issues connected to health, after school programs, education, parks, or juvenile justice.
• Learn how city government works.
• Work in the offices of elected officials.
• Use social media to take action on community issues.
• Advise elected officials and decision makers on youth issues.

The program begins on or around July 1 and ends the week of Aug. 6. Students will work for 16-20 hours per week, four days per week. An orientation will take place the week of June 24.
Interns will receive a stipend, lunch, and CTA fare to and from work.

Young adults can apply if they live in Chicago and will be between the ages of 16-20 on June 27, 2016. (You must be born on or before June 27, 2000). The program is open to young adults who are in high school, out of school, or in college in the City of Chicago.

Students can apply regardless of immigration status. If you don't have a place of residence you can still apply. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. April 26. Visit the Mikva Challenge website to learn more about the summer internships and to complete an application online.

Mikva Challenge was founded by U.S. Judge Abner Mikva and his wife, Zoe Mikva, whose career in public service as an activist, teacher and volunteer spans four decades.