UCSB LABOR SUMMER - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this a paid internship?
Yes! All interns will receive a $6,400 stipend.
Can I apply if I am graduating this year?
Yes! Students graduating Spring 2024 are eligible to apply, as well as all undergraduate students.
What is the LABOR SUMMER time frame?
Approximately June 20th to August 12th. We are still finalizing dates and will update when we have that information.
Will housing be provided to interns?
No, interns are responsible for providing their own housing.
Will I need transportation?
Yes. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to their host site during workdays. Be advised, some host sites may require access to a car to visit worksites, interview workers, or attend meetings not accessible by mass transit.
Will I have to attend an orientation?
Yes, a 2-4 day orientation at UCLA is mandatory. We are still finalizing the length of the orientation and the dates. We will update when we have that information. You will receive training and an orientation to the California labor movement along with worker rights, which will be essential to the work at your host site. UCSB LABOR SUMMER will cover the accommodation costs of this orientation, including housing, food, and busses.
Where do intern alumni go after the program?
Many intern alumni go on to work in the labor movement full time.
Who can I contact if I have any questions?
Email Professor Ralph Armbruster-Sandoval at ralpharmbruster@ucsb.edu
ELIGIBILITY
Who can apply?
Applicants must be undergraduate students, including graduating seniors, and must be enrolled at UC Santa Barbara. Applicants must demonstrate a clear interest in contributing to social and economic justice issues with unions or community-based organizations.
Do I have to be in a certain major or field to apply?
No. Students from all majors are welcome. What is important is your interest in working on social justice initiatives with labor organizations and to be able to articulate this interest within your application.
Application
Applications are due by Friday, March 15th, at 11:59 p.m. PST. We recommend not waiting until the deadline and submitting your application as early as possible.
You can submit your application HERE.
***The application does not auto-save. Please draft your answers in a separate document until you are ready to submit. Downloadable template HERE.
Will interviews be conducted in person?
No, interviews will take place on Zoom.
When will I be notified if I will receive an interview?
We will send interview invitations shortly after applications come in. This is why we don’t recommend waiting until the March 15th deadline to apply.
When will I be notified if I am accepted into the program?
We will make final decisions by mid April 2024.
PLACEMENT DETAILS
Where will I work?
Summer 2024 internships will be in-person. Your work location will be determined by your host sites. Host sites are typically located in the tri-county region. We are wanting to partner students with sites close to their summer residence.
When and where is the intern orientation?
An in-person orientation for all UCSB Labor Summer interns will be held mid-June. Exact dates and location are still being determined. Again, UCSB LABOR SUMMER will cover the accommodation costs of this orientation, including housing, food, and busses to and from UC Santa Barbara to UC Los Angeles.
How will interns be matched to their projects?
Internship staff consider the needs of host sites, such as languages, location, and any specific software/research skills, and try to match interns who meet requirements and have similar interests to the host sites.
Are there remote work options?
At this time, we are planning for sites to be in-person.
What type of support will I receive during the internship?
You will be assigned a supervisor at your host site who will manage your work assignments and provide training within the field. You will also be assigned to an academic internship coordinator who is familiar with the Summer internship program. UC Santa Barbara staff will check in with you throughout the program to ensure that everything is on track.
Are there requirements to complete the program?
Interns are required to attend the orientation week and internship coordinator check-in sessions throughout the summer.
TIME COMMITMENT
How many hours per week will I work?
Summer interns may work up to 40 hours per week. Interns are not permitted to work over 40 hours per week.
I have to take a summer school class. Can I still do the internship?
No. Student Interns work 40 hours per week. Hours are set by your host site and can fluctuate week to week depending on work assignments. It is a full-time commitment. In addition, financial aid guidelines means that UCSB students would not be able to enroll in summer coursework during the program.
I have a part-time job. Can I still participate in the internship?
No. Student interns work 40 hours per week. Hours are set by your host site and can fluctuate week to week depending on work assignments.
I have a family obligation (wedding, reunion, etc.) scheduled during the summer. Can I leave for a few days?
You will need to receive approval from the faculty director. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
What if I cannot stay the entire time?
Student interns are required to commit to the full eight weeks of the program with their host organization. If you cannot stay the entire summer, we encourage you to apply in a future year when you are able to commit to the entire program.
Do we have any days off over the summer?
Yes. All student interns will not work:
· Wednesday, June 19th - Juneteenth Federal Holiday
· Thursday, July 4th - 4th of July Federal Holiday
Generally, interns will have weekends off. If a host site requires you to work on the weekend, you will receive a day off during the week.