Community Justice, Research & Digital Media InternAt — Asian Culture and Media Alliance
The Community Justice Research & Outreach Internship provides hands-on experience in community-based research, youth development, and nonprofit program support. The intern will assist with case study development, research, community outreach, partnership engagement, and program evaluation in support of ACMA's workforce development, violence prevention, and community resilience initiatives. The internship offers opportunities to collaborate with community partners such as UPAC, Youth Assistance Coalition, Urban League of San Diego County, Community Wraparound, and One Safe Place, while supporting ACMA's L.E.A.D. (Learn, Engage, Advocate, Document) Media Arts Program funded through the San Diego County District Attorney's Office. Participants will gain practical experience in cross-sector collaboration, research, project coordination, and community engagement while exploring careers in criminology, justice studies, public policy, and nonprofit leadership.
By the end of this internship, students may gain experience in: • Community-based research and data collection • Case study development and program evaluation • Research on juvenile justice, youth development, violence prevention, poverty, and family systems • Community outreach and stakeholder engagement • Building partnerships with nonprofit organizations, schools, and public agencies • Professional communication, networking, and relationship building • Grant-funded program support and nonprofit operations • Project planning, coordination, and administrative support • Resource mapping and community needs assessments • Report writing, research briefs, presentations, and documentation • Critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills • Ethical practices, confidentiality, and culturally responsive community engagement • Understanding collaborative service models through partnerships with organizations such as UPAC, Youth Assistance Coalition, Urban League of San Diego County, Community Wraparound, and One Safe Place • Supporting ACMA's L.E.A.D. (Learn, Engage, Advocate, Document) Media Arts Program, funded by the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, and learning how prevention-focused initiatives empower youth through mentorship, workforce development, and creative media • Time management, organization, and professional workplace skills • Leadership development and teamwork in a nonprofit environment • Exposure to interdisciplinary approaches that integrate justice studies, community engagement, workforce development, and media arts to create positive social impact. This internship prepares students for careers or graduate studies in criminology, criminal justice, public policy, community advocacy, youth development, social services, nonprofit leadership, and related fields.
No prior experience is required. All interns will receive comprehensive onboarding, orientation, and ongoing supervision to ensure they are well prepared for their assigned responsibilities. Training includes: • Organization Orientation (2–3 hours): Introduction to ACMA's mission, programs, policies, workplace expectations, professional conduct, confidentiality, and communication procedures. • Program Orientation (2–4 hours): Overview of ACMA's youth workforce development, community outreach, and partner programs, including the specific initiatives the intern will support. • Role-Specific Training (4–8 hours): Hands-on instruction in research methods, case study development, community outreach, documentation, project coordination, and administrative processes relevant to the internship. • Ongoing Mentorship & Supervision: Interns receive regular guidance, coaching, and feedback from their assigned supervisor throughout the internship. Interns are required to meet with or report to their supervisor weekly to review progress, discuss challenges, receive feedback, and establish goals for the upcoming week. Additional training is provided as new projects and responsibilities arise. Because some activities may involve youth participants ages 11–26, interns will receive training on maintaining professional boundaries, confidentiality, youth engagement best practices, and organizational safety protocols. Youth under age 18 participate only with parent or guardian consent and are supervised by ACMA staff and/or accompanied by a parent or guardian when appropriate. While interns are not expected to provide direct case management or counseling services, ACMA will provide guidance on mandatory reporting expectations, recognizing appropriate reporting procedures, and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all participants.
This hybrid internship includes remote work, in-office activities, and occasional participation at community events and partner locations under the supervision of ACMA staff. Interns will receive orientation on workplace expectations, safety procedures, confidentiality, professional conduct, and emergency protocols. Some activities may involve youth ages 11–26 through ACMA programs and community partners.
1. Complete ACMA's online internship application form: https://forms.gle/2s6M4SGyoKBokVvg8 2. Email current resume and cover letter with availability to info@acmasocal.org 3. After submitting your application, schedule a required one-on-one Zoom meeting with the internship supervisor. Note: The meeting must be scheduled no later than three (3) weeks prior to the internship start date to discuss your goals, responsibilities, availability, and internship expectations.
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 120 | hours per placement |