Student Intern, Research, Technology Solutions

We are seeking Student Interns to join the Foundation in its mission of benefitting, supporting, and enhancing the California Community Colleges—the largest and most diverse system of higher education in the nation. The Foundation for California Community Colleges is on a mission to double its impact in the next 10 years. We are a group of relentless optimists and innovators in education, working collaboratively with public and private partners to help improve the student experience and expand pathways to economic and social mobility in communities across California.

What You’ll Do

The Student Intern, Research role is a part-time internship opportunity designed to provide students with a comprehensive and immersive learning experience in participatory research, particularly focusing on Financial Aid research initiatives. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, emphasizing both productivity and professional growth. Interns will contribute to meaningful research projects while developing key competencies in participatory research methods and building a strong foundation for their future careers. This is a 1-year position with flexible working hours. Interested interns may be invited to continue work in subsequent cohorts or in additional project opportunities.

• Assist with the design, development, and implementation of participatory research projects
• Recall and utilize key concepts and terminology related to participatory research by learning about important theories, and key figures in the field and incorporating this knowledge into meetings and lived experiences
• Summarize research articles and present summaries during team meetings
• Draft and refine research-related documents, such as survey instruments, focus group guides, and project summaries
• Facilitate focus groups to apply learned methods in real-world settings
• Collect, code, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify patterns or themes.
• Create summaries, graphs, and visual storytelling materials based on research findings
• Evaluate the impact of research methods and reflect on research findings through written reports and presentations to stakeholders
• Provide administrative support to the research team, including scheduling, note-taking, and maintaining project files.

Attributes for Success

• Current enrollment in a California Community College required
• Pursuing a degree or certificate in Social Sciences, Political Science, Research Methods, Data Analysis or related fields is preferred
• Prior experience or coursework in qualitative/quantitative research is a plus
• Strong attention to detail with a high-level of accuracy; ensures that all communications, deliverables, and work products are accurate, professional, and audience appropriate while adhering to the organization’s brand and style guides
• Ability to work remotely and navigate various technology platforms (Zoom, MS Office Suite, Teams, Outlook, Google Suite, etc.)
• We’re recruiting for mission-driven, passionate, equity-minded individuals with a strong desire to impact and change people’s lives for the better
• Our work holds great weight and responsibility, and the opportunity to impact the lives of millions
• Innovation, creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship are encouraged as employees work to achieve organizational goals
• FoundationCCC blends the impact of a non-profit, the culture of an entrepreneurial start-up, and the scale of a state agency
• Team members are hired for their expertise in niche areas across our areas of impact and higher education overall, and for their knowledge of business, philanthropy, technology, communications, and more
• We have a commitment to professional development and an emphasis on shared leadership, to ensure growth for employees and the organization overall

What we Offer

FoundationCCC is fully committed to a “remote-first” philosophy, and recruits and hires talent across the state in fully remote positions, where virtual work is possible. Our headquarters are located in Downtown Sacramento, just blocks from California’s State Capitol.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@foundationccc.org.

Budgeted Hourly Pay Range:

Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.