Summer Internships

Who We Are

Asian American LEAD (AALEAD) is a youth development organization that empowers Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth in underserved communities through culturally responsive programming and advocacy. AALEAD provides after-school, summer, and mentoring programs through a social-emotional and culturally responsive curriculum that encompasses our core values: educational empowerment, identity development, and leadership opportunities.

Time Commitment & Pay

  • Up to 40 hours per week; scheduled during normal business hours Monday-Friday with the potential to work evenings or weekends for special events.

  • $3,500.00 stipend for 10 weeks

  • Duration: Internship period: June 8, 2026 - August 14, 2026 (10 weeks)

Internship Positions & Location (Three Positions Available)

  • DC Summer Program Intern, DC Office & program site in NW Washington, DC (Ward 3)

  • Virginia Summer Program Intern, DC Office & program site in Arlington County, VA (Ballston)

  • Mentor Summer Program Intern, DC Office

*Programs will be metro-accessible


Intern Day in the Life for Summer Programs

During Summer Programs:
Interns arrive at the summer school site by 9:00 AM to set up materials and check in with site staff. By 10:00 AM, they welcome youth and facilitate scheduled activities. Programs wrap up at 3:00 PM, followed by cleanup and departure. Lunch and prep time are built in throughout the week to support team capacity. Field trip days will take place at other locations between the hours of 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, with expectations to transport youth safely via metro or walking, per AALEAD policies.

Interns will have the opportunity to develop program management, youth development, and workshop facilitation skills working with their respective supervisors and creating a personalized work plan.

Outside of Summer Programs:
Interns log onto AALEAD platforms by 9:00 AM to manage emails, attend team meetings, and prepare for workshops by reviewing content and completing necessary training. Work includes both remote and in-office days, with designated times for collaborative planning and program support. A typical work day is between the hours of 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Summer Program Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Support - In Person (80%)

  • Interns will provide support to staff and community members to enhance youth summer programs and support organizational capacity

  • Support in-person summer programming with logistics, youth safety, and facilitating programs

  • Collaborate and support program staff on field trips and end-of-summer celebration

Administrative Support (20%)

  • Assist with communications and social media needs (fliers, social media posts)

  • Provide administrative support as needed with general data tracking and upkeep: attendance, youth demographics, etc.

  • Support outreach to local and national Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations and leaders for summer programming guest speakers

Qualifications

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

  • Proficiency with G Suite Applications

  • Strong ability to multitask and work independently

  • Commitment to positive youth development

  • Reliable transportation is required

  • Sensitivity to the needs of refugee and immigrant children and families

  • Preferred experience working in a classroom, tutoring, mentoring, or any other youth development setting

  • Prior experience working with or supporting Asian Americans, immigrants, or youth of color (preferred)

  • Fluency in any Asian language is preferred, but not required

  • Current college student (junior or senior) or those with relevant experience


Intern Day in the Life for the Mentor Program

Interns log onto AALEAD platforms by 9:00 AM to manage emails, attend team meetings, and prepare for tasks, as assigned. Work includes both remote and in-office days, with designated times for collaborative planning and recruitment events. A typical work day is between the hours of 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with a few evenings and weekends for virtual mentor trainings and events.

Mentor Program Duties and Responsibilities:

Administrative Support (Hybrid)

  • Support mentor program evaluation processes

  • Lead and engage in community recruitment efforts

  • Collaborate with staff on event and training planning

  • Assist with communications and social media needs (fliers, social media posts)

  • Provide administrative support as needed with general data tracking and upkeep in our databases: attendance, youth demographics, etc.

  • Support outreach to local and national Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations and leaders for summer programming guest speakers

Qualifications

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

  • Proficiency with G Suite Applications and CRMs

  • Strong ability to multitask and work independently

  • Commitment to positive youth development

  • Reliable transportation is required

  • Sensitivity to the needs of refugee and immigrant children and families

  • Preferred experience working in a classroom, tutoring, mentoring, or any other youth development setting

  • Prior experience working with or supporting Asian Americans, immigrants, or youth of color (preferred)

  • Fluency in any Asian language is preferred, but not required

  • Current college student (junior or senior) or those with relevant experience


Application Process

Send a resume and brief thoughtful cover letter to info@aalead.org. Please include position & location preference in the subject line, i.e. “Application for DC/VA Summer Program OR Mentor Program Internship.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

You can download the Summer Internship Position Descriptions here.