ACLU Spring 2027 Undergraduate or Graduate Internship – Program and Strategy
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is inviting applications for a Spring 2027 Undergraduate or Graduate Intern – Affiliate Support and Nationwide Initiatives (ASNI), Program and Strategy. The internship is based in New York City and offers a remote or hybrid working arrangement.
The opportunity is designed for students interested in nonprofit program management, civil rights, advocacy, communications, organizing, legal work, and project coordination.
About the ACLU
The ACLU has worked for more than 100 years to defend and advance the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and laws. Its work covers major civil liberties issues, including voting rights, privacy, equality, reproductive freedom, and criminal justice reform.
The ASNI department works with the ACLU’s network of 54 state affiliates and approximately 1,500 staff members across the United States. The Program and Strategy Team helps affiliates coordinate advocacy, communications, legal, organizing, and digital strategies to strengthen nationwide initiatives.
Internship Responsibilities
The intern will support a range of program development, coordination, research, and administrative activities. Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting multistate initiatives, including the Southern Collective and Battlegrounds Initiative.
- Assisting with the Southern Legal Internship Program.
- Supporting the development and rollout of guides, toolkits, playbooks, and other resources.
- Helping coordinate meetings, working groups, learning communities, workshops, and virtual or hybrid events.
- Drafting internal communications, meeting summaries, presentations, and other materials.
- Supporting survey data collection and analysis.
- Creating and maintaining resource banks covering advocacy, organizing, legal, communications, and digital programs.
- Assisting with the organization of grants and budget-related information.
- Supporting projects such as the Program and Strategy Playbook, Future of Organizing Retreat, Affiliate Communications Excellence Guide, and Affiliate Media Trainings.
This position provides students with practical experience in program development, project coordination, nonprofit operations, and civil rights advocacy.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be currently enrolled undergraduate students who will be rising seniors in Fall 2027 or graduate students.
A key requirement is that applicants must be based in the United States for the entire duration of the internship.
Successful candidates should have strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required. Knowledge of event planning or logistics coordination is an advantage.
The ACLU is also looking for candidates who demonstrate initiative, creativity, curiosity, problem-solving ability, and a willingness to work collaboratively across different disciplines.
Internship Details
- Organization: American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
- Department: Affiliate Support and Nationwide Initiatives
- Team: Program and Strategy
- Location: New York City, with remote or hybrid options
- Duration: 10 consecutive weeks
- Start dates: January 11 or January 25, 2027
- Hours: 35 hours per week
- Undergraduate stipend: $20 per hour
- Graduate/law student stipend: $24 per hour
- Priority application deadline: November 15, 2026
- Application: Rolling consideration until the position closes
The internship must be connected to the student’s formal education program through integrated coursework or academic credit. A stipend is available for students who are lawfully authorized to work.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is particularly suitable for students pursuing fields such as law, public policy, political science, communications, nonprofit management, social justice, advocacy, public administration, and related disciplines.
Candidates should be interested in how nonprofit organizations coordinate large-scale programs and collaborate across advocacy, legal, communications, organizing, and digital teams.
The ACLU emphasizes equity, inclusion, diversity, accessibility, collaboration, transparency, and accountability throughout its work.
Important: Applicants should carefully follow the ACLU’s application instructions. The organization states that candidates should not use AI-powered chatbots, search engines, or real-time assistance tools to generate their CV, cover letter, or writing sample unless using such technology as a reasonable accommodation.
How to Apply
Eligible students should submit a formal application through the ACLU’s recruitment process. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, although November 15, 2026 is the priority deadline.
This internship offers students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting nationwide civil liberties programs while working with professionals across advocacy, legal, communications, organizing, and digital functions.
