U-C Network Internships

Introduction

The University-Community Network (U-C Network) internship program is a two-semester, for credit opportunity for UC Berkeley undergraduates.

 

Student interns are matched with Oakland-based community based organizations (CBOs) that are affiliated with the Center on Culture, Immigration and Youth Violence Prevention (the Center). In collaboration with their CBO, each student plans and conducts a research project, with a focus on youth violence prevention. Students also attend weekly on-campus seminars, taught through the ethnic studies department, in order to receive training in research methods and other topics needed for successful projects.

 

In addition to providing training for students, the program also assists Oakland-based CBOs in gathering and analyzing data on issues affecting the populations they serve.

About the Internship Program

In the first semester, student interns:

• Attend a weekly two-hour seminar, held on the UC Berkeley campus and taught through the ethnic studies department (ES 197), where they receive training in research methods and other topics needed for successful projects.
• Complete weekly reading and/or writing assignments.
• Are matched with an Oakland CBO affiliated with the Center. During the fall, students visit their assigned CBO on a weekly basis in order to become acquainted with the organization. In collaboration with their CBO, students prepare a detailed research proposal. Research projects focus on various issues related to youth violence prevention, based on the needs of the CBO.

During the second semester, student interns:

• Attend a weekly two-hour seminar, held on the UC Berkeley campus and taught through the ethnic studies department (ES 199). This is a continuation of the fall semester seminar series.
• Implement their research project, including collecting and analyzing qualitative and/or quantitative data, in collaboration with their CBO. Projects may use methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and/or ethnographic research.
• Write a final paper about their findings and experiences.
• Present their findings in a public forum.

 

Examples of 2008-09 U-C Network Research Projects

 

• Assessing aspects of the implementation of restorative justice programs in local schools
• Investigating the availability of teen dating violence services in Alameda County 
• Evaluating the effects of a youth leadership training program on youth who are from neighborhoods with elevated levels of violence
• Evaluating a sports/recreation program that is provided to middle school and high school students

 

U-C Network students will present findings from their research projects on Friday, May 8, 2009 from 3:30 to 4:45 pm, at the UC Berkeley School of Law (Goldberg Room). This presentation is part of a daylong student research symposium called Social Change and Youth Engagement in Immigrant Communities: Early Findings, Future Directions. The event is free and open to the public. For more info visit http://issc.berkeley.edu/calendar.php

 

 

What Students Say About the Program

 

“I developed relationships with at-risk high school students in Oakland and I was able to understand more about them.”

 

“I learned about many different forms of violence that I didn’t know existed, and how this plays an integral role in youths’ lives.”

 

“Interning helped me decide what to do after I graduate - I want to become a lawyer and work for a nonprofit.”

 

Requirements

 

The program is designed for upper division UC Berkeley undergraduates. Students are invited to join the program based on a competitive application process. Desired qualifications include:

• Major/minor in education, ethnic studies, peace and conflict studies, sociology, or related field
• A strong interest in doing community-based research in youth violence prevention
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal/communications skills, including the ability to interact effectively with youth and adults in formal and informal settings
• Excellent writing skills
• Ability to take initiative, follow through on tasks, and work independently
  
• A professional work ethic
• The ability to make a two semester commitment (fall and spring) to the class
• Prior experience working with a community based organization is a plus
• Prior research experience is a plus
  

How to Apply

For the 2009-10 academic year, please apply by Friday, July 10, 2009 via email. To apply, please submit the following required materials:

• A cover letter that summarizes your relevant experiences and describes why you are interested in this position;
  
• A resume; and
  
• Short essay. For the essay, please respond in 500 words or less to this question: "Based on your experience, what do you feel is one of the most challenging issues facing youth today?"

 

Please submit your application materials to Caroline Glesmann, U-C Network coordinator at cglesmann@sf.nccd-crc.org 

For More Information

Contact:

Caroline Glesmann, National Council on Crime and Delinquency, at cglesmann@sf.nccd-crc.org or (510) 208-0500, ext. 321.