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

 

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 open to UC Berkeley undergraduates who are upper division or who have some research background. Students are invited to join the program based on a competitive application process. Applicants should have:

• A strong interest in doing community-based research in youth violence prevention
• Oral and written communication skills
• Organizational skills
• A professional work ethic
• The ability to make a two semester commitment (fall and spring) to the class

How to Apply

An information session about the U-C Network program will take place in the spring 2009 semester (date TBA) on the UC Berkeley campus. Potential applicants are invited to attend. Applications for the 2009-2010 academic year will be due (by email) before the end of the spring 2009 semester (date TBA).

 

If you are with an Oakland-based CBO and would like more information about hosting an intern for the 2009-2010 academic year, please contact Caroline Glesmann (see contact info below).

For More Information

Contact:

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