Summer Internship Program

Gain hands-on experience driving innovation in the blindness field while contributing to the movement that raises expectations and creates opportunities for blind people nationwide. Apply for our summer internship!

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future.

Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.

The problem is that blind people are not challenged to reach higher goals. Blind people need real opportunities, free from the low expectations or false validation that prohibits them from acquiring the skills necessary for them to be truly competitive.

Although there may be many organizations dedicated to assisting blind people in developing blindness skills needed to navigate and adapt to the world around them, most are limited in scope and do not fully understand what a blind person needs.

Problem solving. Self-confidence. Coping with public attitudes. Braille. Independent travel. Access technology. Independent living skills. Blind people can be truly successful with the right training. However, this can only be done in the right environment.

The National Federation of the Blind is transforming how blind people perceive themselves and what they can accomplish. We recognize that you face unique challenges, and we are committed to empowering you to reach and achieve your dreams.

NFB is a leader in creating innovative education and employment programs, technologies, research, and partnerships that continue to create groundbreaking opportunities for the blind.

Our Summer Internship Program is one of the many programs we implement to support the development of next generation leaders that will build greater opportunities for blind people.

You’ll experience high expectations that encourage and support the development of real-world skills in a professional, real-world environment.

NFB internships provide an opportunity for individuals to contribute to the organized blind movement while gaining valuable experience at the center of innovation in the blindness field.

Interested students should apply for these summer assignments, much like applying for a job. Here is more of what to expect:

• NFB internships are hosted at our headquarters, the NFB Jernigan Institute, in Baltimore, Maryland, and will begin on Monday, June 1, 2026, and end on Friday, August 7, 2026 (ten weeks).
• All interns will be required to participate in program activities at the 2026 NFB National Convention to be held in Austin, Texas, from July 3-8, 2026.
• The internship experience includes a bi-weekly stipend, covers expenses to attend the national convention, and may include sleeping accommodations at the NFB Jernigan Institute, if necessary.

We are seeking individuals with basic and advanced skills to conduct the following activities:

• Strong interpersonal and technical skills, including making outbound calls, corresponding via email, and entering data for individuals with diverse communication styles and personalities. Skills to write and edit blog posts and articles for Braille Monitor and Future Reflections, with familiarity in using social media
• Ability to conduct research online and within Federation archives to find information about our history or specific aspects of our organization

We are also seeking individuals with interest and/or experience in the following areas:

• Event planning and execution
• Membership recruitment and development
• Curriculum development, lesson planning and teaching

We are extremely interested in individuals with more advanced program evaluation and policy analysis research skills to:

• Develop surveys, interpret data, and write reports based on the data
• Review and analyze a collection of data and reports and summarize into a comprehensive report
• Review, analyze, and provide summaries and briefings of policies and legislative language

Individuals interested in applying for an internship with the National Federation of the Blind should prepare the following materials and submit them in an accessible electronic format no later than Saturday, March 14, 2026:

• A cover letter expressing why you are uniquely qualified for the specific internship opportunity. Be sure to include a description of any previous involvement you have had with the NFB. Also note any scheduling conflicts that would prevent you from being available from June 1 through August 7.
• A resume including current contact information.
• At least two references including a contact email and phone number.

Send all of your materials, preferably via email, to Patricia Miller at [email protected] .

Questions regarding NFB internships can be directed to Anil Lewis at [email protected] .

We anticipate…