EJP Internship

Thank you for your interest in learning more about incarceration and reentry and supporting the Education Justice Project’s work. We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2026. The application period ends on March 30, 2026.

This internship course allows undergraduate and graduate students at Illinois to gain critical perspectives on the criminal legal system, especially in Illinois, while providing EJP valuable assistance. Each intern will be connected to a specific EJP focus area—including prison education, prison reentry, deportation, policy, prison‑to‑gown pathway, media and communications, and director’s office. You’ll gain hands‑on workplace experience within a non‑profit‑like environment, engage with formerly incarcerated individuals, and be invited to participate regularly in active reflection about what you’re learning and experiencing.

Students must apply to enroll in this internship course and are welcome to repeat it in future semesters.

We have restructured our former internship program. In case you know students who participated in the past, please be aware this new program is different in several respects—including that you can now earn course credit! We sincerely hope that EJP's internship program will provide stimulating and meaningful academic and real‑life experience. We aim to provide the support and information you need throughout the semester so that you gain critical perspectives on incarceration and reentry and to help you provide much‑appreciated assistance to EJP.

Interns will meet as a group once a week for 1 hour each Friday afternoon in person to discuss readings and other course materials and to engage in ongoing reflection on their internship experience. In Fall 2026 the seminar will meet 2 – 3 pm. Other requirements include: a Zoom discussion with formerly incarcerated EJP students to learn more about the Illinois prison system, incarceration and reentry;

and attending an EJP lunch or other activity, e.g. a panel discussion, book group, or guest lecture.

The internship is offered as Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership (EPOL) 390 for 2 credit hours. Graduate students can enroll in EPOL 590.

All interns are invited and encouraged to participate in a day‑long visit to Springfield, which our Policy & Research Team organizes each semester. Visits include transportation, meal, and a visit to the state capitol to observe a legislative day.

We hope to be able to offer a visit to the prison for those interns who are interested and are able to get clearance.

This course is graded Pass/Fail. If you meet all course requirements you will receive a pass. Course requirements include:

• Attend and participate in weekly class meetings
• Fulfill the required number of internship hours
• Contribute productively to work assignments and tasks
• Attend a Zoom meeting with formerly incarcerated EJP students
• Attend at least one EJP event during the semester, e.g. guest lecture, panel discussion, EJP lunch

Please complete the application (by clicking on “Apply for This Job” on the right most corner) if you’re interested in becoming a part of a vibrant, collaborative program that will allow you to meet individuals who share your concerns, acquire skills that can be applied to future efforts, contribute to a meaningful cause, and learn more about the criminal legal system and related issues.

We will review your application and let you know if we would like to schedule an interview with you.

Please visit our website to learn more about EJP and the work we do.