Welcome to the OCA-DC Internship Program!

As part of its commitment to fostering national and global impact on the AANHPI community, the OCA-DC Chapter offers an internship program that provides interns with a platform to make a tangible impact, gain hands-on experience, access professional development opportunities, and actively engage with the organization’s mission and goals. The internship program is designed to empower interns by equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to pursue careers in the non-profit sector and beyond.

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Why join our internship program?

Professional Development

We provide training sessions, workshops and mentorships opportunities to provide interns with transferable skills and knowledge in areas such as project management, advocacy, fundraising, research, and communication that will benefit them throughout their careers

Hands-on Experience

Opportunities to engage in meaningful projects and initiatives that directly impact the organization’s goals and objectives. Through hands-on experience, interns will gain a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges of working in a non-profit sector

Networking & Collaboration

We provide a collaborative environment where interns can interact with professionals, experts, and like-minded individuals. Through networking events, team-building activities and engagement in cross-functional projects, interns will expand their professional network and develop essential teamwork skills

Personal Growth

 Program offers a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages interns to explore their passions, develop self-awareness and gain a deeper understanding of API communities and issues.

OCA-DC AANHPI Education Advocacy Student Organizer Intern

Must be in high school or enrolled in an accredited academic institution at the undergraduate or graduate level

Position Summary

OCA-DC, in partnership with 1882 Foundation, is seeking two AANHPI Education Advocacy Interns to support two outreach and advocacy projects around the inclusion of AANHPI history and experiences in school curriculums. The first project focuses on K-12 schools in the DMV area and is part of the OCA K-12 curriculum advocacy effort. The second project advocates for AANHPI programs at post-secondary institutions and will develop a regional network of students and faculty at DMV universities. These projects will culminate in 1) expansion of our existing report on the status of AANHPI studies in K-12 schools in the DMV; and 2) summit of university students, educators, and community leaders around the teaching of AANHPI studies at the university level.

We have filled our paid positions for 2023. If you are still interested, contact volunteer@oca-dc.org to see how you can volunteer to help. This internship can also be done for academic credit. 

Roles & Responsibilities
  • Continue to build and expand a list of pilot programs offering AANHPI studies at K-12 schools in the DMV working with high school students; continue building our registry of school systems at various stages of interest and integration of AANHPI curriculums; and complete a summary report of findings
  • Continue to expand our list of AANHPI programs and course offerings and affiliated faculty members at DMV universities and complete a report on the status of AANHPI studies in DMV universities
  • Establish connections to DMV universities to expand a new inter-university consortium around AANHPI studies and host an AANHPI studies summit that engages students and faculty from DMV universities
  • Assist  with anti-Asian bias programming organized by 1882 Foundation/co-sponsored by OCA-DC
  • Identify and develop programming to support partnerships, speaking engagements, and advances in AANHPI education 
  • Coordinate and support Board Members in Chapter strategic planning. Support internal logistics and infrastructure by updating and maintaining resources to sustain continuity of critical operations
  • Lead the identification of and application to grant opportunities supporting Chapter priorities
  • Develop communications and engagement opportunities for active and alumni members
  • Maintain and update engagement tracking mechanisms to support continual economic development
Desired Qualifications
  • Enrolled in high school or an accredited academic institution at the undergraduate or graduate level.
  • Knowledge of and passion for AAPI community issues
  • Experience in grant applications and management 
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
  • Background or interest in outreach to AAPI communities
  • Must be in DC, Maryland, or Virginia for majority of internship
  • Strong ability to navigate multiple technology platforms and media networks for communications
  • Highly organized and reliable

OCA-DC Communications Support Intern

Must be currently pursuing a degree (Undergraduate/Graduate/Recent Graduate) in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field

Position Summary

OCA-DC is seeking a Communications Support Intern to support the partnership and collaboration efforts of the organization. Working closely with the Vice President Communications and the Internship Coordinator, the intern will assist the Communications team in implementing strategic communication initiatives and supporting various communication activities within the organization. The intern will gain valuable experience in the field of communications and contribute to the organization’s overall messaging and brand presence. This internship provides an opportunity to develop skills in writing, content creation, social media management, and communication planning. 

Compensation: Fully paid registration to attend OCA National Convention. This internship can also be done for academic credit. 

Roles & Responsibilities
  • Assist in creating and editing content for various communication channels, including website, blog, newsletters, and social media platforms
  • Conduct research on industry trends, best practices, and competitor analysis to support the development of communication strategies
  • Assist in the development and execution of social media campaigns to promote organizational initiatives and engage with the target audience
  • Collaborate with the Communications team to brainstorm and generate ideas for compelling and engaging content
  • Monitor and track social media metrics, website analytics, and other communication performance indicators 
  • Support the creation and distribution of press releases, media pitches, and other communication materials
  • Assist in coordinating and organizing events, such as webinars, conferences, and public outreach activities
  • Conduct interviews and gather information from internal stakeholders to create case studies and success stories
  • Assist in maintaining the organization’s media contact database and developing relationships with media professionals
  • Provide general administrative support to the Communications team, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and organizing files and documents
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
Desired Qualifications
  • Currently pursuing a degree (Undergraduate/Graduate/Recent Graduate) in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field
  • Knowledge of and passion for AAPI community issues
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficiency in using various social media platforms and content management systems
  • Knowledge of digital marketing and social media analytics
  • Detail oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
  • Demonstrated interest in nonprofit or social impact organizations is desirable
  • Must be in DC, Maryland, or Virginia for majority of internship

OCA-DC Partnership Relations and Engagement Support Intern

Must be currently pursuing a degree (Undergraduate/Graduate/Recent Graduate) in relevant field such as business, nonprofit management, international relations, or a related discipline

Position Summary

OCA-DC is seeking a Partnership Relations and Engagement Support Intern to support the partnership and collaboration efforts of the organization. Working closely with the Vice President Public Affairs and the Internship Coordinator, the intern will assist in building and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders, coordinating partnerships activities,and contributing to the overall growth and success of the organization’s partnership initiatives. This internship provides an opportunity to gain-hands on experience in partnership development and management within a dynamic and mission-driven environment.

Compensation: Fully paid registration to attend OCA National Convention. This internship can also be done for academic credit. 

Roles & Responsibilities
  • Research and identify potential partners: Conduct research to identify potential partners aligned with the organization’s mission and goals. This may involve exploring other nonprofit organizations, community groups, businesses and government agencies. Compile information on potential partners, including their mission, objectives and areas of collaboration
  • Assist in Partnership Development: Support the Vice President Public Affairs in developing new partnerships and strengthening existing relationships. This may include drafting partnership proposals, outreach communications, and partnership agreements. Collaborate with team members to tailor partnership proposals based on specific partner requirements and opportunities
  • Coordinate Partnership Activities: Assist in coordinating partnership activities, meetings, and events. This includes scheduling meetings, sending meetings, sending invitations, preparing meeting materials and taking meeting minutes. Assist in keeping  track of and follow up on action items, ensuring timely communication and progress on partnership initiatives
  • Relationship Management: Support the ongoing management of partner relationships by maintaining regular communication, providing updates, and addressing partner inquiries or requests. Assist in keeping track of deliverables and milestones, ensuring timely delivery and quality outcomes
  • Partnership Documentation and Reporting: Assist in maintaining accurate records of partnerships, including contact information, agreements, and related documents
  • Contribute to the development of partnership reports and updates, highlighting key achievements, challenges and opportunities
  • Collaborate with Internal Teams: Work closely with internal teams, such as the Vice President Communications and Vice President Economic Development, to ensure alignment and coordination in partnership activities. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders/OCA-DC members to gather information, provide support for partnership-related initiatives, and contribute to cross-functional projects as needed
  • Stay informed on Industry Trends: Stay up to date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging partnership models. Share relevant information and insights with the team to enhance partnership strategies and approaches
Desired qualifications
  • Currently pursuing a degree ( Undergraduate/Graduate/Recent Graduate) in relevant field such as business, nonprofit management, international relations, or a related discipline
  • Knowledge of and passion for AAPI community issues
  • Strong interest in partnership development, collaboration, and nonprofit sector
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Detail -oriented with strong organizational and project management skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Must be in DC, Maryland, or Virginia for majority of internship

OCA-DC Community Health Outreach Coordinator and Public Health Program Support Specialist Intern

Must be enrolled in an accredited academic institution at the undergraduate or graduate level

Position Summary

OCA-DC is seeking a Community Health Outreach Coordinator and Public Health Program Support Specialist to support public health outreach to AAPI communities as well as program management, strategic planning, and support for various AAPI projects and grants. The Specialist will support a variety of initiatives across the OCA-DC Chapter including health communications, economic development, media outreach, and health disparities research. This position will help oversee the development of the chapter’s health research portfolio.

This is an UNPAID internship. This internship can also be done for academic credit. 

Roles & Responsibilities
  • Conduct community health outreach, including COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach, to AAPI communities in the Greater Washington DC region, with in-language outreach preferred
  • Develop research strategy to address AAPI health inequities (e.g., primary data collection, secondary analyses) 
  • Identify and develop programming to support partnerships, speaking engagements, and advances in AAPI education
  • Coordinate and support Board Members in Chapter strategic planning
  • Support internal logistics and infrastructure by updating and maintaining resources to sustain continuity of critical operations
  • Lead the identification of and application to grant opportunities supporting Chapter priorities in AAPI HEAL (Health equity, Education, Advocacy, Leadership)
  • Develop communications and engagement opportunities for active and alumni members
  • Maintain and update engagement tracking mechanisms to support continual economic development
Desired Qualifications
  • Enrolled in an accredited academic institution at the undergraduate or graduate level.
  • Knowledge of and passion for AAPI community issues
  • Background or interests in AAPI health disparities
  • Experience in grant applications and management 
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
  • Background or interest in outreach to AAPI communities
  • Familiarity with research strategy and design, survey methodology, and experience with Institutional Review Boards is recommended but not required
  • Ability to communicate in an Asian language is highly desirable though not a requirement
  • Must be in DC, Maryland, or Virginia during outreach component of internship; otherwise remote
  • Strong ability to navigate multiple technology platforms and media networks for communications
  • Highly organized and reliable

OCA-DC 50th Anniversary Oral History Intern

Must be enrolled in an accredited academic institution at the undergraduate or graduate level

Position Summary

OCA including OCA-DC, one of the founding chapters, is celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2023 as one of the oldest civil rights organizations for the APA community. OCA-DC has made significant impact in the community and has a strong reputation in the DMV region over the last 50 years. However, the stories of the history of the organization and local impact may be lost forever if not recorded. As part of the OCA National effort to collect and document OCA history, OCA-DC is seeking interns to support outreach to past presidents, leaders, and members to interview, document, and collect stories of the evolution of the APA community and civic engagement in the DMV from the perspective on one of the longest civil rights organizations in the community. This opportunity serves as an internship and research opportunity. It may serve as a thesis or school credit opportunity in partnership with your university faculty.

This is an UNPAID internship. This internship can also be done for academic credit. 

Roles & Responsibilities
  • Train in oral history techniques and approach
  • Synergize interview method and approach with OCA National efforts
  • Outreach to and conduct video interviews with key leaders in OCA-DC history
  • Outline/map out key events and impact from OCA-DC over the last 50 years 
  • Compile reports and presentations of findings 
Desired Qualifications
  • Enrolled in an accredited academic institution at the undergraduate or graduate level.
  • Knowledge and passion for AAPI community issues
  • Prior training in oral history techniques/conducting key informant interviews
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
  • Strong ability to navigate multiple technology platforms and media networks for communications
  • Highly organized and reliable

OCA-DC Combating Anti-Asian Hate Advocacy Organizer Intern

Must be in high school or enrolled in an accredited academic institution at the undergraduate or graduate level

Position Summary

OCA-DC, in partnership with Communities United Against Hate (CUAH), is seeking an Anti-Asian Bias intern to support the implementation of the OCA National/OCA Greater Houston Situational Awareness Workshop (SAW). The aim of the workshop is to empower participants to be active bystanders in a community level response to ongoing anti-Asian hate. These workshops can be both virtual and in person. Offer mentorship to high school students in the launch of the high school pilot of the OCA-SAW in the DMV as well as launch of the high school student chapter of OCA-DC with emphasis on addressing anti-Asian hate.

This is an UNPAID internship. This internship can also be done for academic credit. 

Roles & Responsibilities
  • Learn to teach OCA Situational Awareness Workshop of develop similar bystander training adapted for the DMV
  • Recruit participants for a monthly in person or virtual workshop. Participants should be from the local community centers, universities, and general community members. Recruitment should focus on members of the AAPI community as well as building allies in support of reducing the impact of anti-Asian hate.
  • Recruit and train others to implement OCA Situational Awareness Workshop of develop similar bystander training adapted for the DMV
  • Track results and impact including number of workshops offered and people trained in bystander intervention, number of people trained to teach, and number of workshops and participants offered from others trained to facilitate
  • Mentor DMV high school students in launch of high school SAW pilot and OCA-DC student chapter
  • Coordinate and support Board Members in Chapter strategic planning
  • Support internal logistics and infrastructure by updating and maintaining resources to sustain continuity of critical operations
  • Support the identification of and application to grant opportunities supporting Chapter priorities in AAPI issue areas
  • Develop communications and engagement opportunities for active and alumni members
  • Maintain and update engagement tracking mechanisms to support continual economic development
Desired Qualifications
  • Enrolled in high school or an accredited academic institution at the undergraduate or graduate level.
  • Knowledge of and passion for AAPI community issues
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
  • Background or interest in outreach to AAPI communities
  • Must be in DC, Maryland, or Virginia for majority of internship
  • Strong ability to navigate multiple technology platforms and media networks for communications
  • Highly organized and reliable

OCA-DC Non-Profit Program Management Intern

Must be enrolled in an accredited academic institution at the undergraduate or graduate level

Position Summary

OCA-DC is seeking a non-profit management intern to offer support to program management, strategic planning, and various AAPI projects and grants. The Specialist will support a variety of initiatives across the OCA-DC Chapter including community outreach to partners and small businesses, develop communications campaign, membership recruitment, economic development, and grant writing. This is an opportunity to gain experience in managing a non-profit organization and support its growth.

This is an UNPAID internship. This internship can also be done for academic credit. 

Roles & Responsibilities
  • Coordinate and support Board Members in Chapter strategic planning
  • Support internal logistics and infrastructure by updating and maintaining resources to sustain continuity of critical operations
  • Lead the identification of and application to grant opportunities supporting Chapter priorities in AAPI HEAL (Health equity, Education, Advocacy, Leadership)
  • Develop communications and engagement opportunities for active and alumni members
  • Maintain and update engagement tracking mechanisms to support continual economic development
Desired Knowledge Skills
  • Enrolled in an accredited academic institution at the undergraduate or graduate level.
  • Knowledge of and passion for AAPI community issues
  • Experience in grant applications and management 
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
  • Background or interest in outreach to AAPI communities
  • Strong ability to navigate multiple technology platforms and media networks for communications
  • Highly organized and reliable