Summer Public Service Internship Program
In collaboration with the City of Oakland Government Offices and community organizations, the Niagara Movement Foundation's Summer Public Service Internship Program provides college students with paid, hands-on experience in government, public policy, and community leadership.
Over eight weeks, students work directly alongside elected officials, public servants, and nonprofit leaders while contributing to projects that impact Oakland residents.
By providing paid internships, academic scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development, the program removes financial barriers and helps build a diverse pipeline of future civic leaders committed to Oakland communities.
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ABOUT
INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT
Four days per week, interns work directly in public offices and community organizations under the mentorship of elected officials, public servants, and nonprofit leaders. Each intern is assigned to a city office or community partner where they gain firsthand experience.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Each week, interns participate in a cohort-based learning experience focused on understanding how government, business, and community institutions work together to serve Oakland residents. Participants meet directly with elected officials, civic leaders, public servants, and community advocates from across Oakland.
CAPSTONE PROJECT
Each student completes a research-based capstone project focused on an issue affecting Oakland.
*Join us on August 2nd as interns present their research, findings, and recommendations for addressing important issues facing Oakland. Learn more and RSVP here!
PROGRAM IMPACT
Participants gain:
- Paid professional experience
- Direct mentorship from elected officials and community leaders
- Exposure to local, state, and federal government
- Research and public speaking skills
- Professional networks and career pathways
- A deeper understanding of Oakland's communities and public institutions
- A stronger pipeline of future public servants
- Increased civic engagement among young leaders
- Greater access and equity in public service opportunities
- Emerging leaders committed to serving their communities
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INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
We are currently seeking philanthropic partners. Giving Opportunities include:
$2,500 Provides meals, materials, and transportation for all 8 intern
$4,000 Provides one intern’s stipend
$8,000 Sponsors one intern fully ($4,000 stipend + $4,000 academic scholarship)
$12,000 Sponsors three interns' stipend
$24,000 Sponsors three interns' stipends & scholarship
$48,000 Sponsors six interns' stipends & scholarship
$66,500 Supports eight interns’ entire program: stipends, scholarships, meals, materials, and transportation
To support the program, please contact 
info@niagaramovementfoundation.org
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MEET THE 2026 COHORT
Erin Jung
UC Berkeley, Global Studies
Placement: Councilmember Janani Ramachandran
Capstone Project: How Local Government Supports its Immigrant Community
Lena Pochendorfer
UC Berkeley: Environmental Economics & Policy
Placement: Council President Kevin Jenkins
Capstone Project: The True Cost of Coal and Oakland’s Fight for the Future
Sophia Sarioglo
UC Berkeley, Political Science Major, Public Policy Minor
Placement: Councilmember Charlene Wang
Capstone Project: Reevaluating Oakland's Homelessness Response: Balancing Permanent Supportive Housing, Interim Housing, and Prevention Efforts
Naolin Palacios
UC Berkeley, History, Economics, and Chinese Studies
Placement: Rising Sun Center Director of Policy, Sneha Ayyagari
Capstone Project: Job Creation and Service, how Oakland’s Public Services Create Opportunity
Kiru Monroe
University of Southern California, Business Administration
Placement: Supervisor Nate Miley
Capstone Project: Examining Racial Disparities in Public Contracting Across Oakland and Alameda County
Tosjzarre Forrest
California State University Channel Islands, Health Science, Chemistry Minor
Placement: Dr. Ralph Petersen
Capstone Project: The Untreated: How Healthcare Disparities Leave Many Oakland Residents Behind.
Nigel Willacy
Stanford University, Public Policy and Management Science & Engineering
Placement: Attorney John Burris
Capstone Project: Beyond Compliance: Assessing Whether Oakland’s Police Reforms Deliver Real Accountability to the Community
Niagara Movement Foundation
Phone/Text: 510-902-2172 | Fax I 510-340-9106 I Email: info@niagaramovementfoundation.org
4200 Park Blvd, #645, Oakland, California 94602