About Labor Summer

The UC Irvine Labor Center coordinates Labor Summer internships for undergraduate and graduate students. In 2023, organized labor had a historic year, from Strikes by Writers Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, and United Autoworkers Workers, to national unionization efforts by Workers United with it’s Starbucks campaign. Community organizations have also led campaigns across the country in advancing issues on social justice. While participating in Labor Summer, interns network with labor and community leaders while gaining skills and experience that can be applied to jobs in labor and non-governmental organizations.

Labor Summer 2025 Internship Program

Internship Details

• Program Dates: June 16 – August 8, 2025
• Orientation & Site Placements: All interns will attend a week-long orientation together from June 16 – June 20 (excluding June 19, in observance of Juneteenth). The orientation will cover topics related to the U.S. labor movement, provide specialized training to develop organizing skills, and present opportunities for interns to build relationships with their fellow cohort members and host sites. Interns will then spend seven weeks at a union or community-based organization in Orange County, where they will apply the skills learned in orientation week.
• Compensation: $22.50 per hour
• Schedule: 40 hours per week for the duration of the internship. No overtime is permitted.

Requirements

• Interest in working on social and economic justice issues.
• Interest working with labor unions and community-based organizations.
• Ability to work in diverse communities.
• Ability to work evenings & weekends (if required by site).
• Have reliable transportation.
• Must be an undergraduate or graduate student. Priority will be given to UC Irvine students.
• Must be available to work 40 hours per week for the entire length of the internship.
• Due to this being a full time internship, students are not permitted to take summer classes. UCI Social Ecology students may choose to enroll in SE 195 (Field Study).
  • Please note: Students choosing to enroll in SE 195 for Labor Summer cannot enroll in SE 195W, as the meeting requirements interfere with the internship schedule.
• Students must produce a short presentation and provide an evaluation of the program before program close on August 8, 2025.

Interested in Applying? Attend an Information Session!

• February 13, 2025 – In-person
  • Location: Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway (SBSG) 3260
  • Time: 6:30pm – 7:00pm

• February 19, 2025 – Zoom
  • Time: 6:30pm – 7:00pm
  • RSVP HERE for Zoom meeting invitation
• NEW: February 25, 2025 – In-person
  • Location: Social Ecology 1, Room 315
  • Time: 4:30pm – 5:00pm
  • RSVP HERE