Human Rights Internship Application (2025-2026)

Human Rights Internship Application

Summer 2026 Cohort
DUE: Sunday, October 26, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. (CST)

Eligibility: The Human Rights Internship Program is open to UChicago second-and third-year students in the College and master’s students in the Crown School. Please contact the Pozen Center with any questions about eligibility.

At the end of this application form, you will be asked to enter the name of two references. Please make sure you have this information before completing the application. (Human rights majors are not required to submit references.)

Candidates selected for final round interviews will be notified by the end of the day on Friday, October 31.

Interviews will take place Monday, November 3–Tuesday, November 4.

Accepted interns are required to attend two events. Please mark your calendar.
- Orientation: Thursday, November 13, 6:30 p.m. We will introduce the self-directed internship search activities that you will complete during winter break.
- Internship Symposium: Friday, January 23, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., at Ida Noyes Hall, 3rd Floor Theatre. Last summer's interns will present about their experiences.
If you have general questions about the application process, please consult our website FAQs for details. Right above FAQs on that page is contact information for Human Rights Leaders who can also answer questions.

Upon successful submission, you will see a confirmation page and receive an email.

Part II: Courses & Skills
Have you taken or are you currently registered for any Human Rights courses at UChicago or another college/university? (Past coursework in Human Rights is not a program prerequisite.)*

YesNo
Have you declared human rights as your undergraduate major?*

YesNoI plan to declare human rights as my major.I am a human rights minorI am a student in the Crown Family SchoolOther
Please list any past or current Human Rights coursework.

0/150
In addition to English, what other languages do you speak, read, or write proficiently? For each, please rate your level of competency (native speaker, fluent, advanced beginner, etc.).

0/150
Please briefly list any specialized research skills or audiovisual, web, or technical skills.

0/150
Please briefly list any special skills that may be relevant to a Human Rights Internship (e.g. coaching sports, editing, journalism, counseling, photography).

0/150

Part III: Essay Questions
Note: Word limits are strict. There is no minimum word count. We encourage you to be as succinct as possible. Use block paragraphs instead of indented paragraphs to avoid formatting errors.
Question 1: Please tell us how you have demonstrated an interest in human rights. Include influential and formative academic work, work experiences, volunteerism, activism, personal experiences, and/or interests in particular issue areas that have (a) influenced your decision to apply and (b) prepared you for a Human Rights Internship. (500 word limit)*

Note: prior work experience in human rights is not a program prerequisite.0/500
Question 2: Describe your ideal 8-10 week summer Human Rights Internship. Where might you work? What types of issues would you work on? Feel free to include specific tasks that could be accomplished as part of your ideal internship and what you would gain from the experience. Reflect upon one or two challenges you could potentially encounter as well. How would you address these challenges? (750 word limit)*

You don’t need to name specific organizations/positions of interest. A brief sketch of possibilities is sufficient. 0/750
Question 3: Expand on which of your talents, skills, and/or insights could most enhance the Human Rights Internship experience for yourself and others in the program (volunteer experiences to share, or experience with social media campaigns, organizing online petitions, etc.). Conversely, are there personal and professional areas where you’re looking to grow? (250 word limit)*

0/250

Part IV: Resume/CV & Professional References
Please provide the contact information (name and email) for two professional references. Please explain how they know you and what they may be able to speak about regarding your candidacy. An ideal reference has observed and/or supervised your performance at work (such as a manager), in leadership, or in some position of responsibility (RSO is OK). Professors are OK, especially if you are doing research / writing for them outside of class. As a matter of courtesy, you may wish to ask permission from your reference before listing them and let them know that they MAY be contacted during the week of November 3. (Those who have declared human rights as a major do not need to provide references.)
.
Please upload a copy of your resume/CV*

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Part V: Review & Submit Application
By clicking the check box below, I certify that the information contained in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
I have read and agree to the above statements.
Note: you must preview answers before submitting. After successful submission, you will see a confirmation page and receive an email.
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