Four people sitting at a table in a modern, glass-walled room, engaged in conversation with laptops and a pink water bottle between them. One person is wearing glasses and earrings, one has red hair, and the others have dark and light brown hair. The room has ceiling lights and an Apple logo on the glass.

The Lesniak Institute Internship Program

The Lesniak Institute is committed to training and developing the next generation of leaders. One way they accomplish this mission is through their internship program.

Our interns are not “busy workers”, they are valuable members of the team that complete projects under the guidance of their supervisors to positively impact the Lesniak Institute—ranging from event & program management to campaign & content development.

Work With Us

The Lesniak Institute is committed to training and developing the next generation of leaders. One way they accomplish this mission is through their internship program.

Our interns are not “busy workers”, they are valuable members of the team that complete projects under the guidance of their supervisors to positively impact the Lesniak Institute—ranging from event & program management to campaign & content development.

Group of diverse young adults and an older man posing together inside a modern building, with glass windows and signage for the American Institute for Leadership in the background.
Group of diverse young adults and an older man posing together inside a modern building, with glass windows and signage for the American Institute for Leadership in the background.

What People Are Saying

“My internship at the Lesniak Institute was nothing short of transformative. I felt I was making a positive impact in my community on a daily basis; whether that was through writing a blog about civic engagement, assisting in the event management of an event revolving around voter participation, or completing daily office tasks to ensure the organization can continue making a difference. Not only was I helping others, but I was building the skills I need to succeed in my future career.”

A man and a woman sitting in chairs in front of large windows; the woman is holding a microphone and speaking while the man listens. 
— Susan A. Berube, 2025-2026 Service Specialist Intern

“​​The Lesniak Institute helped push me to learn and build new skills that I was only able to get through real-world experience. For me, I learned new skills such as using motion graphics, storytelling through video, and the usage of proper lighting to execute projects! The team was always informative and helpful, and you could always rely on them for help when you needed it. Most importantly, the team helped me grow personally and professionally throughout my time with them!”

A young man with glasses in black clothing standing in front of dark blue curtains decorated with small string lights. To the left, there is a large cluster of balloons in white, gold, and blue colors. To the right, part of a purple backdrop with star designs and a black and white dog image is visible. 
— Christopher Dominguez, 2025 Media Specialist Intern

“During my last semester at Kean University, I had the opportunity to be an intern for the Institute. The internship program was immersive, collaborative, and even provided opportunities to become a better activist within the local community. This internship program is perfect for those committed to making a difference, wanting to gain insight into their field from a nonprofit standpoint, and enjoy working in a tight knit, cross functional environment.”

A young woman smiling at a table with flyers at an informational booth for Lesniak Institute for American Leadership, displaying a large red poster board with photos and information about internships and the institute's activities. 
— Sophia Sacewicz, Fall 2024 PR & Social Media Intern
Group of smiling young people outdoors, some making peace signs, holding ice cream sundaes and wearing casual clothing, on a sunny day with green trees and tents in the background.

“The Institute truly cares about the growth and development of its interns, providing the resources needed to succeed on every project, big or small. I highly recommend the Institute to anyone seeking an ambitious yet supportive environment to learn and grow.”

— Maggie Wilson, Summer 2024 PR & Social Media Intern

“My internship at the Lesniak Institute provided invaluable insights into advocacy, nonprofit management, and organizing large events. This experience had a profound impact on me, inspiring me to build my own nonprofit. The skills and knowledge I gained have been instrumental in my current endeavors.”

Two people are engaging in a conversation at a table with stacks of paper or brochures, in what appears to be a busy indoor event or conference. 
— – Derek Gali-Martinez, Fall 2023 Service Specialist Intern

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

    • Lesniak Institute accepts interns that are current college students and recent college graduates. 

    • Our Interns must maintain or have received a GPA of at least 3.0

  • To apply to our program, you can visit lesniakinstitute.org/jobs it will require you to submit your resume and complete a brief questionnaire

  • The internship role is a semester long—offered in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.

    • All interns must have:

      • A passion for civic engagement & social change. 

      • Minimum GPA of 3.0+

      • Some experience in the role they are applying for. 

    • Responsibilities include: 

      • Completing a minimum of 12 hours a week

      • Attending 1 in-person day per week

      • Hosting/Volunteering at Lesniak Institute events and programs.  

      • Coordinating 1-2 civic engagement programs or volunteer opportunities per semester.

  • As an intern, you will receive any credits needed to fulfill an internship course for your major. This will be provided upon request when accepted into the program.

  • The Lesniak Institute will give you the tools necessary to connect with your community and colleagues through our civic engagement programs, events, and initiatives. This program provides mentorship with The Lesniak Institute to support your journey of turning your passion into action.