Welcome to GWS 660

Organization description: Wisconsin’s Legislative Internship Program offers unique access to the legislative process by working closely with current staff on communications, research, and policy. The program provides an opportunity to build transferrable skills and learn more about the ins and outs of the legislature, along with the ability to earn academic credit if you are participating in any internship courses at your university or college. Political experience is not necessary and we encourage students of all majors to apply whether your interest is in law, communications, public policy, health, or elsewhere. Depending on your political interests, our intern coordinators will attempt to match you with legislators in the Assembly or the Senate. You can provide your preferences in the application.

Job Description: Wisconsin’s Legislative Internship Program offers unique access to the legislative process by working closely with current staff on communications, research, and policy. The program provides an opportunity to build transferrable skills and learn more about the ins and outs of the legislature, along with the ability to earn academic credit if you are participating in any internship courses at your university or college. Political experience is not necessary and we encourage students of all majors to apply whether your interest is in law, communications, public policy, health, or elsewhere. Depending on your political interests, our intern coordinators will attempt to match you with legislators in the Assembly or the Senate. You can provide your preferences in the application.

Supervisor: Nada Elmikashfi

Application Instructions: Apply using the following link: https://form.jotform.com/LHRO/internship-application

Note on pay/modality: unpaid and hybrid

Organization description: Congressman Mark Pocan was sworn in as the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s second congressional district in 2013 following 14 years in the Wisconsin State Assembly. A small business owner, union member, and lifelong advocate for progressive causes, Representative Pocan is committed to using his life experience to fight for policies that promote economic and social justice and support the families of south central Wisconsin.

Job description: Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to the office in various ways. The first involves direct constituent contact via casework intake and opinion tracking. The district office has three dedicated casework staff. Their job is to act as a bridge between constituents and federal agencies. Being responsible for intake, you would be the first contact between the constituents and our office. You will learn more about the role of different federal agencies and the federal policies that most affect WI communities.

Interns are also responsible for congratulatory letters to exceptional members of the community. Every month Congressman Pocan and his staff look for remarkable people who are promoting values like inclusivity, cooperation, and selflessness. This program helps our office stay connected to the communities we represent and allows you to get to know our district.

Another main task for interns is creating our office newsletters. We have several internal newsletters. The newsletter’s main purpose is to inform the staff of important news happening in the district and the State legislature. The newsletter helps you practice policy analysis and understand the implications of proposed laws. In addition to all of this, interns have the opportunity to develop independent projects, attend a weekly intern meeting, and receive regular feedback from supervisors.

Supervisor: Alec Schwehm, Alec.Schwehm@mail.house.gov

Application Instructions: Apply using this application form.

Note on modality/pay: This internship work happens in the office.

Organization description: The Women’s Council promotes initiatives to empower women, serves as a clearinghouse for information on programs and resources, conducts research on the status of women, and engages in unique partnerships to address barriers and inequalities affecting Wisconsin women. The Women’s Council is comprised of 15 members appointed by the Governor and Legislative leaders.

Awaiting information for spring 2027 availability! 

Organization description: The Wisconsin Women’s Network (WWN) is a non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of women and girls in Wisconsin through communication, education, advocacy, and connections. Since 1979, the WWN has worked to strengthen the voices of women and to provide the necessary resources, training and skills to be successful in their personal and professional endeavors. Our goal is to forward and champion the often underrepresented truth: that all issues are women’s issues. We seek to address and support every aspect of women’s lives through all ages, life stages, and backgrounds. We embody this work through our primary programs: the Policy Institute, Mentorship Program, Feminism on Tap networking series, Artful Women art exhibition, and the annual Women’s Equality Day event where we honor local women leaders.

Awaiting information for spring 2027 availability!

Organization description: The Office of the Gender and Women’s Studies Librarian (GWSL) provides bibliographic and curriculum support, inter-institutional cooperation, information sharing, and advocacy related to the fields of women’s, gender, and LGBTQ+ studies and to gender-focused scholarship in the traditional disciplines. What does this mean? We do all the work that librarians do (purchasing and lending books, providing research assistance, teaching people how to access and use library resources, etc.), and we also provide services and resources that are unique to our office. These include publishing a review journal, creating and providing digital open-access resources, and partnering with organizations with a focus on providing information to (cis and trans) women and girls around the country and the world.

This intern will be assisting professional staff with an ongoing project to sort, organize, and archive files from the nearly 50-year history of this office. They will digitize documents and ephemera and learn about digital accessibility best practices. We are also looking to provide the intern with additional opportunities for professional and/or leadership development, depending on their individual skills and interests. This will be determined in consultation with the intern hired.

Job description: Interns will learn about the mission and services of the Office of the GWSL. They will complete a specific semester-long project and receive training in day-to-day office tasks, including patron assistance, collection management, marketing, and supporting the annual women’s and gender studies conference.

Supervisor: Kelsey Foster, kmfoster2@wisc.edu

Application instructions: Students should send a resume and a statement of interest explaining why they would like to work in the Office of the GWSL to kmfoster2@wisc.edu. (A formal cover letter is welcome but not required.) Materials must be received by 12 PM on Monday, December 7. Qualified applicants will be contacted by the end of that week to set up a virtual interview.

Note on modality/pay: The intern will primarily work in-person in the Office of the GWSL in Memorial Library, with some virtual meetings/paid position.

Organization description: University Archives and Records Management collects, preserves, and makes available materials that help tell the story of UW–Madison.

Job description: The internship would involve learning how to organize and describe an archival collection that is part of the Madison LGBTQ+ Archive (part of the UW Archives) in order to make content discoverable and accessible. Some additional responsibilities may include assisting with the processing of oral history interviews connected to one or more LGBTQ+ Archive collections. The work involved would include analyzing physical materials, organizing a collection that includes a variety of formats, conducting research to better understand the content of the collection, and writing a comprehensive description of the collection. Additional work would involve listening to oral history interviews, creating and editing transcripts, and contributing to the discoverability of audio oral history files. We expect students to learn about aspects of LGBTQ+ history in Dane County, basic research skills, how to organize and describe an archival collection, and what’s involved with making oral history interviews available. The Madison LGBTQ+ Archive is celebrating it’s 20th anniversary in 2027, so there may be some responsibilities and work related to planning events and outreach (specifics TBD).

Supervisor: Katie Nash

Application Instructions: Students can send an email to Katie Nash [katie.nash@wisc.edu] and include a resume and cover letter stating why thy are interested in the internship. Receiving applications by early-mid November would be ideal.

Note on pay/modality: Paid/In-person

Organization description: Maydm provides girls and youth of color in grades 6 -12 with the skills, experiences, and connections to pursue careers in and change the face of STEM. We envision a world where all students know that a career in STEM is possible for them; a world where all students can pursue their dreams as entrepreneurs, developers, engineers, professors, and more.

Job description: The intern would work directly with our educational programs and internship staff to plan for our summer programs: STEM summer classes for youth grades 6-12, and summer STEM internships for 11-12 grade students. There are a couple of project areas where an intern could choose to work. The main goals for this internship position are to help us to better evaluate our educational and youth internship programs, assist in preparing for our summer programs, and help to gather information which will be used to align our work with our community. They are listed below, with the more pressing areas listed at the top.

Evaluation and Data: Help organize recent data from participant registration, youth internship applications, and survey responses. Help with data visualization for increased ability to draw meaningful conclusions.

Research and apply best practices for survey data collection to upcoming 2026 summer surveys for youth internship and educational programs

Assist with building programs evaluation framework, based off of examples from existing STEM education and youth workforce development evaluations Youth internship support and planning for summer 2026 cohort Help with intern interview, selection, and placement process

Assist with internship events in the spring: family orientation, company “match” day, Maydm Week Help plan topics and activities for “MaydmFridays”, which are soft-skills and community building days for the high school interns. Help to increase inclusion and representation into these plans.

Community Survey Build and conduct a community survey of needs and wants from our program stakeholders (parents and families, students, schools and teachers, community centers and other youth serving partners, organizations who host our summer interns) Our intent is to improve our programs and increase our impact by more closely considering input from stakeholders in regards to the topics we include in lessons, the class structure and support, transportation and access, and many other important areas.

Educational programs support Support teaching educational programs (in school, afterschool, spring break), typically one or two days per week for a few hours Help to develop STEM and engineering curriculum for summer educational programs (Web development, model rockets and aerospace, project-based engineering and entrepreneurship) Increase representation and career connections into summer education programs curriculum

There is an opportunity for continued work during the summer as an educational programs instructor.

Supervisor: Johanna Taylor

Application instructions: Please send a letter of interest to Johanna Taylor at johanna.taylor@maydm.org. Resume optional. 

Note on pay/modality: Unpaid/Hybrid

Awaiting information for spring 2027! 

Organization description: At Girls on the Run (GOTR) South Central Wisconsin, teaching essential life skills is the cornerstone of our research-based programs. Trained volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy. GOTR coordinates after school empowerment programming to ~2,200 kids annually at 120 sites throughout South Central Wisconsin. Girls participate in weekly running sessions paired with programming focused on building social, emotional and physical skills while encouraging healthy habits. At the end of the season, the team completes a Community Impact Project and a 5K together, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset into motion. GOTR has fun, evidence-based programs that inspire participants to recognize their inner strength, increase their level of physical activity, imagine their possibilities, and confidently stand up for themselves and others.

Job description: The programming intern supports the operational and evaluative work that will make our Spring 2027 Girls on the Run season possible. Responsibilities may include:

-Assisting with program site outreach, recruitment, and communications

-Supporting volunteer coach recruitment, onboarding, and engagement

-Organizing and maintaining program materials and data systems

-Helping with program evaluation projects, including survey creation, data collection, and analysis

-Contributing to special event planning and communications (such as the 5K or coach celebrations) Through this internship, students can expect to gain firsthand experience in nonprofit program management, volunteer coordination, evaluation methods, and community outreach. They will also develop a deeper understanding of how gender equity and empowerment are advanced through youth development programs like Girls on the Run.

Supervisor: Christine Benedict; christine.benedict@girlsontherun.org

Application information: Students should submit a resume and cover letter to Christine Benedict at christine.benedict@girlsontherun.org prior to Tuesday, January 5, 2027.

Note on modality/pay: Hybrid/paid.

Organization description: The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center provides education, outreach, advocacy, and resources for UW–Madison student communities and their allies to improve campus climate and their daily intersectional experiences.

Awaiting information for spring 2027! 

Organization description: Midwest Mujeres (Midwest Women) is a mentorship collective for multicultural women entrepreneurs. We educate multicultral women on storytelling, networking, mentoring, and marketing. We empower women to build their businesses to close the wage gap for all women. Our members gain exclusive coaching calls and mentoring to help them reach their dreams. In our community cohorts, we work with organizations to empower Latinas to free their voice in community event planning and invite them to participate in our annual event, “Yo Quiero Dinero!” We create a culture of belonging for everyone who wants to celebrate equity, unity, and empowerment for women.

Job description: The student intern will help Midwest Mujeres turn community feedback into practical recommendations for programs serving Latina, Black, and Brown women. Responsibilities include supporting bilingual survey outreach, organizing and reviewing responses, identifying common needs and barriers to participation, and creating simple charts and a brief findings report. Working with the Executive Director, the intern will recommend program topics, accessible scheduling, and community resources while protecting participants’ confidential information. The intern can expect to learn community-based research, basic data analysis, nonprofit program planning, culturally responsive engagement, and how to communicate findings for grant applications, partnerships, and community presentations.

The intern will be welcomed into the culture of Midwest Mujeres through our monthly Cyber Cafecitos, where staff, members, and collaborators gather virtually to share updates, celebrate wins, and support one another. They will also be invited to attend regular staff and planning meetings, gaining insight into the behind-the-scenes structure of a Latina-led nonprofit. These gatherings provide opportunities for networking with community leaders, local entrepreneurs, and women professionals involved in our programs. The intern will experience firsthand our collaborative, story-centered, and intergenerational approach to leadership and community building.

Supervisor: Araceli Esparza, info@midwestmujeres.com

Application instructions: Students interested in interning with Midwest Mujeres (www.midwestmujeres.com) should email info@midwestmujeres.com with a brief introduction, their resume, and a short cover letter describing their interest in feminist community work and what they hope to learn. Selected students will be invited to a short Zoom conversation with Araceli Esparza, Executive Director, to discuss potential projects and fit.

Note on pay/modality: Paid/Hybrid.

Organization description: The Disability Rights and Services Program is part of the City’s Department of Civil Rights, Equity and Social Justice Division.  Everyone has access needs.  The social model of disability recognizes that the built world and systemic ableism present barriers to access, not a person’s mind or body.  We recognize that ableism exists individually, institutionally, and structurally. To approach disability as a special issue or a silo diminishes the experiences and intersections of this culturally rich and diverse community.  Therefore, addressing ableism must go beyond legal compliance and involve collaborating with those most impacted to root out ableist practices in all City planning, programs, services, and facilities.  We believe all residents deserve the opportunity to live, work, travel, play, and thrive.

To live our mission, we embrace inclusion and belonging and actively work to foster disability-affirming spaces, advance opportunities, and celebrate the diversity of our Disabled residents.

Job description: Interns can expect to work on and shadow a variety of ongoing projects including policy, training, community engagement, and shadowing meetings with the Disability Rights and Services Specialist. Interns attend Equity and Social Justice Division meetings to learn more about the work the City of Madison does to promote equity. Interns are also encouraged to work on a “passion project” of their choosing and present it to the Disability Rights Commission or relevant City staff. The Disability Rights and Services Specialist actively shares resources and connects interns with community leaders aligned with their areas of interest. This could include: 

• Support monitoring of ADA Transition Plan

• Support roll-out of Language Access Plan update

• Update Disability Rights Commission project planning tools

• Option to develop a “passion project” based on student interest and learning goals

• Option to present to the Disability Rights Commission at the end of the internship

Supervisor: Rebecca Hoyt, RHoyt@cityofmadison.com, 608-266-6511

Application instructions: Students can email RHoyt@cityofmadison.com with a short statement about their goals and why they are interested in the internship. Please respond to these questions specifically:

1) why do you want to intern with the Disability Rights and Services Program?

2) what skills, knowledge, or experience do you hope to gain from this internship? Resumes welcome but not required.

Note on pay/modality: paid; hybrid. 

Organization description: Disability Pride Madison creates spaces for disability community. We host one big festival in July, a December craft fair, possibly a drag or burlesque show in February.

Job description: Help with social media, Facebook and Instagram, perhaps a monthly email, maybe fill our website calendar of disability events or do outreach to other groups. Very flexible according to the skills interns want to develop. The intern will also have the opportunity to attend and support monthly board meetings.

Supervisor: Kate Moran

Application instructions: Please send a letter of interest to Kate Moran DisabilityPrideMadison@gmail.com.

Note on pay/modality: Unpaid/Hybrid

Organization description: The Center for Patient Partnerships (CPP) advances healthcare access and equity for Wisconsinites through a combination of direct client advocacy and statewide systems change. Direct Advocacy: Assisting individuals with insurance appeals (especially for gender-affirming care), Power of Attorney documentation to protect chosen family, and navigating clinical stigma, care coordination, etc. Systems & Coalition Work: Providing operational leadership for the Wisconsin LGBTQIA2S+ Health Equity Coalition to track healthcare barriers, build community partnerships, and drive statewide policy reform. 

Job description: The undergraduate intern will support the LGBTQ+ Health Justice Program at the Center for Patient Partnerships (CPP) and the Wisconsin LGBTQIA2S+ Health Equity Coalition. The student will gain hands-on experience in health advocacy, systems-level change, coalition building, and health equity operations focused on gender-affirming care, healthcare access, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Supervisor: Levi Katz

Application instructions: Students should submit a resume and cover letter to Levi (levi.katz@wisc.edu) by December 1, 2027. Students who apply will be contacted to schedule a time for a brief interview.

Note on pay/modality: Unpaid/In-person

Organization description: PPAWI is the advocacy branch of PPWI, focused on voter engagement, promoting bodily autonomy through public policies, and educating the public about how state and federal laws impact reproductive and sexual healthcare. The Public Affairs Department also campaigns for endorsed candidates, lobbies at the state capitol, and tables at various community events.

Planned Parenthood will provide an update by November 15, 2026! 

Organization description: PPAWI is the advocacy branch of PPWI, focused on voter engagement, promoting bodily autonomy through public policies, and educating the public about how state and federal laws impact reproductive and sexual healthcare. The Public Affairs Department also campaigns for endorsed candidates, lobbies at the state capitol, and tables at various community events.

Planned Parenthood will provide an update by November 15, 2026~ 

Organization description: End Domestic Abuse WI envisions communities fully engaged to provide safety and to give a voice to all affected by domestic abuse, while creating the social change necessary to address its root causes. We honor the wisdom and strength of domestic abuse survivors across the lifespan. Our mission is achievable through survivor-centered work that includes strategic partnerships and collaboration. As advocates for social justice, we embrace the voices of diverse communities.

Awaiting information for spring 2027! 

Organization description: Waking Women Healing Institute (WWHI) is a 501c3 non-profit organization led by Indigenous women and survivors, dedicated to providing culturally-based healing and support services to Indigenous survivors of violence and families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/Persons (MMIW/P).

Job description: Interns provide direct community outreach and engagement support: researching and organizing materials for social media campaigns, help launch our volunteer program, direct community education and outreach. They have an opportunity to apprentice directly under the WWHI team in areas of their choosing: MMIP Healing & Response Teams, Youth Prevention, Peer support for survivors and MMIP families, building community spaces of education and healing that are culturally founded and land based. These are hybrid opportunities- mostly remote with in person as they are able. Interns will be invited to any conferences, webinars, and trainings that WWHI staff may attend during this time period.

Awaiting information for spring 2027!