Internships Supporting Refugees and the Human Right to Education

UC Davis Global Affairs and UC Davis Human Rights Studies are building a team of interns to support the Article 26 Backpack – the UC Davis Tool for Universal Academic Mobility. Backpack, as we call it, is a multi-lingual ecosystem that empowers refugees, displaced, and at-risk young people around the world exercise their human right to education.

Overview

This internship is an opportunity for students to practice Human Rights advocacy and make a real difference in the lives of more than three million refugee and displaced university students worldwide. Interns will be assigned to focus on one or more of the following projects.

• Digital/Social Media Promotion Strategy

Interns will develop, implement, and gauge the effectiveness of a multi-lingual campaign using social/digital media to make refugee/displaced communities aware of the Backpack, eligibility, and potential uses. Interns will also build links with university-based refugee outreach programs in areas of need. Interns with language capabilities in English, Arabic, French, Spanish, and Persian/Dari are needed for this project.

• Backpack Guide Educational Materials Development

Interns will work with media team on the development of multimedia digital tools, including recorded demonstrations of how to use Backpack that will help users effectively connect with the ecosystem without further assistance. Interns with language capabilities in English, Arabic, French, Spanish, and Persian/Dari.

• Backpack Digital and UX support

Interns will work with Information and Education Technology (IET) on the support of the Backpack’s digital infrastructure, update and improve site appearance, answer questions, and produce data and statistics as need by Backpack director and designated others.

Academic Credit

During the academic year, this internship is for academic credit (2-4 units/quarter) Interns will receive academic credit from the Human Rights Studies Program. There is a possibility that a limited number of paid internship positions may be available during the summer.

Eligibility

This internship is open to current UC Davis undergraduate students. Students should have some training in Human Rights Studies and be prepared to follow principles of civilian protection. Foreign language ability is preferred. Students pursuing the Minor in Human Rights Studies and those looking to use or further develop their foreign language skills are especially welcome.

Application Process

One-page letter of interest stating qualifications and internship areas of interest and short CV; and contact information for one reference. Please submit all application materials to: Professor and Director of Human Rights and Director of Article 26 Backpack, Keith David Watenpaugh, at kwatenpaugh@ucdavis.edu.

Deadline

The application deadline for spring quarter is Monday, March 29, 2021.