National Center for Youth Law 

NCYL is a national nonprofit that puts children — especially those pushed to society’s margins — at the center of every fight for justice. For more than 50 years, we have partnered with young people, families, and communities in efforts to dismantle racism, discrimination, and inequity wherever they appear. We recognize that harmful policies don’t affect children in isolation. Each young person’s well-being depends on their family’s stability, their community’s resources, and the opportunities they can access. By working across all systems that shape young people’s lives in a rapidly evolving society, we advance solutions that are holistic, intersectional, and transformative. 

The Position

NCYL seeks undergraduate interns to support its Youth Justice Impact Area during the summer of 2026. This is a volunteer (unpaid) position of approximately 15 hours per week, and will be remote. 

Candidates attending schools on the semester system would begin their internships on or around June 1, 2026 and end on or around August 14, 2026. 

Candidates attending schools on the quarter system would begin their internships on or around June 23 and end on or around September 4, 2026. 

Essential Functions 

• Learn to research novel issues related to youth law and policy 
• Learn to support communications efforts by NCYL’s Youth Justice and Justice & Equity Teams 
• Help create understandable, accessible materials to disseminate to the public about the work of the Youth Justice and Justice & Equity Teams 
• Have the opportunity to provide administrative support to the Youth Justice and Justice & Equity Teams 

Qualifications 

• Current undergraduate student
• Knowledge of, understanding of, and commitment to NCYL’s mission
• Experience and/or interest in youth justice and/or the juvenile legal system
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• At least one year of experience with and/or exposure to at least one of the following: communities of color; low-income communities; children or youth
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and complete multiple projects
• Excellent communication skills
• We recognize that valuable skills and insights are often developed through personal experience, not only formal or professional roles. Candidates with lived expertise in NCYL’s areas of advocacy are especially encouraged to apply.

How to Apply 

Applications will be reviewed until the positions are filled or until April 30, 2026. Priority will be given to applications received before March 30, 2026.

Apply at this link: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3947146

Applicants must submit the following: 

• Resume (not including GPA) 
• Cover letter describing your particular interest in volunteering at NCYL (including any specific issue areas of interest) and understanding of NCYL’s mission 
• Writing sample (5-7 pages) that demonstrates analytical skills 
• Two (2) professional or academic references 

We welcome applications from individuals with different ideas, experiences, and perspectives. Applicants who meet the above criteria with lived experiences within any of our practice areas are strongly encouraged to apply. 

It is the policy of NCYL to provide equal employment and volunteering opportunities to all Applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding, national origin, age, abilities/disabilities, neurotypicality, socioeconomic status, veteran status, marital status, prior convictions, or any other protected classifications under federal, state, or local law. NCYL makes all employment decisions based on job-related factors.