Internship Opportunities

Refugee & Immigrant Self-Empowerment (RISE) offers a range of volunteer-based internship opportunities. These internships are open to high school and college students, as well as professionals from the broader community. Interns can apply their knowledge and skills to meaningful work that benefits both RISE and the refugee population of Onondaga County.

We welcome applications from anyone interested in interning with us—regardless of location, education level, or prior training. RISE values diversity and creativity in all our internship placements.

Note: Over the past year, RISE has collaborated with undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of academic backgrounds—including Art History/Museum Studies, Anthropology, Economics, Education, International Relations, Pre-Law/Political Science, Public Administration, and Social Work. Our interns have come from institutions such as Syracuse University, Onondaga Community College, LeMoyne College, Cazenovia College, SUNY Geneseo, and the University of Rochester.

To learn more about past intern experiences, see:

Dana Fiel’s Internship Story
Marielle Brunelle’s Internship Story

Current Internship Opportunities

Bridging Case Management and Employment Services Internship
Communication, Media, and Technology Internship
Development Internship
Education Outreach Internship

If you don’t see a role that fits your interests or background, we still encourage you to apply. Share your ideas with us—we’re always open to creating new opportunities that align with your passions and strengths!