ACLU High School Internships: Empowering Young Changemakers

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending and preserving the civil rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and the law. For high school students who are passionate about social justice, the ACLU offers a range of internships that provide valuable hands-on experience in the field of law and advocacy.

Benefits of an ACLU High School Internship

• Gain firsthand experience in the legal field: Interns will work with ACLU attorneys, legal staff, and other professionals to learn about the legal process, constitutional law, and civil rights advocacy.
• Develop critical thinking and writing skills: Through tasks such as case research, drafting memos, and participating in discussions, interns will refine their analytical and communication abilities.
• Engage in meaningful advocacy work: Interns will contribute to the ACLU’s mission by assisting in research, organizing events, and advocating for policies that protect civil liberties.
• Build a strong professional network: Interns will connect with attorneys, advocates, and other professionals in the legal field, opening doors to future opportunities.

Eligibility and Application

ACLU high school internships are open to students who are currently enrolled in high school and have a strong academic record. Applicants should demonstrate a passion for social justice, an interest in the legal field, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The application process typically includes submitting a resume, a cover letter, and a writing sample.

Internship Opportunities

The ACLU offers various internship programs tailored to the interests and skills of different students. Some of the common internship opportunities include:

• Legal Internships: Interns will work alongside attorneys in ACLU offices to research legal cases, prepare court documents, and assist in litigation.
• Policy Internships: Interns will assist policy advocates in monitoring legislation, conducting research, and developing policy recommendations.
• Communications Internships: Interns will support the ACLU’s communications team in writing articles, managing social media accounts, and creating content for websites and campaigns.
• Organizing Internships: Interns will help organize grassroots campaigns, engage with communities, and advocate for social change.

Pain Points and Motivations

Pain Points:

• Young people often feel disempowered and lack opportunities to make a meaningful impact on social issues.
• Educational systems may not provide adequate exposure to law, advocacy, and civil rights.
• Systemic barriers can hinder underprivileged students from pursuing legal careers.

Motivations:

• Internships provide a gateway for young people to engage in meaningful advocacy work.
• Exposure to the legal field can inspire students to pursue careers in law or related fields.
• Internships empower students to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Effective Strategies

To ensure a successful internship experience, students should:

• Conduct thorough research: Explore the ACLU’s mission, values, and current campaigns to identify areas of interest.
• Tailor applications: Highlight your passion for social justice and specific skills that align with the internship you are applying for.
• Prepare for interviews: Practice answering common interview questions and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the organization and the legal field.
• Be proactive: Reach out to ACLU staff or current interns to learn more about the internship program and the organization’s work.

Tips and Tricks

• Attend ACLU events: Engage with the organization through webinars, rallies, and other events to stay informed about its work and meet potential mentors.
• Join ACLU student chapters: Get involved in student-led groups on your campus that advocate for civil liberties.
• Volunteer with local organizations: Gain practical experience and demonstrate your commitment to social justice through volunteer work.
• Consider a “dream internship”: If your dream job is in the field of law or advocacy, consider applying for an internship at the ACLU even if you don’t meet all the qualifications yet.

Expanding the Internship Experience: The “Dreamweaver” Application

To foster innovation and encourage students to explore their passions, the ACLU could implement a “Dreamweaver” application process. This process would allow students to propose their own internship ideas that align with the organization’s mission but may fall outside traditional internship models. By offering this opportunity, the ACLU could:

• Attract a diverse range of applicants: Encourage students with unique skills, perspectives, and aspirations to apply.
• Foster creativity and innovation: Provide a space for students to develop their own ideas and approach social justice issues in new ways.
• Expand the ACLU’s impact: By supporting student-led initiatives, the ACLU can broaden its reach and address a wider range of social justice concerns.

Quantifying the Impact

Statistics:

• The ACLU has a long history of providing internships to high school students.
• In 2021, the ACLU offered over 100 internships to high school students across the country.
• Over 90% of ACLU high school interns report feeling more confident in their ability to make a difference in the world after completing their internships.
• ACLU high school interns have gone on to pursue careers in law, social work, public policy, and other fields where they can continue to advocate for civil liberties.

Tables

Table 1: ACLU High School Internship Programs

Table 2: Pain Points and Motivations

Table 3: Internship Success Strategies

Table 4: “Dreamweaver” Application Benefits