Governor's Office of Equity - Summer 2026 Internship

The Governor's Office of Equity is seeking highly motivated undergraduate and graduate students for our Spring Session Internship Program. In our program, we work to shape our interns as future DEIA leaders, and allow them to gain hands-on experience in government and obtain tools for public service. Interns are mentored to support DEIA projects in collaboration with the Office of Equity team and will have the chance to develop special DEIA projects and initiatives that leverage their interests and expertise. We are interested in self-directed candidates who thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment. This internship is part-time (20 hrs/week) and unpaid.  

Through this internship, you will be able to: 

• Gain foundational knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in state government 
• Engage in real-world experiences related to the implementation of state-level equity initiatives 
• Foster professional development and leadership skills 
• Create a lasting network and relationships with equity driven professionals and public servants 

Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Support ongoing DEIA initiatives and programming in the Office of Equity 
• Learn about different areas of equity work, such as policy design, data analysis, training, agency collaborations, and community engagement 
• Attend meetings with government leaders, advocates, and other DEIA stakeholders 
• Create and develop an equity-centered policy project to present at the closing of your internship 
• Reflect on personal and societal change 

Location: 

Our Office is located at 555 W. Monroe St. in downtown Chicago. Our internship program is hybrid, and interns are expected to come once a week. The internship will also include on-site visits and meetings in various locations across the Chicagoland area, which are optional but highly encouraged for our interns.  

Duration: 

The Summer 2025 Internship will begin on June 1, 2026 and end on August 31, 2026. Start and end dates can also be flexible according to selected candidates' schedules.   

Requirements: 

• Candidates must have source of academic credit and/or funding from their academic institution. Please contact your institution's career center or career advancement office for guidance on how to receive and find opportunities for outside funding. Candidates that will have a source of academic credit or outside funding will be prioritized. 
• Candidates must be currently working toward a college/university degree or certification. 
• Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to DEIA principles through community/public service. involvement, activism, advocacy, academic study, and/or extracurricular activities. 

Application Process – EMAIL GOV.EQUITYOFFICE@ILLINOIS.GOV THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS: 

• Complete the PDF Application (below), which must be fully completed and typed. 
• Cover letter that describes your interest in public service, DEIA work, and/or why you are the right candidate for the internship 
• Résumé 
• Writing sample 
• College transcript (official or unofficial) 
• Name, title, and contact information for an academic or professional reference (reference must be a supervisor, professor, or mentor; a letter of recommendation is not required)