The Boston University Initiative on Cities and the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground seek one outstanding undergraduate student for a summer internship with the City of Boston’s Equity and Inclusion Cabinet. The intern will work directly with the City of Boston Equity and Inclusion Cabinet on racial justice policy, research, and programming.

This internship is the successor to a longstanding partnership with what was formerly known as the Mayor’s Office of Resilience & Racial Equity (MORRE).

Read about the experience of the 2025 Boston Equity & Inclusion Cabinet intern here and other past interns and fellows here.

Page Overview

Summer 2026 Internship Information

Applications are due on Sunday, March 8, 2026 (Plan Ahead! This is at the start of BU Spring Break)

We seek a highly motivated candidate interested in community research and assisting with the Cabinet’s racial justice initiatives. The Intern will contribute to efforts addressing racial equity policy priorities, foster community engagement, and support data-driven policy recommendations. This work will involve research, data gathering from the community, stakeholder engagement, and policy recommendation drafting. This internship offers a unique opportunity for individuals seeking to contribute to advancing equity and inclusion in Boston.

This internship is based in Boston and requires commuting to Boston City Hall regularly (no personal vehicle is required).

About the Equity & Inclusion Cabinet: The Equity & Inclusion Cabinet comprises several departments at Boston City Hall that advance racial justice and social, economic, and health equity in the city of Boston. You can learn more here.

Compensation & Duration

Compensation: The Intern will be paid approximately $5,040 ($18/hour) for a full-time internship (35 hours per week).

Duration: The internship will run for 8 weeks between June and August 2026. The Equity & Inclusion Cabinet will determine the exact start date with the Intern as the summer approaches.

Location: Boston; regular on-site work at Boston City Hall is required.

Housing Support: In addition to pay, this Intern will be eligible to receive free BU housing during their internship, sponsored by the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground.

Qualifications

  • Strong work ethic, initiative, and attention to detail
  • Excellent written communication skills
  • Excellent oral communication skills, particularly for organizing and supporting public events, community meetings, and  social media content
  • A demonstrated passion for issues of racial equity, justice, and inclusion, particularly in the context of Boston
  • Ability to take research, data, and numbers and tell compelling stories
  • Enthusiasm for public service and a commitment to learning about local government functions
  • Proficiency in the Google suite, with added value for familiarity with data analysis tools or public engagement platforms
  • Advanced social media skills, including strategy and content creation

How to Apply & Timeline

Applications due: Sunday, March 8, 2026 (Plan Ahead! This is at the start of BU Spring Break)

Application Materials: As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload a single PDF. This document should contain the following materials in the same order as listed below:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • An essay of 500 words or fewer about your perspective on racial equity and inclusion in Boston. How can moral imagination help us envision a more equitable city? What role should local government play in turning these aspirations into reality?
  • A 1-2 page recent writing sample of your choosing.
  • A list of two references, either academic or professional. Please provide their title, organization, phone number, and email (no letters of recommendation, just the list of two references).
  • Unofficial copy of your academic transcript showing grades and all academic semesters (including the Spring 2026 semester ungraded).
    • Screenshots are ok as long as the text is clear and legible.
    • Your BU unofficial academic transcript can be obtained free of charge on MyBU Student. Please contact the registrar for more information.

Naming your single PDF: Please note, you should name your document using the following format: [First and Last Name] Equity and Inclusion 2026 Application (for example: Jane Doe Equity and Inclusion 2026 Application).

How to apply: You can apply here. Please double-check all of the above information, including application materials and naming instructions for your PDF. Please also review the eligibility details below.

Timeline: As noted, applications are due on Sunday, March 8, 2026 We expect to award the internship in early to mid-April.

Apply Here

Eligibility Details

Only current Boston University undergraduate students who meet the following conditions are eligible:

  • Applicants must be in good standing at Boston University
  • Applicants must be enrolled in classes as part of a degree-seeking program at Boston University for the current semester. They must continue in either the same or a new degree-seeking program at Boston University in the 2026 Fall semester.
    • Graduating seniors are eligible if they are entering a graduate degree program at Boston University and meet the above requirements.
    • Undergraduate students continuing at BU in Fall 2026 or in the Summer 2 terms are eligible. However, students working on an incomplete to finish a graduation requirement are not considered enrolled, according to the Student Employment Office, and are therefore ineligible.

Terms of Award

    • The intern will work 35 hours per week for the entire eight weeks.
    • The Intern must be responsive to the Initiative on Cities’ requests during the internship and may be asked to submit or participate in content for the IOC website and/or social media, such as takeovers and photo sessions.
    • Interns must complete a reflection piece within two weeks of completing their internship, reflecting on their experience in City Hall and the project(s) they worked on throughout the summer.
      • This piece should emphasize the Intern’s core focus for the summer, the impact of their project, and the lessons learned.
      • They are encouraged to incorporate interactive elements, including video and photography.
      • This reflection will be shared on the IOC website.
    • Interns may participate in a roundtable discussion or other related event held in Fall 2026 to share their experience working in city government.

    Questions

    If you have any questions, please contact David Gross, MetroBridge Program Manager, at davgross@bu.edu.