Youth Civic Engagement & Policy Leadership Intern (Advanced)

Organization: The Happier Life Project
Program: Elevate Youth California (EYC)
Classification: Temporary, Part-Time, Grant-Funded
Compensation: $23/hour
Schedule: 15 hours per week
Location: Riverside County (Hybrid / Community-Based)
Eligibility: Youth ages 18–26


The Happier Life Project is recruiting an Advanced Youth Civic Engagement & Policy Leadership Intern for its Elevate Youth California program. This paid, part-time internship is designed for college-level students or recent graduates interested in public health, public policy, social justice, or community leadership.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Youth Civic Engagement & Policy Leadership Intern is an advanced, youth-led leadership role within the Elevate Youth California program. This intern serves as the primary youth lead responsible for designing, developing, and leading civic engagement efforts, Youth Advisory Council (YAC) operations, and youth-driven policy, systems, and environmental (P.S.E.) change initiatives.

Interns will lead youth civic engagement efforts, coordinate a Youth Advisory Council, and help develop youth-informed policy recommendations addressing substance use prevention and systems equity. This is a hands-on leadership role for students ready to apply academic learning to real-world systems change.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design, development, and facilitation of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), including agendas, structures, and youth engagement processes
• Develop and lead youth civic engagement strategies, including advocacy actions and systems-change initiatives
• Guide the creation of youth-informed policy priorities and recommendations
• Coordinate and lead listening sessions, youth forums, and civic engagement events from planning through execution
• Mentor and guide fellow interns in civic engagement, advocacy skills, and systems analysis
• Collaborate with staff and community partners to translate youth voice into actionable systems insights
• Support preparation of youth presentations, briefings, and public-facing advocacy materials

 
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Preferred Education Pathways
Applicants are typically:
  •  College juniors or seniors
  •  Community college students preparing to transfer
  •  Recent graduates (within the last 2–3 years)

Relevant Fields of Study May Include:
  •  Public Health
  •  Political Science or Public Policy
  •  Sociology or Social Justice Studies
  •  Social Work (pre-licensure)
  •  Community Psychology
  •  Ethnic Studies (Chicano/Latinx, Native American, Black Studies)
  •  Education with a civic or community focus
  •  Nonprofit or Public Administration

Equivalent Experience Considered
Youth with strong lived experience, leadership, organizing, or advocacy backgrounds will be considered in place of formal education.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
  •  Demonstrated interest in civic engagement, advocacy, or systems change
  •  Experience in youth leadership, student government, organizing, or community work
  •  Strong facilitation, communication, and peer leadership skills
  •  Ability to guide peers while collaborating with adult staff
  •  Commitment to equity, cultural responsiveness, and youth voice
 This role is part of a grant-funded workforce development program designed for young adults ages 18–26. Applicants must meet the grant’s eligibility criteria to be considered.


This is a non-clinical, non-governance position focused on leadership development and civic engagement. All activities align with the approved Elevate Youth California scope. Staff provide supervision and support; youth lead creation and implementation.