Summer Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Capacity Building Summer Associate

The Greenlining Institute envisions a future where communities of color can build wealth, live in healthy places filled with economic opportunity, and are ready to meet the challenges posed by climate change. With equity practice and systems change guiding us, we incubate and advocate for new ideas and build with diverse communities and partners to ensure that race is never a barrier to opportunity.

The Greenlining Institute's Leadership Academy Summer Associates join the organization for an inclusive 8-week, cohort model, hands-on public policy, and leadership development internship to advance Greenlining's race equity mission to remove race as a barrier to economic opportunity. Our goal is to invest in race equity policy advocates with a deep commitment to dismantle oppressive systems. This is a paid internship position that provides a stipend of $1,200 every 2 weeks ($6,000 total for the 10 weeks). This position can be based out of Stockton or Oakland. Our offices are based in Oakland, CA, and require the ability to travel to Stockton or Oakland, Sacramento and other locations.

The Capacity Building team strengthens the power and self-determination of redlined communities through partnership, investment, and policy co-development. We work with local leaders and organizations to build the relationships, skills, and resources needed to shape equitable, community-driven solutions that address the legacy of redlining and climate inequities. This position will advance Greenlining's place-based strategy in Stockton by working closely with the Senior Program Manager to support local partners in driving equitable community transformation. The role will also help advance policy campaignssuch as Proposition 4, the $10 billion climate bond, and other equity-focused initiativesas they directly relate to Stockton communities.

Major areas of responsibility include:

• Public Policy Development & Advocacy
• Leadership Development
• Professional Development

Qualifications include:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• No degree or experience requirement to apply, BA in related field preferred
• Able to participate in person for the 10-week program.
• We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time
• Committed to championing causes that serve low-income individuals and communities of color
• Proven ability to work in a manner that respects differences in race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance
• Willingness to try on new techniques and approach unfamiliar experiences with curiosity and openness to the process; approaches challenges that push beyond their professional comfort zone with determination, heart, and deep commitment to their personal growth.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to complete writing and public speaking assignments with high quality
• Team player who inspires collaboration, lifts up the work of others, and maintains balance and perspective with patience and a sense of humor
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively while demonstrating flexibility with others to set goals, resolve problems, pivot assignments, and make decisions that move forward the work
• Ability to create and maintain friendly and professional relationships with staff, other participants, and key stakeholders
• Willing to develop and cultivate a growth mindset in your personal and professional journey.
• Feel compelled to get involved in racial equity work based on today's political climate
• Ability to prioritize tasks, strong organizational skills, and an ability to work independently.
• Strong writing and computer literacy of PC-based Google Drive and MS Office Programs

Applications are due Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST. Application submissions must be done through the ADP career portal (include resume and personal statements responding to all Pre-Screening questions). Only ONE application will be accepted for the 2026 program cycle. Choose the policy area that appeals to you the most. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of policy and academy staff. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview, with decisions announced in late-March.

Greenlining is committed to building and maintaining a diverse staff and a welcoming workplace. We encourage womxn, immigrants, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and differently-abled applicants to apply.