American Institute of Architects (AIA) San Diego 

The mission of AIA San Diego is to promote the profession of architecture in the region and to support architects and designers in professional excellence.

James PJ Architect & Planning

Clairemont Mesa company providing architecture design, interior design, and planning services.

M.W. Steele Group

M.W. Steele is an award winning integrated architecture, planning and urban design firm. The firm provides a humanistic approach to design; viewing their work as a form of community building.  M.W. Steele is always taking resumes and graphic portfolios for those interested in seasonal, part-time internships within the firm. 

*No internships available in Fall 2021, possibly available in future.  Open to general mentoring for planning and architecture career paths.

North Park Main Street

North Park Main Street is both a business improvement district and a Main Street program affiliated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. As a volunteer-based, non-profit organization, North Park Main Street advocates for North Park’s business community, administers the North Park Business Improvement District, and champions development that preserves the community’s historic integrity, supports its Arts, Culture & Entertainment District, and promotes an urban, pedestrian-friendly shopping / dining environment.

Rick Engineering

Creating resilient communities and infrastructure through innovative planning, creative design, and sustainable development.

San Diego Architectural Foundation

The San Diego Architectural Foundation (SDAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education and promotion of outstanding architecture, landscape, interior, and urban design to improve the quality of life for all San Diegans.

Spurlock Landscape Architects

Spurlock Landscape Architects creates transformative, restorative urban and natural landscapes that connect people, communities, and environments.

Stantec

Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind. We’re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships.

African Coalition Workforce

African Coalition Workforce (ACW) is a community-based organization with the mission of fostering economic growth and self-sufficiency for African refugees and immigrants in San Diego, through economic development, employment services, and health prevention and awareness.

The AjA Project

The AjA Project is a compassionate space for young people, activists, visual artists and educators to engage critically with issues that affect our community and realize our collective liberation through participatory storytelling and the documentary arts.

Al Otro Lado

Al Otro Lado provides holistic legal and humanitarian support to indigent refugees, deportees, and other migrants in the US and Tijuana through a multidisciplinary, client-centered, harm reduction-based practice.

Blum Cross Border Initiative Summer Field Internship (UCSD)

The BSFI is a paid field experience, designed to enrich undergraduate classroom learning by immersing students in sites of marginalization across our border region. Students are trained to analyze societal challenges through multiple lenses, to communicate across disciplinary languages and knowledges, and to engage respectfully in collaborative research and problem-solving with each other, and with our community partners. Note: Does not count towards USP major senior research internship.

California Forward

California Forward leads a statewide movement, bringing people together across communities, regions and interests to improve government and create inclusive, sustainable growth for everyone.

Father Joe's Villages

Our mission is to prevent and end homelessness, one life at a time.

Feeding San Diego

Feeding San Diego is the leading hunger-relief and food rescue organization in San Diego County and the only Feeding America member in the region. Feeding San Diego provides more than 31.2 million meals every year to children, families, seniors, college students, military families, veterans, people facing homelessness, and other underserved populations.

The Global Action Research Center (GLOBAL ARC)

The Global Action Research Center is a social change organization that works to connect grassroots organizing to policy makers and researchers by helping people find their voices in the decision-making and dialogue around their communities.

International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and regain control of their future.

La Jolla Historical Society

The La Jolla Historical Society is a nonprofit public benefit corporation whose mission is to inspire and empower the community to make La Jolla’s diverse past a relevant part of contemporary life, encouraging exploration of the past in ways that inform the present and shape the future.  The Society preserves and shares La Jolla’s distinctive sense of place, and serves as a community resource and gathering place where residents and visitors explore history, art, ideas and culture. 

Mexican Migration Field Research & Training Program (UCSD)

The MMFRP is a year-long, community-action research practicum on migration and social justice, for a total 16 units across Fall-Winter-Spring quarters. Students learn about international migration, gain skills in community-based fieldwork, and work directly with NGO partners. Participation is by application only and Spanish proficiency is required. Applications open in June for the following year and are accepted on a rolling basis until the start of fall quarter. Student take SPC 125 in fall, USP 188 in winter (8 units) and SOC 109M in spring. More info.  

Oceanside Historical Society

The Oceanside Historical Society serves the community through our museum, website, publications and walking tours. Most of our services, including our museum and history walks, are completely free. We have one of the largest historic photo collections in the county, we also have a vast database to aid researchers on nearly every subject concerning Oceanside History.

Open Heart Leaders

Open Heart Leaders is the only African American female-led organization in San Diego providing full wraparound services focused on mental health and education. We are an organization that shifts with the climate, adapting to current needs, while maintaining our commitment to mental health wellness.

Rebuilding Together San Diego

Bringing our volunteers and the community together to improve the homes and lives of low-income homeowners who are in need, and help revitalize neighborhoods throughout San Diego.

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

Our mission is to educate and inspire by preserving and celebrating the richness of Chinese art, history, and culture.

Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO)

Save Our Heritage Organisation, SOHO, is a private, member-based non-profit based in Balboa Park. We manage and operate historic sites and resources throughout San Diego County. We are the only countywide historic preservation organization, in a county that encompasses 18 incorporated cities and numerous neighborhoods and communities.

Serving Seniors

Helping seniors in poverty live healthy and fulfilling lives. 

Union of Pan Asian Communities

The Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) is a non-profit that provides health and human services focused on improving the overall well-being of underserved diverse populations. Programs focus on mental health counseling, community engagement and business development, addiction treatment & recovery, housing counseling, health promotion and cultural competency education.

UURISE

UURISE is a non-profit organization incorporated in 2007 to empower immigrants and refugees in the U.S.by offering direct legal services, particularly to those who have few resources to obtain legal assistance. Volunteer/Intern interest form. 

Youth Will

The young leaders who are Youth Will. We are the only regional organization where young people from the north, south, east, and west unite to drive the change they seek. We envision a youth-led movement by elementary to university students, young adults transitioning out of foster care and formerly incarcerated youth, and everyone in between.

Important notes: Many constuction management companies recruit for summer internships in advance, starting as early as Aug-Oct for the following summer. Internships may be titled "Project Engineers" or "Field Engineers" and most do not require "engineering" backgrounds, rather an interest and passion for construction management.

Students interested in construction management are encouraged to join UCSD's Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) student org and apply to participate in their Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Annual Construction Management Competition team. Prior construction management knowledge is not neccessary as competition teams learn and are coached by industry professionals. CMAA hosts a career fair in fall quarter.

Balfour Beatty

Balfour Beatty is an industry-leading provider in the US of general contracting, at-risk construction management and design-build services for public and private sector clients across the nation. Performing heavy civil and vertical construction, our teams build the unique structures and infrastructure that play an important role in how people live, work, learn and play in our communities.

City of San Diego Engineering & Capital Projects

The Engineering & Capital Projects Department's goal is to provide engineering services, including: 1) Technical/operational support and design/construction for the Capital Improvements Program (CIP), and 2) Oversight of the development of public infrastructure and facilities in an expeditious, cost-effective manner while maintaining the highest degree of quality.

DPR Construction

We exist to build great things. DPR Construction is a unique technical builder with a passion for results. Ranked among the top 50 general contractors in the country since 1997, we are a global self-performing commercial contractor and construction manager that has grown with our customers by delivering measurably more value.

Flatiron

Flatiron is the trusted provider of innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges. Across the U.S. and Canada, we build highways, bridges, airports, rail transit, dams, water facilities and underground projects. We employ the best people to deliver the best solutions. We transform infrastructure. Flatiron offers a Field Engineer Internship program.

Granite Construction

As a diversified construction and construction materials company and a full-suite provider in the transportation, water infrastructure and mineral exploration markets, Granite delivers Infrastructure Solutions for public and private clients throughout the Americas. We hire enthusiastic, hard-working individuals for college internships and entry-level positions. With locations across the country and unique opportunities for hands-on experience, mentorship and networking, there’s never been a better time to join our team.  

Kitchell

We are leaders in the real estate and construction sectors, from concept through ribbon-cutting and beyond. We have an active internship program that offers college students the opportunity to work on several different projects during their experience.

McCarthy 

Established in 1864, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. has a long history of building facilities that drive greater value. From exceptional levels of quality and safety — to ease of maintenance over time, we are firmly committed to helping our clients and partners achieve the short- and long-term strategic goals of every project we do. The McCarthy Intern Advantage program has been designed to give you the advantage you have been looking for: real world experience with the nation’s best builders and the chance to start a career with a 100% employee-owned company. 

Nielsen Construction California

From construction management to general contracting, Nielsen brings decades of industry experience to projects large and small.

MVM Environmental Consulting LLC

We are California’s expert in storm water management, specialized in construction and industrial permit compliance.

PCL Construction

The drive to go above and beyond your construction needs; the collaborative culture that works with you to exceed your project goals; and the capability to leverage innovation to meet emerging trends and keep you at the forefront. This is PCL. PCL internships offer hands-on experience, meaningful work, mentorship, and networking.

Rick Engineering

Creating resilient communities and infrastructure through innovative planning, creative design, and sustainable development.

Swinerton

Swinerton has remained successful for more than 130 years because of one thing—our people. It is our people and the values that we share that form the foundation of our organization. We are fortunate to have an amazing collection of experience, skills, and passion within our employee-owner ranks. We’re looking for top-performing, ambitious interns to work with some of the world’s most innovative and exciting construction management, business development, and business specialists.

Turner Construction

Turner is a leading construction company within the region and specializes in projects that serve the life science, aviation, commercial, education, government, healthcare, and hospitality markets. The Turner BRIDGE program is one of the industry’s most comprehensive internship experiences for undergraduates seeking a career in construction. The BRIDGE program is more than a summer job – it’s a professional and educational process that prepares students for a successful transition to a challenging and rewarding career. 

Webcor

We build remarkable structures that bring exceptional value to our public and private clients while operating in a safe, quality-driven environment. Our internship program introduces students to the construction industry, our team dynamic, and the roles and responsibilities of a Project Engineer. In fact, many of our current employees worked as interns prior to graduating from college.

Whiting-Turner

Whiting-Turner provides construction management, general contracting, design-build and integrated project delivery services on projects small and large for a diverse group of customers. Out people manage some of the most exciting, challenging construction projects in the country. Our internships are open to undergraduate students interested in gaining hands-on, practical experience in the construction field. Qualifies applicants will assist project teams in acquiring and managing construction projects, and they will be involved in all phases of the process - from bidding to final completion. 

Also see Urban and Regional Planning for additional opportunities as local cities may have economic and community development related departments.

City Heights Community Development Corporation

For 40 years, we’ve worked to enhance the quality of life in City Heights by working with our community to create and sustain quality affordable housing, livable neighborhoods, and foster economic self-sufficiency. We work alongside people in the community to promote the growth of resilient and diverse businesses in City Heights.

Civic San Diego 

Civic San Diego is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, that is the entrepreneurial development partner for targeted San Diego communities charged with stimulating public-private partnerships, encouraging economic development, enhancing the quality of life and ensuring the social vitality of underserved neighborhoods. The Civic San Diego vision is revitalized urban neighborhoods that are great places to live and work. Our mission is to foster innovative community partnerships to improve the quality of life in San Diego’s neighborhoods.

Downtown San Diego Partnership

The Downtown San Diego Partnership is a nonprofit organization that serves as the principal voice and driving force behind the economic prosperity and cultural vitality of Downtown San Diego through membership, advocacy and public services. It also serves as the managing organization for several special districts including the Clean & Safe program that provide essential public services in the 275 blocks of Downtown.

The El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association

The El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association is a non-profit organization supported by local business owners committed to improving the physical and economic conditions of The Boulevard and the surrounding neighborhoods.

San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce is the leading advocate for the San Diego business community. The Chamber is a membership organization dedicated to meeting the identified needs of the metropolitan business community by fostering economic opportunities and a favorable business climate. Small, medium, and large businesses participate in Chamber programs and events that benefit the entire business community and enhance the region as a whole. 

Rolando Park Elementary School

A San Diego Unified elementary school.

San Diego Unified School District, Instructional Facilities Planning Department 

The Instructional Facilities Planning Department develops forecasts, reports, and recommendations that support the district's short- and long-range planning decisions. The department also develops annual school and district enrollment forecasts; develops and maintains school attendance boundaries and provides this information to the public; manages facilities allocation to charter schools under Proposition 39; and assists in developing and updating the long-range facilities master plan and educational specification guidelines for the construction of new schools and upgrading of existing schools.

Arcadis

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built environments.

Bioregional Center for Sustainability Science, Planning and Design (UCSD)

The UC San Diego Bioregional Center for Sustainability Science, Planning and Design brings diverse people and organizations together to collaboratively study and equitably improve how neighborhoods, cities and regions function. The Bioregional Center provides a transdisciplinary workspace and knowledge networking hub for theory-building, civically engaged research, innovation, pedagogy and communication.  

Center for Sustainable Energy

The Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) is a nonprofit energy program administration and advisory services organization. Our vision is a future with sustainable, equitable and resilient transportation, buildings and communities.

Clear Blue Sea

Clear Blue Sea is a nonprofit located in San Diego, California. Our organization is staffed with over 100 volunteers, interns, and mentors. We are committed to innovating robotic solutions for removing plastic pollution from rivers, bays, and oceans.

County of San Diego Solid Waste Planning and Recycling

The County of San Diego Recycling Section aims to preserve precious landfill space, conserve natural resources, save water and energy, decrease pollution, increase jobs, and strengthen the economy.

Dudek

We are environmental planners, scientists and engineers who help clients plan, design and build projects that improve communities’ built and natural infrastructure.

Environmental Health Coalition

Environmental Health Coalition (EHC) works for environmental justice in the San Diego/Tijuana region and throughout California. Founded in 1980, EHC has worked to reduce pollution and improve health and well-being for thousands of people in underserved, low-income communities.

Groundwork San Diego 

Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek is an environmental enhancement non-profit organization empowered by the City of San Diego to restore the Chollas Creek Watershed through citizen engagement. The EarthLab is a partnership between UC San Diego and Groundwork San Diego.

MVM Environmental Consulting LLC

We are California’s expert in storm water management, specialized in construction and industrial permit compliance.

Our Climate Voices

Our mission is to humanize the climate disaster through storytelling, contribute to a shift in the climate change dialogue that puts the voices of those most impacted at the forefront of the conversation, and to connect people with ways to support the community-based climate solution-making work that frontline and vulnerable communities are already doing to combat climate impacts.

Roger's Community Garden (UCSD)

Located on the University of California, San Diego campus, Roger's Community Garden (RCG) is home to a variety of student-led projects designed to help reduce food waste and carbon emissions while simultaneously producing organic, locally-grown produce for the UCSD and greater San Diego community and the Triton Food Pantry.

San Diego Canyonlands

San Diego Canyonlands' mission is to promote, protect, and restore the natural habitats in San Diego County's canyons and creeks. We do this by fostering education and ongoing community involvement in stewardship and advocacy, and by collaborating with other organizations.

San Diego River Park Foundation

The San Diego River Park Foundation is dedicated to fostering stewardship and appreciation of the region’s namesake waterway. In order to protect and enhance the San Diego River as a place for recreation, habitat, and nature discovery, we are dedicated to engaging people to be stewards of the River and working towards the vision of a 52 mile, river-long system of parks, open spaces, and community places. San Diego River Park Foundation internships are educational, fun, and great resume-builders. Interns have the opportunity to see how an environmental nonprofit organization operates on a day-to-day basis as well as to participate hands-on in real-world projects that affect change in their communities. Unpaid internships are available across many of our programs. The opportunities are a mix of office and field work. Internship application periods vary depending on position availability. Inquiries are accepted all year round. 

Student Sustainability Collective (UCSD)

The SSC emphasizes community, collaboration, and empowerment to foster a culture of responsibility and to ensure a sustainable future. Understanding the intersections of environmental, social, political, & economic factors, the SSC strives for a multi-faceted approach to sustainability.

Sustainability Resource Center (UCSD)

The UC San Diego Sustainability Resource Center (SRC) opened in 2009 and serves as a hub for materials and initiatives related to local, national, and global sustainability. The Sustainability Resource Center is a collaborative effort between UC San Diego Sustainability and the Student Sustainability Collective (SSC).

Tree Culture San Diego

Tree Culture is an innovator in open space landscape management: preserve home values, lives and the natural beauty of our San Diego lifestyle. Facilitating wildfire hazard reduction, wildlife habitat conservation and ecological improvement of the Wild Urban Interface (WUI) using Silvicultural methods.

Triton Tree Trust (UCSD)

The Triton Tree Trust project is a program designed to provide an updated, digital map of every single tree at UCSD through a campus tree survey. This survey’s ultimate goal is to allow the university to be able to measure the overall wellbeing of each campus tree species, observing how their health and oxygen and carbon dioxide levels fluctuate over time. 

UC Global Food Initiative 

The University of California Global Food Initiative addresses one of the critical issues of our time: how to sustainably and nutritiously feed a world population expected to reach eight billion by 2025. Various research projects span the UC system.

UC Natural Reserve System - San Diego locations

The Natural Reserve System manages four San Diego areas of natural habitats for teaching, research, and public service. 

WSP

We develop creative, comprehensive and sustainable engineering solutions for a future where society can thrive. Equipped with an intimate understanding of local intricacies, world-class talent and proactive leadership, we plan, design, manage and engineer long lasting and impactful solutions to uniquely complex problems. *WSP offers internships in environmental planning, transportation planning, and general planning.

Casa de Mañana Retirement Community

A Front Porch retirement community. Front Porch is a not-for-profit family of communities and partnerships. We celebrate the spirit of the individual and the strength of community. 

Center for Community Health (UCSD)

The Center for Community Health is a multidisciplinary group of professional physicians, researchers, evaluators and public health and community outreach educators. We are dedicated to promoting evidence-based health practices at a community level.

Dissemination & Implementation Science Center (UCSD)

Dissemination and implementation research intends to bridge the gap between research, practice, and policy by building a knowledge base about how health information, effective interventions, and new clinical practices, guidelines and policies are communicated and integrated for public health and health care service use in specific settings.

Planned Parenthood of San Diego and Riverside Counties

Planned Parenthood is a non-profit, private organization whose mission is to provide accessible reproductive health care to both men and women.

San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency

The Agency provides a broad range of health and social services to promote wellness, self-sufficiency, and a better quality of life for individuals and families in San Diego County. The Agency integrates health and social services through a unified service-delivery system that is family focused and community-based.

Serving Seniors

Helping seniors in poverty live healthy and fulfilling lives. 

California Coalition for Rural Housing

CCRH is one of the oldest state low-income housing coalitions in the country. Through advocacy, organizing, research, and technical assistance, our goal is to make the case for rural housing improvement and strengthen the capacity of the nonprofit and public sectors to provide affordable housing and related facilities.

City Heights Community Development Corporation

For 40 years, we’ve worked to enhance the quality of life in City Heights by working with our community to create and sustain quality affordable housing, livable neighborhoods, and foster economic self-sufficiency. We work to increase the quality and availability of affordable housing for low-income residents in City Heights by preserving existing housing options, developing new ones, and protecting the rights of our residents.

Community HousingWorks

Community HousingWorks (CHW) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that develops, rehabilitates, preserves and operates affordable apartment communities in San Diego and throughout California. Our unique approach extends beyond an affordable place to call home. In addition to providing working families and seniors with stable homes in healthy communities, we layer in powerful programs, services and connections to resources. These tools help people attain financial stability, improve their health and overall well-being, and set school-age children up for success in the classroom and beyond.

LeSar Development Consultants

LeSar Development Consultants works with leaders in creating large-scale, lasting social change through customized consulting services focused on creating physically, economically, and environmentally resilient communities. Our mission is to end the housing affordability crisis and homelessness.

Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) San Diego

We are the San Diego office of the nation's largest community development organization, LISC. We are one of 35+ local offices around the nation. LISC is rooted in the belief that neighborhood leaders and organizations best understand the assets and needs of their communities.

MAAC

Since MAAC’s beginnings in 1965, its focus has remained constant: to help individuals and families create the lives they want and deserve. Today, MAAC provides life-changing services to over 35,000 individuals annually throughout San Diego County. One pathway of service MAAC focuses on is affordable housing.

Rebuilding Together San Diego

Bringing our volunteers and the community together to improve the homes and lives of low-income homeowners who are in need, and help revitalize neighborhoods throughout San Diego.

San Diego Housing Commission

The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) has earned a national reputation as a model public housing agency, creating innovative programs that provide housing opportunities for low-income and homeless individuals and families in the City of San Diego

San Diego Housing Federation

Since 1990, San Diego Housing Federation has been the collective voice of those who support, build, and finance affordable housing in the San Diego region. San Diego Housing Federation creates affordable housing opportunities for low-income people by expanding the knowledge, capacity, and influence of the affordable housing development community.

Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation

Asian Real Estate Association of America

The Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) is a nonprofit professional trade organization dedicated to promoting sustainable homeownership opportunities in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities by creating a powerful national voice for housing and real estate professionals that serve this dynamic market.

ConAm

ConAm has always focused on the creation of asset value and producing superior risk-adjusted returns for its capital partners. With over four decades of investment and operating history and an experienced executive team providing strong leadership, ConAm has successfully navigated real estate cycles, and consistently demonstrated superior investment performance for its partners, investors and clients.

UCSD Real Estate Department

UC San Diego Real Estate (RE) provides real estate services for the multi-million-dollar portfolio of University and Health System owned and leased properties, negotiates and implements public/private partnerships for new development, leads new property acquisitions and dispositions, and negotiates all off-campus leasing. RE is a comprehensive real estate organization whose objectives are to complete real estate transactions on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of its clients and as a fiduciary for The Regents of the University of California

Urban Land Institute (ULI) - San Diego-Tijuana

The mission of the Urban Land Institute is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.  Founded in 1936, the Institute includes diverse members and supporting organizations who promote community-focused development through educational programming and shared expertise. At the heart of the ULI experience is an open exchange of ideas, networking opportunities, and the ability to work with the leaders in the land use industry, such as: developers, builders, engineers, attorneys, planners, investors, financial advisors, academics, architects and public officials.

California and San Diego Politics

Many local, state, and federal California politicians have internship opportunities.

• The city of San Diego has an elected Mayor and nine City Councilmembers. 
• The county of San Diego has five elected Board of Supervisors. 
• Elected California State Assembly Representatives.
• Elected federal Congressional Senators and House of Representatives.

Casa Cornelia Law Center

Casa Cornelia Law Center, a 501(c)(3) public interest law firm, provides quality pro bono legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations. Our primary commitment is to indigent persons within the immigrant community in greater San Diego County. We also seek to educate others regarding the impact of immigration law and policy on the community and the public good.

Casa de Mañana Retirement Community

A Front Porch retirement community. Front Porch is a not-for-profit family of communities and partnerships. We celebrate the spirit of the individual and the strength of community. 

Center on Policy Initiatives

Center on Policy Initiatives (CPI) is a nonprofit research and action institute dedicated to creating economic prosperity, sustainable communities, and a healthy environment for all.CPI serves a unique role in the San Diego region, providing the analysis, policy solutions, education, and alliances that advance social and economic justice for working people and diverse communities.

County of San Diego Alternate Public Defender

The mission of the Alternate Public Defender is to ensure that the right to competent and effective defense counsel is a reality for the indigent in San Diego County by always seeking the best ethical and legal outcomes possible through skilled and vigorous representation.

Fiscal Democracy Project (UCSD)

Since 1978, voters have deliberated on thousands of proposed tax policies in local governments throughout California. The mission of the Fiscal Democracy Project is to preserve the record of this unprecedented experiment in direct democracy, to analyze it for insights into how any self-governing people might choose to pay for public goods, and to make the data and analyses accessible to scholars and the public.

League of Women Voters of San Diego (LWVSD)

The LWV is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, promotes understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

San Diego County Taxpayers Association

San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA) is a nonpartisan association of individuals, businesses, and organizations who promote effective and efficient government on behalf of all San Diego County taxpayers. SDCTA has a robust internship program for both undergraduate and graduate students to gain hands-on experience with local public policy research, nonprofit operational management, and external and internal engagement. Internship applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The Watkins Firm

Private law firm handling issues randing from contract law to real estate law to employment law and beyond. 

UCSD U.S. Immigration Policy Center (USIPC)

The U.S. Immigration Policy Center (USIPC) at UC San Diego conducts and supports rigorous social science research to advance understanding of the foundations and consequences of U.S. immigration policy. Interns accepted on a rolling basis; contact Prof. Tom Wong directly for opportunities. 

UURISE

UURISE is a non-profit organization incorporated in 2007 to empower immigrants and refugees in the U.S.by offering direct legal services, particularly to those who have few resources to obtain legal assistance.

Also see Urban and Regional Planning for additional opportunities as local cities may have transportation related departments.

CalTrans- California Department of Transportation

Caltrans manages more than 50,000 miles of California's highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports, and works with local agencies. Student Assistant and Volunteer Program available.

Circulate San Diego

Circulate San Diego is a regional organization formed through the merger of Move San Diego and WalkSanDiego. Circulate San Diego is one of San Diego County's leading organizations dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to live, work, learn, and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth.

City Heights Community Development Corporation

For 40 years, we’ve worked to enhance the quality of life in City Heights by working with our community to create and sustain quality affordable housing, livable neighborhoods, and foster economic self-sufficiency. We create opportunities for City Heights residents to shape their streets, community, city, and region; everything in the built environment ranging from transit systems to parks.

Fehr & Peers

Transportation engineering and planning company with offices in San Diego and throughout the West Coast. 

Kimley-Horn

At Kimley-Horn, one of the nation's prmier planning and design consultants, our professionals are experts in many disciplines yet share one passion: making our clients successful.  We combine creative yet practical solutation, a sense of urgency, and a cofcus on bottom line value to meet your specific project needs.

Kittelson & Associates

Linscott, Law & Greenspan Engineers

Linscott, Law & Greenspan Engineers provides transportation planning, traffic engineering and parking services to private developers and other professionals, as well as to public and governmental agencies. 

North County Transit District

Since our inception in 1975, NCTD has been helping people get where they need to be. By providing public transportation for North San Diego County, we are able to serve more than 10 million passengers every year.  

Orange County Transportation Authority

Our mission is to develop and deliver transportation solutions to enhance the quality of life and keep Orange County moving.

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)

This public agency serves as the forum for regional decision-making. SANDAG builds consensus; makes strategic plans; obtains and allocates resources; plans, engineers, and builds public transportation, and provides information on a broad range of topics pertinent to the region's quality of life.

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)

MTS provides bus and rail services directly or by contract with private operators. MTS coordinates all its services and determines the routing, stops, frequencies and hours of operation.

San Diego International Airport

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority was created on January 1, 2003, as an independent agency to manage the day-to-day operations of San Diego International Airport and address the region’s long-term air transportation needs. At the Airport we take pride in cultivating our future workforce.  We offer an undergraduate summer intern and a graduate/undergraduate year-round program. These programs are designed to provide college students a glimpse into airport industry careers while enriching their personal and educational goals, teamwork and problem solving.

Stantec

Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind. We’re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships.

Transportation Management and Design, Inc.

Transportation and transit planning consulting firm based in Carlsbad, CA. 

UCSD Transportation Services

Transportation Services manages parking for the campus and medical centers as well as providing alternative transportation options.

WSP

We develop creative, comprehensive and sustainable engineering solutions for a future where society can thrive. Equipped with an intimate understanding of local intricacies, world-class talent and proactive leadership, we plan, design, manage and engineer long lasting and impactful solutions to uniquely complex problems. *WSP offers internships in environmental planning, transportation planning, and general planning.

California Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR)

As the State’s comprehensive planning agency, OPR formulates long-range goals and policies spanning numerous issues, including land use; state and local planning; climate change risk and resilience; equity; renewable energy; transportation; health; and military affairs. OPR also serves important functions in the administration of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Summer internship program.

City of Calexico Planning Department

Planning is handled by a San Diego based planning consultant.

City of Carlsbad

Departments of possible interest: Community Development (includes Housing and Planning), Economic Development, Environmental Management, and Transportation Demand Management.

City of Chula Vista

Departments of possible interest: Development Services.

City of Coronado

Departments of possible interest: Community Development, Public Services and Engineering.

City of Del Mar

Departments of possible interest: Administrative Services, City Manager, Planning & Community Development.

City of El Cajon

Departments of possible interest: Community Development and Public Works.

City of Encinitas

Departments of possible interest: Development Services.

City of Escondido

Departments of possible interest: Community Development.

City of Imperial Beach

Departments of possible interest: Community Development Planning Division.

City of La Mesa

Departments of possible interest: Community Development and Public Works.

City of Lemon Grove

Departments of possible interest: Community Development.

City of National City

Departments of possible interest: Community Development.

City of Oceanside

Department of possible interest: Development Services.

City of Poway

Departments of possible interest: Development Services.

City of San Marcos

Departments of possible interest: Development Services.

City of Solana Beach

Departments of possible interest: Community Development and Planning.

City of San Diego

Departments of possible interest: Mayor's office, each of the nine City Councilmember's offices, Development Services, Economic Development, Environmental Services, Housing, Parks & Recreation, Planning, Real Estate Assets, Sustainability, and Transportation & Stormwater.

City of Santee

Departments of possible interest: Development Services.

City of Vista

Departments of possible interest: Community Development.

City of X

Don't see a city listed here? Seach for your local city and see if they have a department that aligns with your interest.

County of San Diego

Departments of possible interest: Health and Human Services Agency, Housing and Community Development Services, Land Use and Environment Group, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Development Services. Student Worker application link.  (If you are interested in interning for the County of San Diego it is recommended that you complete the student worker application. If you are on the Student Worker eligible list, various County departments may have access to your application for future opportunities.)

Downtown San Diego Partnership

The Downtown San Diego Partnership is a nonprofit organization that serves as the principal voice and driving force behind the economic prosperity and cultural vitality of Downtown San Diego through membership, advocacy and public services. It also serves as the managing organization for several special districts including the Clean & Safe program that provide essential public services in the 275 blocks of Downtown.

The El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association

The El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association is a non-profit organization supported by local business owners committed to improving the physical and economic conditions of The Boulevard and the surrounding neighborhoods.

GEPermit

GEPermit is a certified, woman-owned, environmental permitting and consulting firm. We offer a full range of land-use and environmental consulting services for the private and public sector. Our specialized services include conducting fatal flaw analysis for renewable energy projects, environmental and municipal permitting for public and private development projects, including state and federal agency projects.

James PJ Architect & Planning

Clairemont Mesa company providing architecture design, interior design, and planning services.

Kimley-Horn and Associates

At Kimley-Horn, one of the nation's prmier planning and design consultants, our professionals are experts in many disciplines yet share one passion: making our clients successful.  We combine creative yet practical solutation, a sense of urgency, and a cofcus on bottom line value to meet your specific project needs.

La Jolla Community Planning Association

The LJCPA has been recognized by the City Council to make recommendations to the City Council, Planning Commission, City staff and other governmental agencies on land use matters, specifically concerning the preparation of, adoption of, implementation of, or amendment to, the General Plan or a land use plan when a plan relates to the La Jolla Community Plan boundaries. The LJCPA also advises on other land use matters as requested by the City or other governmental agency.

Kimley-Horn

At Kimley-Horn, one of the nation's prmier planning and design consultants, our professionals are experts in many disciplines yet share one passion: making our clients successful.  We combine creative yet practical solutation, a sense of urgency, and a cofcus on bottom line value to meet your specific project needs.

New City America, Inc.

New City America (NCA) organizes and empowers communities through the formation and management of business and community-benefit assessment districts. NCA is the only company that forms districts, consults with district management corporations, and provides maintenance and public spaces on behalf of the community, thus gaining full understanding of the stakeholders’ visions and needs relative to sustainability and cost-efficiency.

Port of San Diego

The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities. The Port Intern Program is a paid internship designed to provide students with on-the-job experience in their area of study by working on projects that will enhance learning and development. 

Rick Engineering

Creating resilient communities and infrastructure through innovative planning, creative design, and sustainable development.

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)

This public agency serves as the forum for regional decision-making. SANDAG builds consensus; makes strategic plans; obtains and allocates resources; plans, engineers, and builds public transportation, and provides information on a broad range of topics pertinent to the region's quality of life.

San Diego International Airport

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority was created on January 1, 2003, as an independent agency to manage the day-to-day operations of San Diego International Airport and address the region’s long-term air transportation needs. At the Airport we take pride in cultivating our future workforce.  We offer an undergraduate summer intern and a graduate/undergraduate year-round program. These programs are designed to provide college students a glimpse into airport industry careers while enriching their personal and educational goals, teamwork and problem solving.

San Francisco Planning

Under the direction of the Planning Commission, shapes the future of San Francisco and the region by: generating an extraordinary vision for the General Plan and in neighborhood plans; fostering exemplary design through planning controls; improving our surroundings through environmental analysis; preserving our unique heritage; encouraging a broad range of housing and a diverse job base; and enforcing the Planning Code. Summer internship program.

Stantec

Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind. We’re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships.

UCSD Campus Planning

Campus Planning provides a framework to guide future development of the built environment – the buildings, open space, transportation, circulation and infrastructure improvements needed to keep the campus functioning effectively.

Urban Land Institute (ULI) - San Diego-Tijuana

The mission of the Urban Land Institute is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.  Founded in 1936, the Institute includes diverse members and supporting organizations who promote community-focused development through educational programming and shared expertise. At the heart of the ULI experience is an open exchange of ideas, networking opportunities, and the ability to work with the leaders in the land use industry, such as: developers, builders, engineers, attorneys, planners, investors, financial advisors, academics, architects and public officials.

WSP

We develop creative, comprehensive and sustainable engineering solutions for a future where society can thrive. Equipped with an intimate understanding of local intricacies, world-class talent and proactive leadership, we plan, design, manage and engineer long lasting and impactful solutions to uniquely complex problems. *WSP offers internships in environmental planning, transportation planning, and general planning.

Bioregional Center for Sustainability Science, Planning and Design

The UC San Diego Bioregional Center for Sustainability Science, Planning and Design brings diverse people and organizations together to collaboratively study and equitably improve how neighborhoods, cities and regions function. The Bioregional Center provides a transdisciplinary workspace and knowledge networking hub for theory-building, civically engaged research, innovation, pedagogy and communication.  

Blum Cross Border Initiative Summer Field Internship

The BSFI is a paid field experience, designed to enrich undergraduate classroom learning by immersing students in sites of marginalization across our border region. Students are trained to analyze societal challenges through multiple lenses, to communicate across disciplinary languages and knowledges, and to engage respectfully in collaborative research and problem-solving with each other, and with our community partners. Note: Does not count towards USP major senior research internship.

Campus Planning

UCSD Campus Planning provides a framework to guide future development of the built environment – the buildings, open space, transportation, circulation and infrastructure improvements needed to keep the campus functioning effectively.

Center for Community Health

The Center for Community Health is a multidisciplinary group of professional physicians, researchers, evaluators and public health and community outreach educators. We are dedicated to promoting evidence-based health practices at a community level.

Cross Cultural Center 

The UCSD Cross-Cultural Center is dedicated to supporting the needs of UCSD’s diverse student, staff and faculty communities. Our mission is to create a learning environment in which the entire campus community feels welcome. Note: Applicable to USP major senior research internship depending on scope of duties. 

Data & GIS Lab

The UCSD Data & GIS Lab is the place to get specialized, hands-on assistance with data and GIS software. *Please note that paid student worker positions in the GIS Lab may not count for the USP 186/187 Internship requirement. 

The Design Lab

The UC San Diego Design Lab works on major societal issues, such as large-scale education, automation, healthcare, visualization of complex phenomena and data, social interactions, citizen science, and the ethical issues that are of ever-increasing importance. Various research assistant and internship opportunities.

Dissemination & Implementation Science Center

Dissemination and implementation research intends to bridge the gap between research, practice, and policy by building a knowledge base about how health information, effective interventions, and new clinical practices, guidelines and policies are communicated and integrated for public health and health care service use in specific settings.

Fiscal Democracy Project

Since 1978, voters have deliberated on thousands of proposed tax policies in local governments throughout California. The mission of the Fiscal Democracy Project is to preserve the record of this unprecedented experiment in direct democracy, to analyze it for insights into how any self-governing people might choose to pay for public goods, and to make the data and analyses accessible to scholars and the public.

Groundwork San Diego 

Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek is an environmental enhancement non-profit organization empowered by the City of San Diego to restore the Chollas Creek Watershed through citizen engagement. The EarthLab is a partnership between UC San Diego and Groundwork San Diego.

Mexican Migration Field Research & Training Program

The MMFRP is a year-long, community-action research practicum on migration and social justice, for a total 16 units across Fall-Winter-Spring quarters. Students learn about international migration, gain skills in community-based fieldwork, and work directly with NGO partners. Participation is by application only and Spanish proficiency is required. Applications open in June for the following year and are accepted on a rolling basis until the start of fall quarter. Student take SPC 125 in fall, USP 188 in winter (8 units) and SOC 109M in spring. More info.  

The Preuss School - UC San Diego

The Preuss School UC San Diego is a unique charter middle and high school for low-income scholars who strive to become the first in their families to graduate from college. Located on the UC San Diego campus, nearly 100% of graduates of The Preuss School go on to higher education.

Real Estate Department

UC San Diego Real Estate (RE) provides real estate services for the multi-million-dollar portfolio of University and Health System owned and leased properties, negotiates and implements public/private partnerships for new development, leads new property acquisitions and dispositions, and negotiates all off-campus leasing. RE is a comprehensive real estate organization whose objectives are to complete real estate transactions on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of its clients and as a fiduciary for The Regents of the University of California

Roger's Community Garden

Located on the University of California, San Diego campus, Roger's Community Garden (RCG) is home to a variety of student-led projects designed to help reduce food waste and carbon emissions while simultaneously producing organic, locally-grown produce for the UCSD and greater San Diego community and the Triton Food Pantry.

SPACES

Acts as an empowering dynamic on campus, where UCSD students collaborate to achieve greater educational equity. SPACES values the power of student-initiated action and organizing by providing an environment for student growth and development and thus is a foundation to create leadership and unity through community engagement.

Student Sustainability Collective (SSC)

The SSC emphasizes community, collaboration, and empowerment to foster a culture of responsibility and to ensure a sustainable future. Understanding the intersections of environmental, social, political, & economic factors, the SSC strives for a multi-faceted approach to sustainability.

Sustainability Resource Center

The UC San Diego Sustainability Resource Center (SRC) opened in 2009 and serves as a hub for materials and initiatives related to local, national, and global sustainability. The Sustainability Resource Center is a collaborative effort between UC San Diego Sustainability and the Student Sustainability Collective (SSC).

Transportation Services

Transportation Services manages parking for the campus and medical centers as well as providing alternative transportation options.

Triton Tree Trust

The Triton Tree Trust project is a program designed to provide an updated, digital map of every single tree at UCSD through a campus tree survey. This survey’s ultimate goal is to allow the university to be able to measure the overall wellbeing of each campus tree species, observing how their health and oxygen and carbon dioxide levels fluctuate over time. 

UC Global Food Initiative 

The University of California Global Food Initiative addresses one of the critical issues of our time: how to sustainably and nutritiously feed a world population expected to reach eight billion by 2025. Various research projects span the UC system.

UC Natural Reserve System - San Diego locations

The UC Natural Reserve System manages four San Diego areas of natural habitats for teaching, research, and public service. 

U.S. Immigration Policy Center (USIPC)

The U.S. Immigration Policy Center (USIPC) at UC San Diego conducts and supports rigorous social science research to advance understanding of the foundations and consequences of U.S. immigration policy. Interns accepted on a rolling basis; contact Prof. Tom Wong directly for opportunities.