Government + Criminal Justice Internships

Interns interested in civic participation, policy development, and implementation and legislation get an inside look at the daily functions of government agencies and organizations that work to build civic participation. Through the process, they gain new perspectives, skills and connections for a future in this field.

 

Innovative ideas are being implemented in the field of criminal justice. Interns have the opportunity not only to learn, but also to contribute to the changing face of the criminal justice system.

 

With over 150 partnering organizations to choose from, the Institute can help you find an internship that matches both your quest to learn the ins and out of government and your desire to impact a specific cause.

Highlighted Internship

Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center (INRC) – The INRC builds civic participation by drawing upon what community members have to offer and developing support systems for utilizing those abilities.  How do neighbors build the community they want?  Abby (Peace Studies and Philosophy major, Goucher College) was “immersed in the asset-based community development process – learning how to build on strengths, gifts and talents, and not just assess needs and deficiencies.” She also worked with study circles, bringing neighbors together to devise action plans for neighborhood improvement, revised the IMAGINE grant application by drawing on committee feedback about the application process, and was exposed to the interactions between the public and city/county government.  

Aftercare for Indiana through Mentoring (AIM) - Where do teens turn when they are released from Indiana’s juvenile prisons?  AIM brings many of these teens to Indianapolis for a 10-day intensive course designed to make success out of past mistakes.  Nick (Peace Studies, Manchester College) spent his summer building relationships with these teens with the hopes of empowering them to make good choices in the future.  Nick visited the teens while they were still in prison, learning from them what was most important to them about their upcoming release.  Once released, Nick and AIM staff had ten days with each teen to generate short and long-term goals and a concrete plan to achieve them.  “Every week brings two or three ‘wow’ moments.  I’m challenging my assumptions about what effective programs can do and seeing how kids’ needs are being met by AIM.”

 

Another AIM intern, Denise (Criminology, Butler University) also enjoyed interning at AIM: "At my internship I met with youth in corrections and conducted a peacekeeping class with them.  The most important thing I learned was that these youth are interested in your help and what you have to offer, but you have to work with them.  I loved having the chance to connect with them and have a real positive influence in their lives."

 

Advocate for an evaluation of the death penalty.

Track the outcomes of human trafficking cases in Indiana.

Take part in the newest restorative justice initiatives in Indy.

Work with lobbyists to promote environmental legislation.

Help community members be heard at the State level.