Climate Equity Summer Associate: Sustainable Communities

ABOUT THE GREENLINING INSTITUTE

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.

ABOUT SUMMER ASSOCIATE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

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). Our offices are based in Oakland, CA, and require in person participation as well as the ability to travel to Sacramento and other locations.  

PROGRAM DATES: The program starts on Monday, June 8, 2026 and concludes on Friday, August 7, 2026.     

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST

POLICY FOCUS AREA

The Climate Equity Summer Associate works with our Sustainable Communities Subteam, who advances systems-change and structural reform policies by integrating multiple issue areas, including transportation, climate resilience, housing, and land use in low-income communities of color. 

The Summer Associate will do research, policy development, and community engagement to advance policy campaigns and strengthen grassroots partners’ capacity to shape and secure equitable, community-driven investments that create connected, healthy, safe, and resilient communities of color. This may include, but not limited to, contributing to resources around storytelling and powerbuilding to advance grassroots policy campaigns. 

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY   

Public Policy Development & Advocacy

• Deepens and applies race equity lens to analyze and develop policy solutions that remove barriers for historically redlined communities

• Develops, drafts, and publishes public policy writings including but not limited to: policy memos, policy briefs, business memos, public comments, blog posts

• Delivers oral presentations for internal and external forums including Greenlining’s annual lobby day with Sacramento legislators/staffers, stakeholder convenings, Leadership Academy graduation

• Co-facilitates meetings with community, government, and corporate leaders to drive organization’s advocacy forward

Leadership Development

• Participates in all leadership development workshops to learn and apply a holistic (mind, body, spirit) and equitable approach leadership

• Learns unique leadership style, values, vision and purpose through self-reflection exercises, goal-setting activities and 1:1 coaching

• Brings lived experience to cohort and organizational conversations to offer innovative ideas and diversity of perspective

• Provides support to cohort members and engages in team-building activities to form strong working partnerships

Professional Development

• Participates in all skills-based workshops to learn Greenlining’s approach to race equity public policy advocacy

• Learns Greenlining’s keystone public policy frameworks to shape their race equity lens

• Engages with Leadership Academy alumni to expand professional network

• Develops capstone presentation to share during Leadership Academy graduation

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be 18 years of age or older

2. No degree or experience requirement to apply, BA in related field preferred

3. Able to participate in person for the 10-week program.

4. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time

5. Committed to championing causes that serve low-income individuals and communities of color

6. 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

7. 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. 

8. Strong verbal and written communication skills to complete writing and public speaking assignments with high quality

9. Team player who inspires collaboration, lifts up the work of others, and maintains balance and perspective with patience and a sense of humor 

10. 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

11. Ability to create and maintain friendly and professional relationships with staff, other participants, and key stakeholders     

12. Willing to develop and cultivate a growth mindset in your personal and professional journey.

13. Feel compelled to get involved in racial equity work based on today’s political climate

14. Ability to prioritize tasks, strong organizational skills, and an ability to work independently.

15. Strong writing and computer literacy of PC-based Google Drive and MS Office Programs  

Compensation: Participants receive a stipend of $1,200 every two weeks.  

How to Apply:  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.