The Pattis Family Foundation Summer Leadership Program at Women Employed

The Pattis Family Foundation Summer Leadership Program at Women Employed is a paid summer internship which provides a unique opportunity for professional skill building and practical experience by exposing a team of interns to leadership training, front-line research and awareness of the barriers experienced by low-paid workers. 

 

Each year, 10 Summer Leaders are selected through a rigorous and competitive application process run by Women Employed.  Eligible candidates are sophomores or above at an academic or training program at a community college or a junior or above at a four-year institution and must be Illinois residents or live and study in Illinois.  Summer Leaders are introduced to all areas of nonprofit work through workshops, guest speakers, and projects. Interns facilitate issue-based discussions, design and implement public information and awareness campaigns, and conduct research and outreach on issues relevant to low-wage women. 

 

Since 2006, the program has been changing lives and setting young people on a course for careers in social justice.  Since its launch, the program has connected with over a hundred talented, motivated interns who have gone on to great things –non-profit professionals, student advocates, writers, journalists, master’s and PhD graduates and so much more.

 

We never imagined what 20 years of impact would look like – and now we can’t wait to see what the next 20 will bring!