Women Employed (WE) is a 53-year-old Chicago-based advocacy organization that pursues equity for women in the workforce by effecting policy change, expanding access to educational opportunities, and advocating for fair and inclusive workplaces so that all women, families, and communities can thrive.

While we are based in Chicago and our focus is on Illinois, we have been at the forefront of nearly every major advancement for working women in the U.S. since our founding in 1973.

Women Employed’s Summer Leadership Program, generously sponsored by The Pattis Family Foundation, and supported by the Ora Kathleen-Flynn Family Foundation, 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 low-paid workers experience. The program seeks to introduce students and recent graduates to all areas of nonprofit work through workshops, guest speakers, and projects.

Program Details:

Interns serve on Mondays and Wednesdays, from June 8th, 2026, through July 29th, 2026, and are “in the office” from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The program includes a $3,000 stipend.
The program will be hybrid, including a minimum of four required in-person days. Women Employed will provide a small transportation stipend.
Interns will need access to a reliable computer and an internet connection to participate.

Requirements to apply for the Summer Leadership Program:

A sophomore (or above) currently enrolled in an academic or training program at a community college, or a junior (or above) at a four-year institution. Graduate students will not be considered at this time.
Available June 8th through July 29th, Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day.
Must have a permanent address in Illinois and currently live or study in Illinois.
Must be eligible to work legally in the United States (WE does not sponsor Visas).

The interns' project work may consist of:

Facilitating issue-based discussions with staff and interns
Designing and implementing public information and awareness campaigns for specific Women Employed issue areas
Conducting research and outreach on issues relevant to low-wage women
Conducting interviews and assisting with other program work as needed

Over the course of the summer, interns will:

Be familiar with the history and future of the women’s movement
Participate in professional development workshops on effective advocacy
Learn about nonprofit organizational development and communications
Explore aspects of social justice work with guest speakers

Please complete the application below to apply for the 2026 class of The Pattis Family Foundation Summer Leadership Program. The application deadline is March 25, 2026. Due to the large volume of applications that we receive, we are only able to screen candidates who meet all the following criteria.

A sophomore (or above) currently enrolled in an academic or training program at a community college, or a junior (or above) at a four-year institution. Graduate students will not be considered at this time.
Available June 8th through July 29th, Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day.
Must have a permanent address in Illinois OR currently live and study in Illinois.
Must be authorized to work in the United States (WE does not sponsor Visas).

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The Pattis Family Foundation Summer Leadership Program