The California Coalition for Rural Housing (CCRH) is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Internship Program. This one-year paid internship is designed to strengthen the future workforce in Affordable Housing and Community Development while supporting the unique needs of rural communities across California. Host agency applications are due Friday, January 30, 2026. 

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Program Overview 

The CCRH Internship Program offers college students - typically in their junior or senior year - a pathway into affordable housing careers through hands-on experience and mentorship. Interns are placed with mission-driven public or nonprofit agencies and receive comprehensive training in affordable housing development, finance, and leadership. 

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Interns work on real projects that improve rural communities, gaining insight into the full life cycle of housing development – from predevelopment and financing to project completion. Host agencies play a vital role in shaping the intern experience while benefiting from their contributions to meaningful, mission-aligned work. 

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The program is designed to support students in their final year of college, helping them transition into full-time roles in the field after graduation. Participating as a host agency contributes to the development of a skilled and committed workforce ready to address housing challenges across the state. 

 

The Program’s History 

Launched in 1998, the CCRH Internship Program was created to expand opportunities in the affordable housing field for students from rural communities. Over the years, the program has operated in California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawai’i. To date, more than 250 students have completed the program, with over 50% continuing into careers in housing and community development. 

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The program is made possible through the support of funders such as Bank of America, NeighborWorks America, Rural LISC, Merritt Community Capital, Wells Fargo, and individual donors. 

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How the Program Works 

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Host Agencies are selected by February 2026. CCRH then recruits potential intern participants from colleges and universities within driving distance of the selected agencies. The recruitment process begins in February, and interns are selected no later than May 15th, 2026, following interviews conducted by both CCRH and the Host Agency. 

 

Once selected, the Host Agency becomes the intern's direct employer, with interns beginning full-time work in June (40 hours per week). Starting in August-September, interns will transition to part-time hours (16-20 hours per week) to accommodate their academic schedules. Over the course of the year, interns can work up to 1320 hours, per the agreement between CCRH and the Host Agency. 

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The Host Agency is responsible for guiding interns through a structured scope of work and learning plan. This includes ensuring interns are supported in developing core competency skills throughout the year. A detailed list of these competencies can be found on page 3 of the Request for Applications form (linked below). Alongside agency duties, interns are expected to participate in CCRH training and supplemental activities and host agencies are expected to support intern participation in these activities 

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Intern Pay 

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Interns are paid $20.00 per hour. Host agencies pay 65% of the cost of the net hourly pay rate, plus applicable health, dental, fringe benefits, taxes, and insurance that may apply for the 2025–2026 program year. CCRH and the host agency enter into an agreement and the intern is technically an employee of the Host agency. Host agencies are expected to pay the intern for hours that the intern is away at CCRH-hosted intern training and supplemental activities. ​