Empower Communities. Gain Career Skills. Make a Difference.

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Are you passionate about creating a more just and inclusive society? Do you want a career where your work positively impacts low-income communities? The California Coalition for Rural Housing (CCRH) is seeking passionate, community-minded students for a one-year paid internship focused on affordable housing development.

  

Interns work alongside experienced real estate development teams at nonprofit housing organizations to help plan, finance, and build affordable rental housing - from early project planning to construction and lease-up. You’ll gain hands-on experience in the development process while receiving leadership training and professional mentorship to launch your career in the field. 

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About the Program 

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Since 1998, the California Coalition for Rural Housing (CCRH) has operated its Internship Program to support students and emerging professionals interested in affordable housing development and community-based work. Over 200 interns have participated in the program, gaining real-world experience while working with nonprofit housing developers serving rural and underserved communities. 

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Interns are placed with nonprofit host agencies and contribute to active affordable housing projects while receiving structured supervision, professional mentorship, and leadership development opportunities. Over the course of the year, interns build technical skills, professional confidence, and a deeper understanding of how housing development intersects with community needs.

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Why Join the Program?​

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By participating, you'll:

• Earn While You Learn: $20/hour for up to 1,320 hours over the program year. 

• Gain Real-World Experience: Work with professionals on housing projects from concept to completion. 

• Access Leadership Development: Attend retreats, workshops, and training sessions to grow your skills. 

• Build Your Network: Connect with nonprofit leaders and housing professionals dedicated to social impact. 

• Contribute to Positive Change: Support rural and historically underserved communities. 

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What You'll Do and Learn​

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As a CCRH Intern, you will: 

• Assist with financial applications and loan closings for housing developments. 

• Review and manage project budgets and development milestones. 

• Coordinate community engagement initiatives and resident services. 

• Learn from leadership shadowing, technical workshops, and mentorship opportunities. 

• Contribute to creating dignified, affordable housing in underserved communities. 

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Eligibility: Who Should Apply

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We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences, including those connected to rural, low-income, farmworker, and tribal communities. 

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Applicants must meet the following baseline eligibility requirements: 

• Be enrolled in their junior or senior year of a 4-year undergraduate college (recent graduates and community college students may be considered on a case-by-case basis). 

• Be able to commit to the full internship schedule: full-time (40 hours/week) during summer 2026 and part-time (16–20 hours/week) from September 2026 to May 2027. 

• Have an interest in exploring careers in affordable housing, real estate development, or nonprofit leadership. 

• Live or plan to live within driving distance of one of the participating host agency locations. 

• Have access to reliable transportation (personal or public). 

 

In addition, strong candidates often bring: 

• An interest in or understanding of affordable housing challenges and community development issues, such as housing affordability, displacement, access to opportunity, rural housing needs, etc. 

• Familiarity with these topics through lived experience, coursework, research, volunteer work, employment, or community involvement. 

• Curiosity about how housing policy and development decisions impact people and communities. 

• A desire to build technical skills such as project coordination, budgeting, and working on multidisciplinary teams. 

• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn in a professional environment. 

• A readiness to grow professionally through mentorship, feedback, and hands-on project work.

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Program Timeline & Locations (2026-2027) 

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Work Schedule: 

• Full-Time Work (40 hours/week): June – August 2026 

• Part-Time Work (16-20 hours/week): September 2026 – May 2027 

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Mandatory Training Events

Interns are expected to participate in the following program components: 

• A four-day, in-person Summer Training Institute (July 2026) 

• Semi-monthly or monthly virtual workshops throughout the year 

• Rural Housing Summit (October 2026) 

• Mid-Winter Retreat (January 2027) 

• Final Project Presentation and Graduation (May 2027) 

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Internship Locations: 

• California: Chico, Fresno, Mammoth, Modesto, Sacramento, San Diego, Visalia

• Oregon: TBD 

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How to Apply

 

Step 1: Submit your application through our Zoho Recruit portal.

• Include your resume, cover letter, and at least one letter of recommendation (required). 

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📅 Priority Deadline: March 27, 2026 

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Rolling Consideration: After March 27, applications may still be accepted for open locations until all placements are filled. 

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Questions?

We’re here to help! Contact Austyn Perry at Austyn@calruralhousing.org.

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