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 underserved communities? The CCRH Internship Program is a paid, one-year internship offering hands-on experience, leadership training, and mentorship. This program equips emerging professionals to contribute meaningfully to the affordable housing and community development field.

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About the Program 

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Since 1998, the California Coalition for Rural Housing (CCRH) has offered its Internship Program, training and supporting over 200 interns from underserved backgrounds—including rural, immigrant, low-income, farmworker, and tribal communities—to become leaders in affordable housing and community development. 

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Interns gain real-world experience working on affordable housing projects, learning the technical and leadership skills necessary to create healthier, more inclusive communities. Host agencies, located throughout California and Oregon, provide a structured work environment and professional mentorship. 

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Over the course of a year, interns work directly with their nonprofit host agencies on affordable housing development projects, helping to create dignified housing solutions for underserved communities. 

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Why Join the Program?​

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By participating, you'll:

• Earn While You Learn: $18/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 diverse backgrounds, including those from historically underserved rural, low-income, immigrant, farmworker, and tribal communities. 

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Ideal candidates are:

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

• Passionate about making a difference in underserved communities. 

• Interested in exploring careers in affordable housing, nonprofit leadership, or social impact. 

• Eager to learn technical skills like project management, budgeting, and community engagement. 

• Passionate about affordable housing, community development, and equity work. 

• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and committed to creating positive change.

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Most placements may require interns to have access to reliable transportation. 

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Program Timeline & Locations (2025-2026) 

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Work Schedule: 

• Full-Time Work (40 hours/week): June – August 2025 

• Part-Time Work (16-20 hours/week): September 2025 – May 2026 

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Mandatory Training Events: 

• A 4-day in-person Summer Training Institute (July–August 2025) 

• Semi-monthly or monthly virtual workshops throughout the year 

• Rural Housing Summit 

• Mid-Winter Retreat 

• Final Project Presentation and Graduation 

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Internship Locations: 

• California: Ventura, Ukiah, Chico, Salinas, Watsonville, Mammoth Lakes, Sacramento, Visalia 

• Oregon: Sherwood 

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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 28, 2025 

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Rolling Consideration: After March 28, 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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