Location: Chicago, IL

Duration: June 1st – August 7th, 2026

Compensation: $20/hr.

The CAFE Group is a trailblazing organization committed to advancing educational equity and redefining philanthropy. Under the visionary leadership of CEO and founder Liz Thompson, we embrace a love-centered approach that invests in visionary leaders and cultivates next-generation talent to drive systemic change. 

The LEAD Internship Program is a cornerstone of The CAFE Group’s commitment to reimagining philanthropy. This transformative 10-week summer experience provides college students with hands-on, meaningful exposure to nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. Interns across Chicagoland gain insight into philanthropy as both a mindset and a vocation, develop essential transferable skills, expand their networks, and deepen their understanding of the sector. Through community-building, professional development sessions, and real-world work at organizations in the LEAD Network, the program equips participants with the tools and perspectives needed to shape the future of philanthropy. 

 

Available Internships

 

1. LEAD Impact Intern

As a LEAD Impact Intern, you will support the LEAD Program itself, collaborating with the Impact Team to evaluate and enhance the program. You will contribute to content development, alumni engagement, and program improvements—including support for the LEAD Alumni Network. This year’s pilot capstone project, featuring hands-on grantmaking, will provide a unique opportunity to engage directly in philanthropy initiatives.

Responsibilities:

  • Activate and maintain the LEAD Alumni Network to foster connection and engagement.
  • Collect, organize, and analyze program data to identify insights and inform improvements.
  • Support program evaluation and special projects, including the pilot grantmaking initiative.
  • Contribute to content creation for program communications and alumni engagement.
  • Participate fully in professional development workshops, cohort activities, and special events.

 

2. Knowledge Intern

As a Knowledge Intern, you will help strengthen internal knowledge systems, ensuring information is organized, accessible, and actionable across teams. This role supports organizational learning, strategy, data stewardship, and storytelling.

Responsibilities:

  • Collect, organize, and maintain internal documents, resources, and program materials.
  • Contribute and clean data in knowledge management systems and databases (e.g., SharePoint, Salesforce).
  • Conduct research and compile insights to inform strategy, learning, and program development.
  • Draft summaries, briefs, and internal communications highlighting key learnings.
  • Help design and implement systems for tagging, tracking, and sharing institutional knowledge.
  • Support cross-departmental efforts to improve knowledge-sharing and documentation workflows.

 

3. Communications Intern

This internship is ideal for students excited about storytelling, events, and social impact. You will support communications strategies and events that build community, elevate The CAFE Group’s mission, and inspire action.

Responsibilities:

  • Support planning, promotion, and execution of events aligned with TCG’s mission.
  • Create content for newsletters, social media, and other communication channels.
  • Assist with social media strategy to engage and grow our online communities.
  • Contribute to storytelling initiatives through blog posts, success stories, and other TCG narratives.
  • Collaborate on creative engagement initiatives with team members.
  • Track and report on engagement metrics to inform communication strategies.
  • Provide support for communications and events projects as needed.

 

4. 1954 Project Intern

This internship focuses on advancing educational equity through The CAFE Group’s flagship initiative, The 1954 Project. You will support efforts to uplift visionary Black leaders transforming education. This role offers hands-on experience in research, storytelling, and strategic program support.

Responsibilities:

  • Support the development and implementation of 1954 Project programs and initiatives.
  • Conduct research to inform program strategy, evaluation, and storytelling.
  • Assist with collecting, organizing, and analyzing data to measure program impact.
  • Contribute to creation of reports, briefs, and storytelling content.
  • Participate in professional development workshops, cohort activities, and special events.

 

Qualifications (All Internships)

  • Currently enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-year institution.
  • Available to work 40 hours/week in Chicago from June 1 – August 7, 2026 (no relocation support provided).
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and time-management skills.
  • Proficient research skills and Microsoft Office Suite.

 

Why Join The CAFE Group?

  • Gain hands-on experience in nonprofit and philanthropic work.
  • Participate in weekly professional development and cohort activities.
  • Build skills, connections, and insights that will last a lifetime.
  • Contribute to meaningful initiatives advancing educational equity and social impact.

 

The CAFE Group is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all candidates. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.