Thank you for your interest in the KACE Grassroots Internship Program.  On this page you can find more information about our program.

About the KACE Grassroots Internship Program

Since its launch in 2004, over 300 high school students throughout New Jersey and New York have joined our annual high school internship program.  Under supervision, students research and lead public campaigns to raise awareness of various important issues. Students also have opportunities to meet elected officials and engage with members of the local, state, and federal legislature. Our program is specifically devoted to developing all the inherent skills of our interns as they go out and experience firsthand what it takes to help and support the community.

For any inquiries or questions regarding the program, you may contact us at internship@kace.org.  If you are a student, please remember to include your name, grade, and school in your inquiry. If you are a parent, please indicate your child’s name, grade, and school in your inquiry.  You may also visit our Social Media (via Linktree) for videos and pictures from our previous years of the KACE Grassroots Internship Program.

General Program Timeline & Overview

Interns are expected to participate fully for the entire duration of our annual the internship program and attend our end of year gala in the fall (date to be announced in the summer).  Interns meet generally once a week during the Pre-Session, five days a week during the Main-Session over the summer break, and once a week during the Post-Session in the Fall. Our annual visit to Washington, D.C., over the summer is tentatively the third week of July (subject to change due to availability), which if going forward will be mandatory for interns participating in the internship program.  Parents must also attend and complete the Parents Orientation before the child may participate.

General Eligibility for the Internship Program

Only high school students in New York and New Jersey are eligible to apply for the KACE Grassroots Internship Program.  Applicants will be selected based upon the following factors:

• Commitment to serving the Korean American community;
• Ability to relate with people of all backgrounds, age, creeds, and gender;
• Ability to work consistently and patiently for long-term team efforts;
• Willingness to extend their help and go long distances even on weekends;
• Communication and interpersonal skills; and
• Bilingual skills (English and Korean) is a strong plus, but not required.

Interns are required to meet performance expectations just they as would at any other job.  These expectations include punctuality, responsibility, integrity, productivity, team participation, and specialized knowledge.

In order to meaningfully fulfill the objectives of the internship, regular in-person attendance throughout the Main Session and active participation is strongly encouraged.

The Application Process

The Application Process is very long because this a real job application.  This is not something to rush, and it is not something to leave to the last minute.  Applicants should give themselves enough time to complete the application.  The Application Period generally opens January 1st, and closes the last Sunday of March. Interviews will continue into April, and orientation for Parents and accepted Interns will be in May.

Because there is an interview component for applications that make it to that round, it is highly recommend that applications be submitted at the earliest possibility to ensure enough time to schedule a job interview if selected.  We are only able to interview 1 or 2 people per business day between the hours of 10am-5pm. There is no guarantee that late applicants will be able to be interviewed.

There are seven documents that must prepared in advance for upload:

1. 2025 KACE Applicant Information Form (link for download)
2. Applicant’s Photo
3. Clear picture or scan of School ID, both front and back sides
4. Resume
5. Personal Statement (further instructions in the application page)
6. Complete School Transcript
7. Stop Sexual Harassment Training Certificate

Failure to provide any of the required documents may result in the delay of processing your application or the rejection of your application in its entirety. As a reminder, this is a job application.  Additional information and instructions are on the application page.

Students must also be able to acquire working papers by the time of the start of the internship.  It is the student’s responsibility to acquire their own working papers.  The process can take some time, so all interested students should speak with their school guidance counselor immediately to get the process started.

Additional detailed information about the application process can be found on the application page through the button link below (and also via this link: https://kace.org/2024/12/30/2025-hs-internship-application/).

Internship Journal Publications

Internship YouTube Channel

KACE Instagram Page

Social Media Links

You can learn more about our program and activities by visiting our social media pages.

• • Main Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/kacempowerment/
  • Internship YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/@KACEmpowerment
  • Main Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kaceforcommunity/
  • Main YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KACEforCommunity