KACE Grassroots Internship Program
2023 KACE Grassroots Internship Online Application Link
(scroll down for the application instructions)
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 or (718) 961-4117. You may also visit our Social Media (via Linktree) for videos and pictures from our previous years of the KACE Grassroots Internship Program.
Program Overview
Through this unique program, our Interns will learn:
- The importance of registering Korean Americans as voters;
- The issues facing the Korean American community today; and
- The process of organizing and mobilizing the Korean American community.
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.
Students in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Texas with demonstrated interest in public policy, politics, and history are encouraged to apply. Our program is open to high school students of all backgrounds that are interested in contributing to our community’s civic empowerment.
Full Program: 22 Weeks (June 2, 2023 through October 27, 2023)
- Pre-Session (4 Weeks): June 2nd – June 23rd (Weekly Meetings; avg. 2 Hrs/Week)
- Main-Session (8 Weeks): June 28th – August 18th (Daily Meetings; avg. 40 Hrs/Week)
- Post-Session (10 Weeks): August 25th – October 27th (Weekly Meetings; avg. 2 Hrs/Week)
This is an Unpaid / Volunteer position
Interns that successfully complete the program may also be eligible for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (“PVSA”), citations from elected officials, and letters of recommendation from KACE. Interns will have the opportunity to earn approximately 250 qualifying community service hours for the PVSA. Please refer to the official website for the PVSA for the most up to date eligibility requirements (https://presidentialserviceawards.org/eligibility).
Eligibility for the Internship Program
Only high school students are eligible to apply for the 2023 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 as would any other employee. These expectations include punctuality, responsibility, integrity, productivity, team participation, and specialized knowledge.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Deadline to apply by is Friday, April 28, 2023. All interviews for potential candidates that submitted their application early or on time will be conducted in the month of May 2023. We recommend that you apply at your earliest possibility since space is limited and to ensure enough time if you are selected for the job interview.
The Following six (6) documents are required and must be submitted together for consideration:
- 2023 KACE Applicant Information Form (link for download)
- Applicant’s Photo
- School ID (Front and Back)
- Resume
- Personal Statement (further instructions below)
- Complete School Transcript
Failure to send any of the required documents may result in the automatic rejection of your entire application.
Personal Statement Instructions
First, please watch this 13-minute video on the history of Korean America
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5ixixzMZ94)
After watching, choose ONE (1) of the following three topics:
- Why you do want to participate in the 2023 internship program? What do you hope to achieve by the end of the 2023 internship program?
- What does AAPI history mean to you? Is AAPI education included in your high school’s curriculum? If so, what is being covered, and what do you think should also be included? If not, should AAPI education be included in your high school’s curriculum and why?
- What is your opinion about the surge in violence, bias incidents, and hate speech against people of AAPI heritage in the United States? What do you think are some of the causes of this issue, and what would be some ways to address the issue?
Your Personal Statement must also adhere to these guidelines
- 1 inch margins;
- Double- spaced;
- Font: Times New Roman;
- Font Size: 12pt;
- No more than 500 words; and
- If you are a previous KACE intern, please choose a different prompt than the one that you answered previously.
2023 KACE Grassroots Internship Online Application Link