THE NIKKEI COMMUNITY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Nikkei Community Internship (NCI) is the best opportunity for college students to build networks, professional skills, and make an impact in the Japanese American community. 

ABOUT

OVERVIEW

Occurring during the summer, our Internship is a paid, 8- week, full-time internship experience designed to help you make your mark in the community. Participants have the opportunity to intern in Southern California through Kizuna, or Northern California through the Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC) and Japantown Community Congress of San Jose (JCCSJ).

Design and implement impactful projects, meet community leaders, and build your legacy by helping to shape our community’s future in Kizuna's internship program.

Before starting the online application, please carefully review the detailed application process information in the "Ready to Apply" section below.

 

PROGRAM DETAILS

DURATION

June 17 - August 9, 2024

PAID POSITIONS

Each intern will receive a $$ stipend upon completion of the program. (All interns, regardless of location, receive the same stipend.)

*There is no cost or application fee to participate in NCI.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

FRIDAY, APRIL 5TH

 

PREVIOUS PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

Our mission is to provide a facility in Downtown, Los Angeles for youth, families, and seniors that offers sports, community activities, and opportunities to connect visitors to Japanese American culture and a vibrant, sustainable Little Tokyo.

Gardena Valley JCI is a community center that aims to preserve and share Japanese American experiences and culture; cultivating a community that ensures our rich cultural legacy gets passed on through the generations. 

J Morey’s mission is to provide customized risk management solutions for your family or business.

The Rafu Shimpo is a Japanese-English language newspaper based in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California, and is the largest bilingual English-Japanese daily newspaper in the United States.

Operates as a provider of advertising services focusing on multicultural and multi-generational markets.

JACL’s mission is to secure and safeguard the civil and human rights of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans and all communities who are affected by injustice and bigotry.

Kizuna is dedicated to building a strong and vibrant Japanese American community. Kizuna offers a variety of programs aimed at empowering the youth, fostering leadership, and promoting cultural awareness.

JANM is dedicated to sharing the experience of Americans of Japanese ancestry as an integral part of U.S. history. They promote appreciation of America's cultural diversity by preserving, interpreting, and sharing the rich heritage of Japanese Americans.

Keiro, which means respect for our elders,  has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults in the Japanese American community. They offer programs for their health and well-being while they stay connected to their culture and community.

Explore the links above to view past intern projects and experiences, to gain deeper insight into the specific program!

Below, you will find a comprehensive summary of job roles for 2024.

 

To educate and inspire character and equality through the virtue and valor of our World War II American veterans of Japanese ancestry.

CAUSE’s mission is to advance the political and civic empowerment of the APA community through nonpartisan voter outreach, training, and education as well as leadership.

Through specialized accounting, tax and consulting expertise combine with innovative, technology-driven solutions to support your mission and drive impactful success.

LTSC is committed to improving the lives of underserved individuals and families and promoting the equitable development of ethnic communities.

The Japanese American Bar Association (JABA) strives to advocate for social justice rights for unrepresented groups through the legal system.

Little Tokyo Towers is a subsidized senior housing building, for qualified older adults.

Sustainable Little Tokyo is a community-driven initiative working to ensure a healthy, equitable, and culturally rich Little Tokyo for generations to come.

ESGVJCC is dedicated to fostering and preserving the cultural heritage unique to Japanese American ancestry; and to serving the community through social services, artistic, recreational, and educational programs

CAREER PREPARATION

Work experience is the most valuable asset to list on your resume. Through building professional skills, networks, and a resume-worthy full-time working experience, NCI prepares you for your future career.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

INVOLVEMENT ORIENTED

Our internship program provides the networks and skill set to be involved long after the program has been completed.

COMMUNITY LANDSCAPE

The internship program is a great way to get to know the landscape of the Japanese American community.

SUCCESS STORIES

Our graduates have gone on to do great work in the community through employee & volunteer positions. Even Kizuna was created by alumni of this program!

  • "Growing up in Orange County, I didn't have much of a connection to the Japanese-American community until the Nikkei Community Internship. NCI introduced me to the many organizations and individuals that have worked for provide better opportunities my generation and inspired me to do the same. At a time when many communities are struggling to develop new leadership, NCI has now produced countless board members and community voices to ensure the Japanese American community thrives for generations to come."

    - Cory Hayashi, VP Portfolio Manager at First Choice Bank, 2018 Nisei Week President, 2003 Intern

  • "As a participant of the Nikkei Community Internship program, one of my fondest memories was getting to meet the community leaders that have made incredible strides for the Japanese American community. Years later I still remember the stories of passion and drive told by the dedicated pioneers that have come before us. Ultimately, it was those experiences that have helped shape me into the person I am today. Thanks to the NCI program I have made it my goal to be involved and continue serving the Japanese American community."

    - Michelle Okawa, Department Coordinator, Department of Asian & Asian American Studies, CSULB, 2014 Intern

  • "Through the Nikkei Community Internship, I had the opportunity to expand my network, learn professionalism skills, and create lifelong friendships, all while gaining a deeper understanding for the Japanese American community. I truly appreciated NCI’s collaborative and intergenerational environment which allowed me to learn about each Japantown’s historical significance and guided me toward ways that I can become more involved and give back to the community. As a Yonsei, I am inspired to continue learning from generations before me, and I hope to help pave a path for future generations of Japanese Americans."

    - Brandon Fujii, Co-Director of UCLA Kyodo Taiko, 2018 Intern

QUESTIONS?

Please email info@gokizuna.org. Thank you!

SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY

NCI offers an opportunity to work on projects with real community impact. Interns feel a sense of satisfaction from their experience with NCI because they’ve made a difference. Interns also leave NCI with a strong sense of community needs and solutions.