Summer Graduate Fellow

CASA & CASA IN ACTION SYNOPSIS:
CASA’s mission to create a more just society by building power and improving the quality of life in working-class: Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant Communities. Our vision is rooted in the collective power of our community, our inclusive, permanent, member-led movement radically transforms communities and systems to ensure the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members are fully met as we strive for justice and full liberation at home and in solidarity with others across the world. CASA has a sister organization, CASA in Action, a separate, but related, nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Although CASA and CASA in Action share a common goal of supporting immigrants and low-income people in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, they are separate organizations with their own board of directors. A set of employees at the two organizations, including the person filling this position, shares their time between the two organizations. This has no effect on salary or benefits.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Summer Graduate Fellow supports research and strategic initiatives within the organization during the summer term. This fellowship provides graduate students with hands-on professional experience, mentorship, and exposure to real-world challenges in a collaborative environment.

The fellow will contribute to assigned projects, conduct analysis or research, prepare reports and presentations, and participate in meetings and team activities. This position is designed to enhance professional development while supporting organizational goals.

Working alongside organizers, advocates, and community members, the fellow’s work product will contribute to campaigns that defend immigrant rights, expand access to resources, and uplift the voices and leadership of directly impacted communities. The fellow will gain hands-on experience in community-centered advocacy while supporting programs that advance equity and belonging for immigrant and working-class families.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct research, data collection, and analysis related to assigned projects
• Assist with development of reports, presentations, and program materials
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on strategic or operational initiatives
• Participate in meetings, workshops, and professional development activities
• Prepare summaries, recommendations, and documentation for leadership
• Maintain accurate records and meet project deadlines
• Perform additional duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and analytical abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
• Experience with research, data analysis, or project management preferred
• Interest in advocacy strongly preferred
• Bilingual skills preferred
• Instructional design experience preferred
• Critical thinking
• Attention to detail and time management
• Experience using data or research tools relevant to the field
• Adaptability in a fast-paced environment

COMPENSATION: $6,000

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the fellowship, participants will:

• Gain practical experience in a professional setting
• Develop industry-specific knowledge and skills
• Build professional networks and mentorship relationships
• Strengthen research, communication, and project management capabilities

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit, crawling and reaching objects. The employee will frequently be required to stand, lift, carry, push and pull objects.

The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk, do repetitive motions, balance, stoop, kneel and crouch.
When it comes to physical strength, the employee will required to perform medium work. The employee may be expected to lift up to 25 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

ADA: CASA will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

OSHA: This role is not to handle any human body fluids, biological agents, laboratory chemicals, or be exposed to hazardous materials such as noise, asbestos, or carcinogens.

CASA Inc. and CASA in Action do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, marital status or national origin.