Through the ISLA's multiple student internship offerings, students can develop essential research skills with primary materials and have the opportunity to develop their own, lasting relationships with our many community partners.

Internship Opportunites:

In coordination with the Oxy Career Center, the ISLA is continually working to develop internship opportunities with local media, government, and heritage organizations. A set number of paid internships are also available:

The ISLA/Oxy Special Collections Internship

One student each year is selected to work in an internship with Oxy Library Special Collections on one of the ISLA's ongoing archival projects.

ISLA/Community Partner Organization Internship

One student each year is selected to work in an internship with a community partner organization on a specific research/archival project in consultation with the Center for Community Based Learning (CCBL) and Library Special Collections.

ISLA/CCBL Education In Action Program

The ISLA is working with the Center for Community Based Learning (CCBL) to select students for the Education In Action program for LA focused courses. Through the EIA program, facilitators expand their role as students, build leadership skills, and further develop their understanding of social justice and responsibility. Education in Action Student Facilitators work with faculty teaching community based learning classes and conducting community based research across a range of disciplines.

Funded Research Opportunities:

ISLA Student Summer Research Fellowship

This fellowship will fund two summer research fellowships for undergraduates conducting original research on a topic pertaining to greater Los Angeles (although we especially promote work that focuses on Northeast Los Angeles, we gladly support research pertaining to the entire urban Southern California region). This is a competitive fellowship and students who have completed their junior year will be given preference in the process. Students from any field or major are eligible on an equal basis for this fellowship. The ISLA Student Fellows will participate in the ten-week Summer Research Program offered by the Undergraduate Research Center (URC).

ISLA Student Research Grants

Students proposing significant research projects on Los Angeles subjects (with emphasis on Northeast LA subjects) are eligible to apply for small grants to facilitate their project (serves as combined stipend and materials fund). Awards will vary; grants will be greater for students collaborating with community partners for their research. Learn more and apply.

Interested in our student internship and research opportunities?

Please contact us at: ISLA@oxy.edu.

Contact Institute for the Study of Los Angeles
Occidental College
Rory Hayes
Coordinator of Community Programs (CCBL and OXY ARTS)