Now Hiring: Programs and Community Engagement Intern (Summer 2026)

Schedule: Part-Time or Full-Time (30–40 hours/week)

Duration: Temporary (Summer 2026)

Hybrid | Washington, DC (3 days in office)

Salary: $18.40 per hour 

Join an amazing team. Do amazing work.

About Us

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to children’s literacy. Our mission is to inspire a joy of reading, provide children with equitable access to high-quality, engaging books, and empower communities to support every child’s reading journey. At RIF, we maximize every contribution to ensure all children have the fundamentals they need to read and succeed.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Programs and Community Engagement Intern to support our programmatic work, with a particular focus on educational technology. Reporting to the Program Director, this role offers hands-on experience that bridges classroom learning with real-world application in a mission-driven organization.

What You’ll Do

• Support the Programs Team with day-to-day operations, including communication with program sites, tracking program components, and providing general project support
• Research trends and developments in the education technology (ed tech) space
• Help strategize and develop communications to schools about Skybrary, RIF’s digital book platform
• Identify and recruit local partners such as schools, childcare centers, and youth-serving nonprofits
• Conduct outreach to program sites via phone, email, and mailings
• Assist with book selection based on program themes and coordinate ordering
• Track shipments of books and materials to ensure timely delivery to program sites
• Complete a capstone project aligned with RIF’s program priorities and initiatives

What You’ll Gain (Learning Objectives)

• Experience supporting capacity-building efforts within a national nonprofit
• Strong research, writing, and professional communication skills
• Insight into children’s literacy challenges and the education landscape
• Exposure to current trends in ed tech adoption across schools and districts

What You Bring

• A passion for nonprofit work, education, youth development, or social impact
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in communications, education, social justice, or a related field
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A proactive, self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); openness to learning new tools and systems

Why Join Us?

At RIF, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team working to make a lasting impact on children’s literacy nationwide. This internship offers meaningful, hands-on experience and the opportunity to contribute to programs that change lives.