BCLA Summer Internship - Housing Authority Fellow

(Must be currently enrolled in BCLA during summer 2026 to apply) 

The BCLA Summer Internship Program aims to secure 50 meaningful internship placements for students across a variety of sectors, including small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures. 

The internship below is offered in partnership with a supporting organization that is excited to invest in and support an LMU student like you. If this opportunity aligns with your career interests and goals, we encourage you to take advantage of it and apply. 

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• Position Title: Santa Monica Housing Authority Fellow 
  Organization: City of Santa Monica – Human Services Division 
  Location: Hybrid, Santa Monica  
• Job Type: BCLA Summer Internship  
• Number of Positions: 1 Intern   
  Academic Level: Incoming Junior, Senior, Master's (in Fall 2026)     
  College: Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts   
• Hours: Approximately 30-hours per week for 8 weeks   
• Duration: Summer 2026   
• Compensation: [$4000 stipend, and/or course credit, as applicable] 

Position Overview

The Santa Monica Housing Authority Fellow will support rental assistance programs, affordable housing initiatives, and housing policy research within the Housing Authority. This role offers direct exposure to public sector housing administration and the policy frameworks that shape access to affordable housing.

The Fellow will contribute to research, data tracking, and program documentation that strengthens the City’s commitment to housing stability and equity. This opportunity is well suited for students interested in public policy, housing justice, and municipal governance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with rental assistance data collection and tracking
• Support research related to the City’s Housing Element and affordable housing strategies
• Draft summaries of affordable housing initiatives and policy updates
• Attend internal and public meetings and prepare detailed notes
• Compile reports and briefing materials for internal leadership and community stakeholders
• Contribute to data organization and quality assurance efforts

Preferred Interests & Skills:

• Policy analysis and strong critical thinking
• Research and professional report writing
• Data collection and basic data analysis
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Interest in housing justice and public service
• Ability to synthesize complex information clearly

Relevant Academic Backgrounds

Students majoring in:

• Political Science
• Sociology
• Urban Studies
• Economics
• Public Policy
• Environmental Studies
• Learning Outcomes

By the end of the internship, the Fellow will:

• Develop practical knowledge of housing authority operations and rental assistance programs
• Strengthen research and policy analysis skills in a municipal setting
• Gain experience preparing professional reports and public facing materials
• Build an understanding of affordable housing systems and regulatory frameworks

This fellowship provides a meaningful opportunity to apply liberal arts training to real world housing policy and program implementation while contributing to equitable community development.