The Nikkei Community Internship (NCI) is an eight-week summer program. Interns are placed at a Japanese American community-based organization in the Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay Areas for four days of the week. One day of each week is reserved for a training meeting and debriefing, including field trips and speakers for cultural and community exposure. 

In addition to the weekly training meetings, interns will also participate in three statewide retreats. With the help of Southwest Airlines, interns from Los Angeles Little Tokyo, San Jose Nihonmachi and San Francisco Japantown will be given the opportunity to visit and meet community leaders in both regions to further their discussions on Japantown preservation and community leadership.

Each intern receives a $2,000 educational scholarship in addition to training and experience in community work. Availability of funds and the willingness of mentors determines how many interns can participate.

The Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC) and the Japanese American Citizens League, Pacific Southwest District are the lead agencies for the program. Since the number of internships is limited, the key to having broader impact and outreach through this program is to select a team of young people who can effectively organize and inspire their peers.

This year is NCI's 10th Anniversary!  During the last decade, over 100 college-aged students have been matched with 20+ Nikkei community organizations in Los Angeles and the Bay Area.  This album will give you a look into what NCI is all about and where the alumni are at now! 

To learn more about NCI, please visit: 

http://www.nikkeicommunityinternship.com/