2026 Neighborhood Project Summer Intern

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 250 people who, collectively, spent more than 4,000 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Neighborhood Project Interns (2) will provide support to the attorney and paralegal leading the Neighborhood Project. The Neighborhood Project conducts litigation, data gathering, and community outreach on how emerging surveillance technologies impact Black and brown communities and contribute to wrongful convictions. The Neighborhood Project is currently working with the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender and community leaders in Monmouth County to investigate the impacts of emerging surveillance technology in Asbury Park and Neptune. 

This position will be a 10-week paid internship with a minimum requirement of 40 hours per week. Duties will commence on Monday, June 1 and conclude on Friday, August 14.

The selected interns are expected to work in person in Monmouth County, NJ, at least two days per week, and to attend an evening community meeting in Asbury Park once per month.  Other duties may be completed virtually or in the Innocence Project’s office in New York, with mandatory weekly Zoom check-ins along with additional communication with the supervisor, as required. Candidates may be asked to attend additional community events in Asbury Park or Neptune. Candidates should note that Asbury Park and Neptune are a roughly 2-hour commute by public transit and a 75 to 90-minute commute by car from the Innocence Project’s office in New York. Candidates local to Monmouth County, NJ are strongly encouraged to apply.

All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff.  We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate for this internship is a self-starter, is motivated, has strong follow-through and accountability, is intellectually curious, and is a detail-oriented individual with an interest in the mission of the Innocence Project. Interns who live in or are familiar with Asbury Park and Neptune, NJ, are strongly encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting with client and community interviews related to local policing and surveillance issues;
• Assisting social science research partners with building community surveys, collecting survey responses, and compiling results;
• Meeting monthly with community groups to discuss case trends and advocacy goals; 
• Writing and presenting a summary report to community stakeholders in Monmouth County and at the Innocence Project;
• Requesting, reviewing, and analyzing public records related to surveillance technology and policing; 
• Other tasks as assigned by the Staff Attorney and Paralegal for the Neighborhood Project

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

The internship is open to students who are currently enrolled in or have graduated from high school who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. A strong application for this position will demonstrate: 

• Interest in racial justice, criminal law, and/or policy reform in the areas of policing or surveillance; 
• Attention to detail along with a commitment to quality and proofreading; and
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written work.
• Experience with community organizing, data analysis, or local policy advocacy is relevant but not required. 

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks; 
• Ability to work independently and seek guidance as necessary;
• Well-developed writing and analytical skills; 
• Ability to work with groups of diverse individuals in respectful, equitable, and inclusive ways.
• Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest; and
• Shares in the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness.

Benefits

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission.  We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please visit our career site . Upload:

1. An original cover letter (approximately one page) expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work;
2. One professional, academic, or personal reference;
3. if you have work experience, a resume titled with your name (last name_ first name_ resume)

Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email. 

Applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis until April 10, 2026. Applications received before April 1, 2026 will be given preference.

SALARY

$19 - $21 per hour