Internships

Since our first day of Foundation operations, we have engaged youth and learners of all levels to support our grassroots anti-poverty and mutual aid programs. As teachers of family medicine, Drs. Figueroa and Wu have developed programs with several principles of social health education:

  1. Experiential learning

  2. Humanism

  3. Advocacy

  4. Solidarity

In order to build a solid volunteer base, conveying senses of purpose and intention are important.

Several opportunities for internships exist at the Foundation beyond single day volunteer experiences.

For questions about these internships or other student collaboration opportunities, please complete this form. We will respond within 2-3 business days.

Coordinator: Bill Tran; billt@pilsenfoodpantry.com

High School Summer Internship

Since 2018, the Foundation has hosted a summer internship for high school and college students. Participants spend 25 hours a week with a program (emergency food, clothing, special events) and receive a stipend for their efforts. The experience includes mentorship from Dr. Figueroa and the opportunity to earn a letter of recommendation for college and scholarship applications. Interns will rotate for six weeks.

We will be accepting applications for Summer 2025 internships in February 2025. Please reach out to billt@pilsenfoodpantry.com for time sensitive matters.

College Internships

The Figueroa Wu Family Foundation has multiple learning agreements with local universities (University of Illinois at Chicago [UIC] nutrition science, UIC social justice, National Louis University undergrads, Northeastern Illinois University social work, UIC School of Public Health) that allow college student internships. Like the summer interns, the college interns select an area of focus (emergency food, clothing, medical supplies) and are supervised by the staff to reach their learning goals. The organization is also open to developing additional learning agreements.

To inquire about college internships, please complete this form. College internships are available year-round.

Medical Student Opportunities

Dr. Figueroa, the executive director, coordinates a student elective, Better Health Through Advocacy, year-round for students interest in improving their patient navigation skills. The students spend time in multiple activities ranging from clinical services in the family medicine clinic, serving learning at the programs of the Figueroa Wu Family Foundation, intentional community exploration, and self-awareness and advocacy training.

In collaboration with the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, and UIC Department of Family and Community Medicine, the Foundation also co-sponsors a summer internship for a pre-clinical medical student interested in a career in family medicine.