Summer 2025 Internship Opportunity at En Puerto Rico Se Puede
In collaboration with Too Young to Wed and Mujeres de Vieques (Women of Vieques).
This internship is eligible for funding (up to $7,000) from the Women and Public Policy Program.
Primary Locations: San Juan and Vieques, Puerto Rico
Duration: mid-June to mid-August (TBD)
Supervisor: former mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico; former Hauser fellow at the Center for Public Leadership, and former senior fellow and the Women and Public Policy program
About En Puerto Rico Se Puede
En Puerto Rico Se Puede, under the visionary leadership of former San Juan mayor YulÃn Cruz, is committed to bridging cultural gaps and fostering unity within and beyond Puerto Rico. Our mission is to create opportunities for cultural exchange, understanding, and collaboration, empowering communities through education, cultural initiatives, and sustainable practices.
About Too Young to Wed (TYTW)
Founded by Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Stephanie Sinclair, Too Young to Wed (TYTW) is a global nonprofit organization working to structurally transform the value of a girl and interrupt the cycle of child marriage. TYTW envisions a world where every girl can decide for herself if, when, and whom to marry; where girls are free to be children and teens with access to healthcare, education, and opportunity; and where they can determine their own futures. Through a multi-sectoral, trauma-informed approach, TYTW supports the whole girl—whether through safe housing, leadership scholarships, mentorship, education access, vocational support, or emergency aid. TYTW’s field programs operate in some of the world’s most underreported and high-risk regions, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, and India. Its newest initiative, Las Mariposas de Vieques – The Butterflies of Vieques, marks the first adaptation of TYTW’s acclaimed model in Puerto Rico, centering girls as leaders in building resilient, equitable communities across Vieques.
Internship Overview
The internship is designed for individuals passionate about cultural exchange and community engagement. This immersive 8-week program provides interns with first-hand experience promoting cultural understanding and cooperation through diverse projects and initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in community outreach efforts to strengthen connections between different cultural groups. Data gathering to lay the foundation for curricular design and adaptation.
- Participate in and/or facilitate dialogues and workshops that encourage cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
- Support the creation of educational content that promotes cultural awareness and inclusivity.
Learning Objectives
- Gain insight into effective strategies for cultural bridge-building and multicultural, multistakeholder engagement.
- Enhance your understanding of Puerto Rican culture, history, and social dynamics.
- Learn from experienced leaders like YulÃn Cruz about impactful community-driven leadership and advocacy.
Qualifications
- A Harvard University graduate student who will be returning to campus next academic year
- Conversational knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not required
- Qualitative and quantitative skills are welcome
- Strong interest in cultural exchange, community building, and advocacy
- Ability to work collaboratively in diverse team settings
- Open-mindedness and adaptability in dynamic environments
Benefits
- Direct mentorship from YulÃn Cruz and exposure to her leadership style.
- Hands-on experience in creating impactful cultural initiatives.
- Opportunities to network with community leaders and cultural ambassadors.
- Deep immersion in the cultural richness of Puerto Rico.
How to Apply
Please send the following to Laura Botero, Programs and Special Projects Coordinator at WAPPP: laura_botero@hks.harvard.edu
- A cover letter or statement on how you utilize a gender lens to engage in your work at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and beyond, and how you plan to bring that lens to this internship opportunity. Incorporating a gendered lens means taking into consideration specific issues that women and other marginalized communities might face. Specifically, please address how have you sought to dismantle cultural and institutional barriers for women and marginalized genders in your field of work.
- Resume or CV
- Fellowship Budget: Please note that housing, local transportation, and most meals will be arranged by the host organization. Travel to Puerto Rico and incidentals are not covered.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 30, 2025. The internship opportunity can accommodate up to 4 students, so please apply TODAY.
Questions? Please contact laura_botero@hks.harvard.edu.