Spring 2026 Active Learning Program Opportunities

The Active Learning Program (ALP) partners with UF faculty and local organizations to help undergraduate students develop into skilled early-career professionals. The goals are to:

• Develop students’ academic potential and professional skill sets while helping them define their personal and professional mission, values, and strengths.
• Advance UF research and community-based projects.

Course Information

Our Spring semester will meet in person, so you must be eligible for in-person classes, and you must not have any other classes scheduled during the course section times on one.uf [Wednesdays, Period 8 – 10 (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)].

Internship and research projects may operate in-person, remotely, or in a hybrid format—check each project’s format before applying.

If you accept an internship position, you can expect 5 hours per week of internship or research work and 2 hours per week of coursework.

Through our program, you will:

1. Gain valuable, mentored internship/research experience and knowledge in your chosen career field.
2. Develop your identity as a competent early-career professional while constructing a cohesive personal-professional brand aligned with your mission, values, and strengths.
3. Strengthen your collaboration, communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
4. Create professional deliverables useful for your internship/research experience and future career opportunities.

As you browse the opportunities, remember that ALP is both an internship or research program and a 4000-level, 3-credit professional development course.

Enrollment Note: Students cannot self-enroll through One.UF. Upon accepting an internship, our administrator will enroll you in the ALP (IDS 4940) course. Participation in the ALP is limited to one semester.

Application Information

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled—some fill quickly. Responding earlier increases your chances of securing an internship/research position.

To apply, email Glen Billesbach: gbillesbach@ufl.edu. Include your top-three ranked preferences, an explanation of why you would be a good fit for each, and a resume.

Project Directory – Spring 2026 

Projects are listed alphabetically below. To find opportunities that match your goals, scan the titles, descriptions, and internship tasks—look for themes like education, community outreach, data analysis, public health, STEM, environmental issues, or youth development.

1. African Diaspora in America Research
2. Artificial Intelligence-Based Smart Home Technology Recommendation Research
3. ARTSPEAKS GNV Non-Profit
4. Breastfeeding and Infant Health Research
5. Bringing Awareness to the Shakespeare Animal Fund of Alachua County
6. Bundle of Joy Diaper Distribution Program
7. Career Educator Mentorship Project
8. Catalyzing a Career in Research Administration
9. Center for Precollegiate Education and Training
10. Climate Collaboratory
11. College PASS Project (Education Equalizers Foundation)
12. Community Outreach & Branding the Scallop Republic Micronation
13. Ethics in the Public Sphere Project
14. Florida Floodplain Management for Risk Reduction and Loss Prevention
15. Insightful Analysis Solutions Project
16. Insect Vectors and Public Health
17. KidzHack Project
18. Management of Muscular Dystrophy Research
19. Music GNV Project
20. Pleasant Street Historic Society Project
21. Respect Me Project
22. STEM by Design: Creating Future-Ready Middle School Kits & Courses
23. UnMask JOY Project
24. Sustainability Studies Internship
25. Bailey Learning and Arts Collective (at Santa Fe College Downtown)
26. H2OSAV: Water Savings, Analytics & Verification
27. Flood Resilient Communities (IFAS)
28. Youth Pathway Programs (College of Veterinary Medicine)
29. Youth Mentorship Program (I Gotcha Back Education)
30. Health Literacy & Patient Portal Use Research (Health & Biomedical Informatics)
31. Human-Centered Computing, Athlete Development, and Global AI Learning

Project Descriptions – Spring 2026

1. African Diaspora in America Project

African History Makers Digital Archive (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Both in-person and remote; all internship duties will be conducted on-campus or remotely.

Internship Tasks:
Literature review, attending meetings, direct contact with community members, conducting interviews, archival research.

Project Description:
The research objective of the program is to document the contributions of African History Makers in America. An expected outcome is a short biography for each identified African History Maker. The working definition of “History Maker” is an individual who modifies history, impacting knowledge and societies. The ultimate goal of the program is to create an African History Makers Digital Archive.

2. Artificial Intelligence-Based Smart Home Technology Recommendation Research

Occupational Therapy Department at UF

Internship Format:
Both in-person and remote; interns may travel to Gator Smart House, ~ 6 miles from campus.

Internship Tasks:
Literature review, data analysis/entry, community outreach, educational development, recruiting, creating promo’ materials, hands-on experience, attending meetings, direct contact & work with community members, conducting interviews, needs assessments, data collection.

Project Description:
Every year, millions of older adults risk losing independence due to preventable home accidents. In Florida alone, falls cost $3.935 billion in medical expenses, while medication errors lead to 700,000 ER visits, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 7,000 deaths. Smart home devices can prevent these issues but are often too expensive, confusing, or fail to adapt to changing user needs. This project introduces an intelligent tool for personalized, cost-effective smart device recommendations and hands-on training kits. The tool analyzes individuals’ home layouts, budgets, and health risks, suggesting devices like fall detectors or pill dispensers, with updates as user needs evolve. Portable kits let users practice scenarios like responding to simulated falls or power outages. To ensure equity, the prototypes will be tested with older adults in urban, rural, and resource-limited communities. This project aims to help older adults stay independent longer and reduce caregiver stress by simplifying and lowering technology costs.

3. ARTSPEAKS GNV Project

ARTSPEAKS GNV Inc. (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Both in-person and remote; most activities are remote, but interns may be asked to assist off-campus, typically no farther than downtown Gainesville (approximately 1.5 miles from campus).

Internship Tasks:
Community outreach, educational development, promoting/creating promotional materials, hands-on experience, event planning, fundraising, direct community contact, website development, communication support (emailing, phone, promotional materials), project design, presentation design and presenting, social media management.

Project Description:
ARTSPEAKS is dedicated to promoting literacy through Poetry, Spoken-Word, Storytelling, Creative Writing, and other forms of Artistic Expression. It promotes well-being by encouraging creativity, raising awareness, expanding ideas, and providing safe mediums for expression. It also promotes healthy communities at the intersection of art and mental health, exploring therapeutic uses of poetry, storytelling, creative writing, literature, and visual art.

Interns will improve ARTSPEAKS’ digital and social media infrastructure by assessing current website and social media platforms. They will also assist in creating, organizing, promoting, communicating, and executing Poetry Events, Humanities Projects, and other community events, such as: ARTSPEAKS: Bringing Poetry & People Together; ARTSPEAKS: Courageous Young Voices; and 4th Annual BARD & Broadside: North Central Florida Poetry Festival.

4. Breastfeeding and Infant Health: A Longitudinal Dietary Analysis

Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics at UF

Internship Format:
Both in-person and remote; all internship duties will be conducted on-campus or remotely.

Internship Tasks:
Work with longitudinal dietary intake data, including breastfeeding and complementary feeding records. Conduct literature reviews on breastfeeding and infant health to contextualize findings. Assist in cleaning, organizing, and preparing datasets for analysis using Excel, R, or REDCap. Contribute to statistical analyses and visualizations examining relationships between feeding patterns and health indicators like growth, weight, and illness. Collaborate on research summaries, abstracts, and a final presentation/report.

Project Description:
Are you passionate about nutrition, child development, or public health? Join a dynamic research team studying how breastfeeding influences infant outcomes over time in a real-world birth cohort! This project offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to explore the intersection of maternal nutrition and pediatric health through hands-on dietary data analysis. Our primary goal is to investigate how breastfeeding practices—from exclusive breastfeeding to mixed feeding—impact infant growth, development, and health markers during the critical first year of life. Using data collected as part of a longitudinal birth cohort study, we aim to identify dietary patterns, explore associations with health outcomes, and contribute meaningful insights to the science of early-life nutrition. This project is ideal for students interested in medicine, nutrition, maternal and child health, epidemiology, or data science. No prior research experience required, but curiosity, attention to detail, and willingness to learn are a must! Interns must complete IRB training prior to beginning internship duties. Programming and computer science background (data analysis) & diet/nutrition (dietary analysis) preferred.

5. Bringing Awareness to the Shakespeare Animal Fund of Alachua County

Shakespeare Animal Fund of Alachua County (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Primarily remote; all duties can be conducted remotely or on-campus.

Internship Tasks:
Website development, social media management, grant writing.

Project Description:
The Shakespeare Animal Fund is 21 years old in Nevada but scarcely known in Alachua County. As a new nonprofit locally, we provide emergency veterinary bill assistance for elderly, disabled, returning veterans, students, and others unable to afford care for dying or suffering pets. Interns can assist in several ways: developing social media strategies to raise awareness about our organization and fundraising events (e.g., Holiday Pet Pageant); updating and improving our website to attract donors and sponsors; researching and writing grants; recruiting volunteers and board members via social media; and occasionally assisting at events like the Holiday Pet Pageant.

6. Bundle of Joy Diaper Distribution Program

Health Education and Training Center of Gainesville, Inc. (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Both in-person and remote; some tasks require interns to perform duties off-campus at Cone Park or Headquarters Library, approximately 5 miles from campus. Transportation is required.

Internship Tasks:
Data entry, field research, attending training, community outreach, educational development, recruiting, creating promotional materials, hands-on experience, gardening or environmental maintenance, attending meetings, event planning, monitoring and evaluation, fundraising, direct contact with community members, conducting interviews, needs assessments, survey work, data collection, communication support (emailing, phone, promotional materials).

Project Description:
The Health Education and Training Center of Gainesville, Inc. (H.E.A.T.) offers a meaningful internship for students passionate about community service, public health, and event planning. Interns will engage primarily with the Bundle of Joy Diaper Distribution Program, which provides essential supplies and educational resources for families in need.

Intern responsibilities include creating flyers and educational materials, and participating in monthly diaper distribution events. Interns will also support community outreach through social media, monthly newsletter creation, event planning, community engagement, and promotional activities. This internship provides valuable hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and exposure to nonprofit operations, public health, marketing, and philanthropy.

7. Career Educator Mentorship Project

Lyfehouse (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Primarily remote; all duties can be conducted remotely or on-campus.

Internship Tasks:
Community outreach, educational development, creating promo’ materials, event planning, conducting interviews, comm’ support (email, phone, promo’ materials), social media.

Project Description:
This is a virtual, 5-hour-per-week internship that provides hands-on experience in content creation, research, podcast hosting, and youth engagement. As our Career Educator Intern, you’ll play a key role in helping LYFEhouse educate and inspire high school students by: Conducting Research on Career Pathways: Research a variety of careers and the various ways to pursue them; Create engaging digital resources (social media posts, infographics, guides) to help students understand career options and what they can do now to prepare for their future; Ensure that content is clear, youth-friendly, and tailored specifically to a high school audience. Podcast Hosting & Interviewing Professionals: Serve as a co-host for our upcoming podcast featuring interviews with professionals across various industries; Identify professionals to interview, prepare thoughtful questions, and conduct engaging interviews tailored for high school students; Assist with post-interview content creation, including social media clips, episode summaries, and highlighting key takeaways. Acting as a Brand Ambassador for LYFEhouse: Promote the Career Pathways Campaign by helping to build and grow our social media presence among high school students; Brainstorm creative and engaging content ideas that resonate with high school students and inspire them to think proactively about future careers; Share innovative ideas to increase engagement and extend our outreach to more students.

8. Catalyzing a Career in Research Administration

Department of Anesthesiology at UF

Internship Format:
SPRING ONLY. Both in-person and remote; all duties can be performed on campus or remotely.

Internship Tasks:
Literature review, data analysis, data entry, field research, attending training, community outreach, educational development, recruiting, creating promotional materials, hands-on experience, attending meetings, survey work, academic publishing/report writing, data collection.

Project Description:
A career in Research Administration is often discovered casually once working in an academic research institution. This program aims to present this high-demand career to UF undergraduates through mentorship and navigation of the sponsored research process.

Interns will gain knowledge in proposal development, compliance, and post-award management—essential skills for graduate school funding and career development. Students will tour labs, visit sponsored research offices, collect and analyze survey data, create products for departmental investigators, and potentially co-author a manuscript for publication. IRB training and other sponsored program-related training to access grant proposal development software and procedures will be required.

9. Center for Precollegiate Education and Training

Center for Precollegiate Education and Training at UF

Internship Format:
Primarily in-person; all internship duties will be conducted on-campus or remotely.

Internship Tasks:
Data entry, attending training, community outreach, educational development, creating promotional materials, communication support (emailing, phone, promotional materials), social media management.

Project Description:
The Center for Precollegiate Education and Training (CPET) provides STE(A)M programs for precollegiate students and teachers. Interns will assist with program planning, create promotional materials, manage social media platforms, and contribute to outreach efforts. Interns will need to complete required training prior to beginning internship duties.

10. Climate Collaboratory Project

Climate Collaboratory

Internship Format:
Primarily in-person with some remote components; internship activities will take place in community settings, schools, and collaborative workspaces.

Internship Tasks:
Community outreach, creative storytelling and script development, event coordination, youth engagement, interview production, basic video editing, presentation and visual design, and support for fundraising and sponsorship efforts.

Project Description:
The Climate Collaboratory coordinates a county-wide, intergenerational climate conversation through creative arts, storytelling, and public engagement. Interns will help facilitate a playful, hopeful collaborative storytelling project that brings climate action to life through musical skits, interviews, games, short videos, and community-based events. Building on recent work such as the Climate Festival—where youth introduced the Alachua County Climate Action Plan through performance—the project is preparing for significant expansion in 2026. Interns will support the development of a film documentary and online museum exhibition, assist with organizing events in homes, schools, and communities, and contribute to the creation of Our Climate Story (1776–2026 and Beyond) in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. The internship offers hands-on experience at the intersection of climate action, arts-based communication, and community organizing.

11. College PASS Project

The Education Equalizers Foundation (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Both in-person and remote; most duties are remote, but in Spring 2026 interns will assist with an off-campus brunch within the Gainesville community.

Internship Tasks:
Data analysis, data entry, community outreach, creating promotional materials, hands-on experience, attending meetings, event planning, direct community contact, conducting interviews, needs assessments, data collection, communication support (emailing, phone, promotional materials), social media management.

Project Description:
The Education Equalizer Foundation (EEF) empowers middle–through high school students and their families on the path to higher education. The college admittance process can be daunting and complex, particularly for scholars from underserved backgrounds. Our mission is to demystify this process and provide students with tools to gain admission and graduate successfully. Within our organization, the College PASS (Preparation, Access, Student Support) program supports high school seniors in gaining college access. With a renewed focus, this cohort guides a new generation of future healthcare leaders through hands-on experiences, skill-building, and powerful exposure to opportunities. ALP interns will gather data about scholars, research healthcare opportunities, support social media and marketing efforts, and assist with in-person experiences such as college tours, career field trips, and mentoring relationships with students. This exciting and rewarding experience allows interns to contribute meaningfully to a community organization working tangibly to help scholars access college, advocate for themselves, build community, and pursue careers. Check out our website: educationequalizers.org

12. Community Outreach & Branding the Scallop Republic Micronation

Scallop Republic Micronation, Inc. (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Primarily remote; all duties can be conducted remotely or on-campus.

Internship Tasks:
Data analysis, data entry, field research, community outreach, educational development, recruiting, creating promotional materials, hands-on experience, proposal writing, monitoring and evaluation, fundraising, direct contact with community members, conducting interviews, conducting needs assessments, website development, communication support (emailing, phone, promotional materials), project design, presentation design and presenting, social media management, grant writing.

Project Description:
The Scallop Republic Micronation is under environmental threat due to climate change and human impacts causing subsidence, erosion, and invasive species. Our nonprofit works to preserve environmentally sensitive coastal lands along Florida’s Nature Coast (Gulf through Pasco County). Interns will support public outreach campaigns through social media management, branding, graphic design, and developing community partnerships with environmental agencies, nonprofits, and businesses. Interns may also assist with responsible ecotourism promotion and website development. This project will utilize Social Identity and Diffusion of Innovations theories to promote the Micronation concept and conservation efforts. Help us combat natural and human threats to protect this unique area.

13. Ethics in the Public Sphere Project

Liberal Arts and Sciences at UF

Internship Format:
Primarily in-person; all internship duties will be conducted on-campus or remotely.

Internship Tasks:
Community outreach, creating promotional materials, attending meetings, event planning, direct contact with community members, academic publishing or report writing, presentation design and delivery, social media management.

Project Description:
Ethics in the Public Sphere is an interdisciplinary initiative that supports informed, civil, and open discussions on contentious public issues. Interns will assist with planning, organizing, and promoting events. Additionally, interns will conduct research on relevant issues or topics in collaboration with project mentors. You may also manage social media accounts, engage in outreach efforts on campus and within the broader community, and participate in activities aimed at expanding the initiative’s impact.

14. Florida Floodplain Management for Risk Reduction and Loss Prevention

Florida Floodplain Managers Association (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Primarily remote; all duties can be conducted remotely or on-campus.

Internship Tasks:
Data analysis, data entry, attending training, community outreach, educational development, creating promotional materials, hands-on experience, attending meetings, event planning, monitoring and evaluation, conducting needs assessments, survey work, data collection, website development, communication support (emailing, phone, promotional materials), project design, social media management, grant writing, mapping.

Project Description:
Did you know that flooding has become the most common and costly natural disaster worldwide? As you can imagine, the recent/recurring storms, increased development, and ever-changing climate in Florida have caused a growing need for effective floodplain management.

The Florida Floodplain Managers Association (FFMA at FLfloods.org) is working on a statewide project—Florida Floodplain Management for Risk Reduction and Loss Prevention—to help Floridians become more knowledgeable about and protected from floods. It’ll require timely, accurate information and strategic communication to reach broad and varied audiences. Whether big or small, floods from hurricanes or heavy rains can have devastating results if people and their property aren’t prepared for the impacts. Are you going to lead our next generation in building healthy, sustainable communities? That’s our goal as well! FFMA, a 501(c)(3) statewide volunteer organization, is offering internships for students to assist with all facets of our nonprofit’s goals. Our mission is to reduce risk and loss caused by floods, and that takes all kinds working together to create and maintain community engagement in holistic planning efforts. This includes public information campaigns, legislation advocacy, instructional design, professional development, and training for floodplain managers, engineers, building code officials, community planners, architects, contractors, insurance providers, and more. We could really use someone who wants to work in Public Relations and/or manage social media campaigns. We could also use another student well-versed in GIS to continue the project our current UF ALP intern is working on this term.

15. Insightful Analysis Solutions Project

Insightful Analysis Solutions (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Both in-person and remote. Off-campus duties at IAS office, less than two miles from campus (up 13th Street).

Internship Tasks:
Literature review, data analysis, data entry, attending training, attending meetings, proposal writing, monitoring and evaluation, direct contact with community members, conducting interviews, survey work, academic publishing/report writing, data collection, website development, communication support (email, phone, promotional materials), project design, presentation design and presenting, grant writing.

Project Description:
Insightful Analysis Solutions (IAS) collaborates with organizations to produce tailored findings, insights, and deliverables that are actionable, meaningful, and effectively utilized. Our experienced, multidisciplinary team uses scientific methods to offer comprehensive services including program development, needs assessments, research study design, grant funding proposals, polished communication materials, program monitoring and analytics, grant writing, and technical writing support. Interns will assist in synthesizing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data using statistical software (SPSS, SAS, R), and performing data cleaning, coding, and pilot tests. Interns will also assist with pricing analysis, obtaining state business licensure, project evaluation plans, grant development, client program enhancement, technical reports, literature reviews, transcription, and logic models. Confidentiality and data privacy training will be required once the internship begins. Would greatly appreciate a Statistics major or a student focusing on hard science.

16. Insect Vectors and Public Health

Entomology Department at UF

Internship Format:
Primarily in-person; all internship duties will be conducted on-campus or remotely.

Internship Tasks:
Data entry, hands-on experience, data collection.

Project Description:
Our team has collected mosquitoes from higher- and lower-income neighborhoods in Gainesville, Florida, using CDC light traps baited with CO₂ (dry ice) and Biogent (BG) traps baited with lure and CO₂. These samples were identified to the species level using a taxonomic key. Weekly, students will measure important mosquito functional traits such as wing length (dispersal trait), proboscis length, and body size (feeding traits) in the laboratory. Mosquito traits will be measured under the microscope following standard methodologies. We aim to measure traits for at least 20 adult mosquitoes per species (10 males and 10 females). These traits may affect mosquitoes’ abilities to find oviposition sites, disperse, and blood feed under field conditions. These training will be required to do with us when you start: General Biosafety – UF_EHS853_OLT; Chemical Hygiene Plan – UF_EHS869_OLT; Biomedical Waste General Training – UF_EHS851_OLT; Hazardous Waste Management – UF_EHS809_OLT.

17. KidzHack Project

KidzHack LLC (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Primarily remote; all internship duties will be performed on-campus or remotely.

Internship Tasks:
Data analysis, data entry, hands-on experience, attending meetings.

Project Description:
KidzHack creates innovative technology solutions to empower the next generation of leaders, critical thinkers, and global citizens. Interns will work alongside experienced designers and technologists to develop user-centered, impactful educational technologies tailored to young learners. Interns will select from specialized paths, each offering opportunities to gain practical experience. 1) Front-end Development and Implementation: Designing user-friendly interfaces and supporting platform integration. 2) Data Science and AI Integration: Working on machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and implementing AI-driven solutions. 3) Technical Documentation: Preparing detailed API documentation, installation guides, deployment manuals, “getting started” guides, and related software documentation. We seek adaptable, resourceful interns who are innovative problem solvers committed to youth empowerment. Interns will collaborate closely with mentors in a small, agile team environment. Progress will be measured weekly through task completion and sprint efficiency, culminating in final deliverables tailored to each intern’s chosen specialization.

18. Management of Muscular Dystrophy Research

Pharmacology & Therapeutics Department at UF (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Primarily in-person; all internship duties will be conducted on-campus or remotely.

Internship Tasks:
Literature review, data analysis, data entry, attending training, hands-on experience, attending meetings, event planning, communication support (emailing, phone, promotional materials), project design, presentation design and presenting.

Project Description:
Management of Muscular Dystrophy Research has two primary goals: 1) to learn how a research laboratory operates for the purpose of providing entry-level administrative, organizational, clerical, and technical support for muscular dystrophy research. And 2) to become proficient at conducting independent literature searches to communicate topic-relevant information to the laboratory PI, graduate students, and research staff. You would acquire experience in organizing and facilitating the flow of laboratory meetings. Interns must successfully complete a background check and research lab training prior to starting internship duties.

19. Music GNV Project

Music GNV (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Both in-person and remote; some tasks require interns to perform duties around the Gainesville community, typically downtown.

Internship Tasks:
Promoting/creating promotional materials, event planning, conducting interviews, survey work, data collection, social media management.

Project Description:
Music GNV is Gainesville’s premier nonprofit for independent musicians. We have a couple of major needs for which ALP interns could support us this upcoming year with: 1) Interviewing & Evaluation: Interns will collect responses from artists we’ve worked with over the past five years to assess impact and support future fundraising. And with 2) Social Media & Session Video Production: Interns will help manage our social media presence and contribute to video session production. See our YouTube channel for examples: youtube.com/@MusicGNV/videos. Would be awesome to get a couple of interns that have interest in music event production and/or video production and/or graphic design. Part of the internship will include helping organize a concert featuring Gainesville artists. Interns will be supported throughout this process.

20. Pleasant Street Historic Society Project

Pleasant Street Historic Society (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Both in-person and remote; some tasks require interns to perform duties off-campus at the AQ Jones Museum, approximately 4 blocks from campus.

Internship Tasks:
Community outreach, educational development, promoting/creating promotional materials, attending meetings, fundraising, direct contact and work with community members, conducting interviews, website development, communication support (emailing, phone, promotional materials), social media management, creating exhibits.

Project Description:
Founded in 1984, the Pleasant Street Historic Society is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and protecting the history of the Pleasant Street neighborhood and African American history in Gainesville, Florida. A central component of preserving this history is the renovation and repurposing of a historic home, the Smith-Griffin home, as a living history museum and cultural and educational center. Toward this end, we are undertaking fundraising efforts as well as developing programming and exhibits/artifacts for the home. Interns will be involved in developing marketing materials for our fundraising efforts, creating materials/artifacts for the museum, and enhancing our website and social media presence.

21. Respect Me Project

Respect Me (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Primarily remote; all internship duties will be performed on-campus or remotely.

Internship Tasks:
CData analysis, field research, educational development, attending meetings, survey work, data collection, website development, communication support (emailing, phone, promotional materials), project design, presentation design and presenting.

Project Description:
Respect Me educates Generation X and emerging talents on the job recruitment lifecycle through a structured mentoring program. Interns will support data collection and analysis, product development, and content creation, and will gain exposure to effective communication frameworks. This internship provides practical experience in project design and professional development strategies.

22. STEM by Design: Creating Future-Ready Middle School Kits & Courses

InSciStemify (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Primarily remote; all internship duties will be performed on-campus or remotely.

Internship Tasks:
Educational development, hands-on experience, attending meetings, project design, social media management.

Project Description:
InSciStemify, a STEM EdTech company, is revolutionizing how middle school students engage with science, technology, engineering, and math through interactive, hands-on kits and courses designed for enrichment programs nationwide. Interns will join a dedicated team in creating innovative STEM kits and digital lessons that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills for students ages 11–14. This project is ideal for students interested in STEM education, curriculum design, science, engineering, technology, math, product design, science communication, instructional technology, youth outreach, or EdTech entrepreneurship. It offers a unique opportunity to build tangible educational tools that impact students’ futures. Interns will gain practical experience, develop professional skills, and contribute meaningfully to reshaping STEM education for the next generation.

23. UnMask JOY Project

Xtraordinary JOY (Community Organization)

Internship Format:
Both in-person and remote; some tasks require interns to perform duties off-campus at Gainesville restaurants and shopping areas (approximately 2 miles from campus).

Internship Tasks:
Community outreach, educational development, recruiting, creating promotional materials, hands-on experience, event planning, fundraising, direct contact with community members.

Project Description:
Xtraordinary JOY is a nonprofit focused on funding research and outreach for ultra-rare chromosome disorders like Xq27–28 deletion. Typically, Xtraordinary JOY hosts three inclusive community events per year and participates in additional events supporting special needs populations. Interns should be outgoing and comfortable interacting directly with local businesses for fundraising purposes. The organization’s activities include raising awareness about conditions associated with Xq27–28 deletion disorder (autism, epilepsy, intellectual disability), fundraising, and creating inclusive community events for families with special needs. Summer and Fall interns will primarily assist in marketing the annual Masquerade Ball (scheduled for November 8, 2025), the largest fundraising event of the year. Responsibilities include outreach to businesses and individuals for donations, marketing efforts, and direct community engagement. Interns will also participate in the event itself. Spring interns will focus on developing educational graphics and promotional content for spring community events.

24. Sustainability Studies Internship

Sustainability Studies at UF

Internship Format:
In person, meetings in Anderson Hall.

Internship Tasks
Website maintenance, newsletter creation and distribution, community engagement, publicity, collaboration.

Project Description
The Sustainability Studies program is seeking interns to update, expand, and coordinate our communications and event planning. Desirable qualifications include an  interest in sustainability and environmental studies; knowledge (or willingness to learn) about website management and communications, including social media, programs like Canva, etc.; good written and oral communications skills; ability to work in a collegial, constructive way with partners at UF and in the larger community; ability to be self-directed and work independently. Research is also a possibility, especially related to technology.

25. Community Arts and Education Internship

Bailey Learning and Arts Collective

Internship Format:
In person, meetings in Santa Fe College office.

Internship Tasks
Community event planning and support, newsletter development, organizational and administrative assistance, data entry, basic accounting support, proofreading, social media management, digital and technical support, grant research, and general program maintenance.

Project Description
The Bailey Learning and Arts Collective, Inc. (BLAAC) is a grassroots community organization focused on building knowledgeable, self-sustaining, and socially responsible communities through education, partnerships, social entrepreneurship, and artistic expression. Interns will support the Queen’s Room Women’s Empowerment Program, a BLAAC initiative that provides a supportive space—described as a virtual “SHE Shed”—centered on self-love, healing, and empowerment. This internship is especially well suited for students comfortable with data entry, basic accounting, proofreading, social media, and general tech support. Interns will assist with planning and promoting community events, developing a semester newsletter, supporting ongoing organizational operations, and contributing to digital communication and outreach efforts. The internship includes hands-on involvement in major programming, such as a multi-day women’s wellness and self-care retreat, offering experience in event coordination, community engagement, and nonprofit operations.

26. H2OSAV: Water Savings, Analytics & Verification

Ag-Resource Efficient Communities Department

Internship Format:
Hybrid.

Internship Tasks
Policy and ordinance research, document review, communication with local governments, data organization, GIS-based mapping, and short-form technical reporting.

Project Description
H2OSAV (Water Savings, Analytics & Verification) is a UF/IFAS Extension program focused on achieving measurable water savings across Florida. A central component of the program’s work involves evaluating the effectiveness of water conservation measures mandated by city and county ordinances, such as limits on irrigable area or requirements for Florida-Friendly Landscaping™. Interns will contribute to this effort by researching local water conservation ordinances across Florida, documenting what measures are required, when they were implemented, and how they are enforced, including outreach to municipalities when needed. Building on research conducted by previous interns, the intern will also develop an interactive, expandable map that visually displays ordinance data statewide and prepare a brief report outlining the mapping methodology, instructions for future updates, and opportunities for further research or improvement. This internship offers hands-on experience in environmental policy analysis, applied research, and data visualization in support of real-world water conservation efforts.

27. Flood Resilient Communities

Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Internship Format:
Hybrid.

Internship Tasks
Applied research, community outreach, program evaluation, and support for grant development.

Project Description
The SSPA – Flood Resilient Communities project, housed within the UF/IFAS Extension Program for Resource Efficient Communities, focuses on advancing floodplain stewardship practices that reduce flood risk and support resilient community development. Interns will assist with applied research on flood risk reduction strategies, support outreach efforts with community partners, contribute to program evaluation, and assist with grant-writing activities. Through this work, interns will gain practical experience with resource-efficient planning, flood resilience, and sustainability-oriented environmental practices while contributing to real-world efforts to strengthen community preparedness and adaptation.

28. Youth Pathway Programs

College of Veterinary Medicine

Internship Format:
In-person.

Internship Tasks
Program planning and coordination, youth and community outreach, support for educational activities, and assistance with digital communication and promotional efforts.

Project Description
The Office of Student and Community Affairs at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine seeks an undergraduate intern to support its Youth Pathway Programs. This internship provides hands-on experience with program management and youth development in after-school and outreach settings. You will not work with animals. Interns will assist with planning and coordinating educational activities, supporting community engagement initiatives, and contributing to communication and outreach efforts. The position is ideal for students interested in education, youth development, or community-based programming. A DCF Level 2 background check is required prior to beginning internship duties. Also looking for someone who can develop digital educational resources.

29. Youth Mentorship Program

I Gotcha Back (IGB) Education

Internship Format:
Hybrid; interns will work both in person and remotely. In-person activities take place at IGB offices, partner school sites, or the YMCA, all within five miles of the UF campus.

Internship Tasks
Youth program support, curriculum and activity development, community outreach, data collection and basic analysis, program evaluation, event coordination, communication and promotional support, and assistance with fundraising and grant-related activities.

Project Description
I Gotcha Back (IGB) Education provides youth development and mentorship programs serving Alachua County. Interns will engage across IGB’s core initiatives, including mentoring programs, after-school enrichment, and summer camps, gaining broad exposure to nonprofit operations and youth-focused programming. Interns will support educational activities centered on financial literacy, socio-emotional development, critical thinking, and communication skills, while also assisting with program evaluation, outreach, and partnership building. Through hands-on involvement, interns will contribute to curriculum materials, media and communication products, assessment tools, and program documentation that directly support IGB’s mission to help youth “Dream Higher, Expect Greater, and Accomplish More.” This internship offers practical experience in youth development, education, community engagement, and nonprofit program design, while working with diverse populations in real community settings. A background check is required prior to beginning internship duties.

30. Health Literacy and Patient Portal Use Research

Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics

Internship Format:
In-person or remote

Internship Tasks
Literature review and synthesis, research data collection, eye-tracking analysis, usability and visual attention analysis, and support for scholarly research and publication.

Project Description
This internship examines how health literacy shapes patient engagement with digital health technologies, with a particular focus on patient portals such as Epic MyChart. Interns will support interdisciplinary research that combines systematic literature review methods with eye-tracking analysis to understand how patients with varying levels of health literacy navigate and visually engage with portal features. Responsibilities include screening and summarizing published studies, assisting with eye-tracking data collection, and contributing to analysis of user interaction and visual attention patterns. Interns will receive close mentorship throughout the project and gain hands-on experience in digital health research, usability analysis, and health information technology. Opportunities for co-authorship on resulting publications may be available.

31. Human-Centered Computing, Athlete Development, and Global AI Learning

Computer & Information Science & Engineering

Internship Format:
Hybrid; internship activities will include collaborative project work, independent production, and guided research and analysis.

Internship Tasks
Digital storytelling and video production, interviewing and content editing, social media publishing, survey and interview data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis, research synthesis, and presentation of findings.

Project Description
This interdisciplinary project combines digital storytelling, athlete development, and human-centered computing to examine how formative learning experiences shape personal, professional, and technical growth. Interns will work on two connected initiatives. The first focuses on producing short-form social media videos that highlight the success stories of former student-athletes, capturing how sports participation influenced their careers, values, and personal development. Interns will conduct interviews and produce engaging, platform-ready videos for outlets such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The second initiative examines outcomes from an AI-focused study abroad program for computer science majors. Interns will analyze survey and interview data to assess how immersive, global learning experiences influenced AI-related competencies, cross-cultural collaboration, and real-world application of technical skills. Together, these projects provide hands-on experience in digital media production, applied research, and human-centered analysis at the intersection of technology, education, and lived experience.

Final Notes

Thank you for exploring the Spring 2026 Active Learning Program project listings.

If you have questions about any of the projects or the application process, please contact:

Glen Billesbach, Coordinator & Instructor, Active Learning Program
Email: gbillesbach@ufl.edu