PCG is a great place for students from universities, seminaries, and other organizations to learn about education, advocacy, and public policy in a faith context. PCG has significant interest and skill in mentoring students and exposing them to the dynamics of faith and public life.

Internships at PCG provide opportunities to:

  • Engage a faith-based constituency in public policy advocacy, e.g., letter writing, visits with legislators, advocating at the Illinois General Assembly or the Chicago City Council
  • Learn about legislative process, particularly at the state level, including interactions with public officials and/or their staffs
  • Become informed about significant social justice issues, e.g., economic justice, education funding reform, criminal justice, environment, drug policy
  • Develop educational resources for use with clergy, laity, and community groups
  • Work in coalition with advocacy organizations and community groups
  • Participate in the day-to-day operations of a small, not-for-profit advocacy organization
  • Collaborate with dedicated and collegial staff experienced in working with interns

Recent field education students have participated in:

  • Researching and writing an analysis of the Cook County public health crisis
  • Developing a tool kit on faith and global warming for use in local churches
  • Assisting with the development of legislation on training pre-qualification for ex-offenders
  • Creating a theological perspective for churches’ engagement in re-entry issues
  • Organizing a faith-in-action day in Springfield for education funding reform
  • Coordinating a legislative outreach initiative with elected officials, including in-district visits

Internships at PCG are typically unpaid positions although most interns do earn academic credit for their work. On occasion, students receive modest stipends or fellowship grants from their universities, seminaries, or an independent organization, i.e., The Beatitudes Society, Lutheran Volunteer Corps.

You can get more information about field education opportunities at PCG by contacting Laura Dean Friedrich, Deputy Director, 312–673–3846.