Find Your Future
Are you interested in learning about high demand industry and leadership opportunities in rural communities in Oregon?
Oregon companies can do a better job of offering paid internship opportunities in leadership roles to build a workforce that is more representative of the youth from those communities, and ELI is here to help. We believe the best way to retain local talent and provide opportunities for youth to build roots in the rural communities they are from is through diversity and opportunity.
Our internship program is looking for talented low income youth from rural communities who want to help Oregon’s leadership landscape and lead in their home community.
Who We're Looking For
Current college students of Oregon who are Pell Grant eligible and are from rural communities in Oregon, and who’ve graduated within the last year
Get as Much as You Give
Find an Emerging Leaders
summer internship in:
– Marketing & Communications
– Tech
– Operations & Projects
– People & Engagement
– Finance & Accounting
– Business & Entrepreneurship
– . . . and more!
We’re there from day one to help you with the application process as you advance toward the mock interview. Applicants who advance to phase two will be invited to this event designed to build your skills, help you gain experience and grow your network. You will be able to practice your interview skills with professionals and receive feedback on the spot.
Get Experience + Get Paid
Your work, your skills, your time, your creativity–all are valuable. That’s why ELI internships are paid. Work full-time on meaningful projects that will help both you and your host company grow.
Community + Network
ELI is a connection point for young, diverse local leaders. Meet peers in the ELI family who will be there to support and inspire you through the summer and beyond. ELI gives you the opportunity to interact with professionals, make connections, and establish mentors as you shape your professional career path.
Support + Professional Guidance
Your ELI internship includes mentoring within your host company as well as a series of professional development workshops during the summer and gatherings with your fellow Emerging Leaders. The ELI staff is your resource to answer questions and provide support and encouragement.
Hear From Our Emerging Leaders
“The new skills I got exposed to as well as the numerous extremely rewarding connections I made with talented individuals along the journey.”
—Nabil, Lithia Motors
“There were a lot of opportunities to work on me and develop my skills.”
—Japhety, Ride Report
“I was able to take an internship that was aligned with my career path and be paid a livable wage.”
—Sabrina, Oregon Environmental Council
“The EL program has deeply impacted me in the most positive way. Most important is the community I have found. This is a community of peers and mentors that challenged and encouraged me every step of the way. I know that the connections I have made within this community will follow me throughout my whole career.”
—Lily, Wieden+Kennedy
“The most valuable thing Emerging Leaders has provided me with is an opportunity to get my foot in the door. Emerging Leaders gave me a shot to prove myself by connecting me to an internship. I made the absolute most out of my internship and I’ve gained so many valuable skills that will set me up for a great start in my career.”
—Osbaldo, Viewpoint, A Trimble Company
Next Steps For Interns
Tentative ELI 2023 Timeline
Application Opens
Fall 2022
Intern Application Deadline
January 16, 2023
Mock Interview Event
Session A/B: Feb. 25
Session C/D: March 4
Company Interviews
April 1–30
Company Offers Due
By April 30
ELI intern Orientation
Early June (TBA)
Southern Oregon Affiliate: Project Youth +
Our Offices
Grants Pass Office:
789 NE 7th St.
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Medford Office:
33 N. Central Ave
Medford, OR 97501
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