2025 Summer Call for Applications

About Hikma Collective

The Hikma Collective is a social impact startup focused on driving inclusive and effective research impact. We work with scholars across disciplines to mobilize social and climate justice research for the public good through communication, partnership development, project design, and entrepreneurship.

Project Description

Co-Designing and Implementing a Digital Community Engagement Plan

April 2025 is the official publication date of Hikma founder Erica Machulak’s new book, Hustles for Humanists: Build a Business with Purpose. Hikma is in the process of creating a learning community and resource library that extend the book’s themes to the work of scholars and entrepreneurs. Hikma is recruiting an interdisciplinary group of graduate students to co-develop a digital storytelling strategy, integrate their narrative and instructional materials, and facilitate our learning community on new and existing virtual platforms.

The student will work with the following members of Hikma Collective.

• Erica Machulak (Founder): humanities PhD turned entrepreneur responsible for guiding the strategic vision of the work and providing creative and technical feedback on storytelling content.
• Ai Mizuta (Business Operations Manager): education PhD responsible for managing our logistics and marketing plans. Ai will monitor students' weekly progress and provide targeted feedback on work-in-progress.
• Heidi Rennert (Grant Development Specialist): humanities PhD candidate responsible for executing client projects and developing targeted marketing and learning content. Heidi will provide strategic feedback on narrative materials as appropriate.

The Hikma team (Erica, Ai, Heidi) meets weekly on Thursday afternoons to share updates and set strategic priorities. Students will participate in these meetings as well as targeted check-in meetings with Ai and Heidi focused on specific projects. Each student will have 2+ professional advising sessions with Erica to articulate their professional goals and explore opportunities to support those goals through their work at Hikma. Students may be invited to workshops and client meetings as appropriate.

Project Objectives

From May - August 2025, Hikma seeks to advance analysis and knowledge sharing focused on these themes:

• Co-create a shared, repeatable best practices guide for content sharing and accessibility
• Map public resources related to best practices in accessibility and communication for scholars, non-profits, and industry professionals
• Synthesize and curate existing Hikma resources to make them accessible to new and existing audiences
• Pitch learning content and storytelling strategies to expand our community of practice
• Produce new media (e.g. blog posts, podcast episodes, social media assets, visuals, videos, how-to guides) sharing stories, training materials, and learnings and processes from our collaborative work

What students will gain from this experience

Students will develop a range of storytelling, project management, editorial, market data analysis, accessibility best practices, and creative design skills as well collaborative approaches to inclusive and effective work in a team environment. This is a unique opportunity to work in a social impact startup environment at the crossroads of academia, industry, and the social sector. Students will gain firsthand experience working in a collaborative organization in the process of honing our mission, launching a book, and establishing a new direction for our training program and core services. Each student will design at least one, and likely multiple, creative and written outputs suitable for their professional portfolios and career goals. Hikma will work with you to shape a project that advances our objectives and aligns with your interests and skills.

Creative input: Hikma seeks to tell creative, dynamic stories through this project, and they welcome input from you on where your research, teaching, and design skills best align with their core objectives and narratives. You will have the opportunity to pitch and produce potential projects like infographics, videos, blog posts, lit reviews, webpage designs, and lesson plans that build on your existing strengths and allow you to deepen or expand your skill set. The Hikma team will provide feedback, mentorship, and amplification of the processes and outputs to support the portfolios and professional development of team members.

Ideal qualifications

Hikma is looking for students who can bring their unique scholarly lens, creative skills, and lived experience to our organization. Excellent written communication skills are essential. Hikma is open to shaping their storytelling content to align with candidates' unique technical and design skills.

Students who are comfortable working in a semi-structured environment with flexible but deliverable-oriented projects will be most successful in this environment. Students who are willing to think creatively about the potential applications of their current skills will thrive in this environment. Hikma wants to know how you see your unique lens and skill set augmenting their existing and potential projects. Willingness to adapt as new opportunities emerge is essential to working at a startup.

Ideally, candidates will have experience:

• Designing lesson plans and/or writing for public audiences, or willingness to learn
• Knowledge of programs like Google Slides, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, and other creative platforms
• Data analysis and program evaluation skills
• Experience working in a team environment

APPLY HERE

About Vancouver Local Immigration Partnership

The Vancouver Local Immigration Partnership (VLIP) is an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada funded community collaborative focused on developing and implementing local settlement strategies that coordinate and enhance service delivery to newcomers while promoting innovation and efficient use of resources. The VLIP goal is to activate strategies to assist newcomers in integrating into Vancouver life by supporting the sharing of community-based knowledge and local strategic planning, improving accessibility to services. The VLIP engages stakeholders with a concerted interest in supporting newcomers in Vancouver including employers, school boards, health centres, boards of trade, levels of government, professional associations, ethno-cultural organizations, faith-based organizations, and the community and social services sectors.

Project Description

Project 1: Gender Based Network

The Vancouver Local Immigration Partnership (VLIP) is developing a Gender-Based Network (GBN) to engage organizations and institutions working to advance gender equity and inclusion. This network will serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective action, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address systemic barriers, promote intersectional approaches, and create tangible policy and program changes.

VLIP seeks to place students in the following three positions:

Content Development & Advocacy

• Create gender equality-focused content, including articles, blogs, stories, videos, advocacy materials, and social media campaigns.
• Develop materials that integrate gender perspectives into other thematic areas (e.g., immigration, economic development, public policy).

Capacity Building & Resource Development

• Support the network by developing resources, such as reports, community-based needs assessments, and workshop materials.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange through webinars, discussion forums, and resource-sharing initiatives.

Network & Stakeholder Engagement

• Attend and actively contribute to Gender-Based Network as required.
• Participate in VLIP team meetings as required  Internship Term: November – Mid May- Early August 2025 Working Condition: Remote/Onsite (as needed) & Flexible hours Benefits: •A reference letter will be provided upon completion of tasks to recognize student for their efforts and achievements. •During the internship the student will have the opportunity to: -Participate in Gender Network meeting, research group activities and meetings. This participation can enhance the learning experience and provide with additional opportunities for networking and skill development. -Enhance their knowledge and expertise in field of gender, immigration and settlement. Please send your resume.

The student team(s) will be working with Koyali Burman, VLIP Director, who has a decade of experience working in the immigration and integration sector. Her area of interest includes migration, global diplomacy & governance, gender, and economic development. She has spoken about migration at various platforms and universities in Canada, US, and India. Recently she has been honoured with the United Nations Fellowship. She is a strategic collaborator and has experience in stakeholder management across sectors. Currently, she is the Co-Manager of the Vancouver Local Immigration Partnership. She holds a Master's in Higher Education from the University of British Columbia and a Leadership & Management Diploma. She holds various leadership positions on the board locally and internationally. She is an experienced evaluator & strategist who evaluated diverse programs using gender and equity lenses to develop gender-sensitive and economic development strategies for organizations/ institutions in Canada and Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

Project Objectives

Through this initiative, VLIP aims to:

• Facilitate cross-sector collaboration among service providers, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders.
• Provide capacity-building opportunities through training, resource sharing, and workshops.
• Promote inclusive and data-driven approaches to address gender-based disparities.

What students will gain from the experience

• A reference letter will be provided upon completion of tasks to recognize student for their efforts and achievements.
• During the internship the student will have the opportunity to participate in Gender Network meeting, research group activities and meetings. This participation can enhance the learning experience and provide with additional opportunities for networking and skill development. -Enhance their knowledge and expertise in field of gender, immigration and settlement.

Ideal qualifications

Education

Currently enrolled in a graduate program in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Sociology, Political Science, Community Development, Public Policy, Migration Studies, or a related field.

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience working on gender-related projects in research, policy, or program development.
• Understanding of research design, data collection, and analysis methodologies (both qualitative and quantitative).
• Experience developing research instruments such as surveys, interview guides, and focus group frameworks.
• Familiar with organizations in Vancouver and has knowledge or experience in gender-related data, immigration projects, or community development
• Knowledge of the immigration and settlement sector is an asset.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (French proficiency is an asset).
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality when working with partner agencies.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.

**Must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen residing in Metro Vancouver.

APPLY HERE

About Vancouver Local Immigration Partnership

The Vancouver Local Immigration Partnership (VLIP) is an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada funded community collaborative focused on developing and implementing local settlement strategies that coordinate and enhance service delivery to newcomers while promoting innovation and efficient use of resources. The VLIP goal is to activate strategies to assist newcomers in integrating into Vancouver life by supporting the sharing of community-based knowledge and local strategic planning, improving accessibility to services. The VLIP engages stakeholders with a concerted interest in supporting newcomers in Vancouver including employers, school boards, health centres, boards of trade, levels of government, professional associations, ethno-cultural organizations, faith-based organizations, and the community and social services sectors.

Project Description

Project 2: Community-Based Need Assessment

The Vancouver Local Immigration Partnership (VLIP) is conducting a community-based research project aimed at measuring the level of engagement with its Anglophone and Francophone partner agencies. This initiative will involve designing research instruments, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting the final reporting phase to provide insights and actionable recommendations for improving engagement strategies. The position requires someone living in Metro Vancouver and have been connected or worked with organizations in Metro Vancouver.

VLIP seeks to fill three student positions with the following responsibilities:

1. Research Design & Planning

• Assist the VLIP team and Council in developing the research framework, and instruments (e.g., surveys, interview guides) for assessing engagement levels.
• Conduct a review of relevant literature to inform research design.

2. Data Collection & Community Engagement

• Assist in conducting interviews, focus groups as per the research plan

3. Data Analysis & Reporting

• Compile and analyze quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate tools
• Prepare visualizations, summaries, and reports to communicate findings in an accessible format.
• Support the VLIP team in drafting sections of the final research report with recommendations.

4. Project Management Support

• Attend research project meetings when required
• Maintain organized records of all research activities, data to support project transparency and accountability.

What students will gain from the experience

• A reference letter will be provided upon completion of tasks to recognize student for their efforts and achievements.
• During the internship the student will have the opportunity to:
  • Participate in VLIP Council meetings and research group activities and meetings. This participation can enhance the learning experience and provide with additional opportunities for networking and skill development.
  • Enhance their knowledge and expertise in field of immigration and settlement.

Ideal qualifications

Education

Currently enrolled in a graduate program in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Sociology, Political Science, Community Development, Public Policy, Migration Studies, or a related field.

Research Skills

• Basic understanding of research design, data collection, and data analysis methodologies (both qualitative and quantitative).
• Experience in developing research instruments (e.g., surveys, interview guides) is an asset.
• Experience and knowledge about the immigration sector is an asset

Analytical Skills

• Ability to work with quantitative and qualitative data, including basic data analysis and visualization techniques.

Communication Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with proficiency in French (an asset).

Interpersonal & Organizational Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Capacity to maintain confidentiality when engaging with partner agencies.
• Attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines.

APPLY HERE

About Ada Analytics

Ada Analytics is a data analytics company dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations with advanced analytical tools for informed decision-making. Founded in 2021 by Dr. Ray Hsu, Ada Analytics has expanded its focus to serve the growing demand for advanced data analytics. The team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible with data analytics and to building innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. At Ada Analytics, they understand the transformative potential of data in driving strategic outcomes. They leverage big data, machine learning, and AI technologies to develop cutting-edge solutions that enable our clients to gain deep insights into market trends, consumer behavior, and more. Their commitment to excellence and innovation drives us to push the boundaries of what's possible in data analytics.

Project Description

AI Professional Development Skill Workshops for University Staff Overview

The project will explore the intersection of AI and humanities, particularly focusing on how writers and humanities professionals can contribute to and thrive in technology-driven environments. UBC has an interest in positioning itself as a leader in AI within higher education, and this project aligns with that vision by exploring AI’s role in education and its ethical implications.

The goal of this project is to develop a series of AI professional development (PD) skill workshops for university staff, starting with a pilot in the UBC Arts Amplifier office, with the potential to expand to other units, including the Association of Administrative and Professional Staff (AAPS), depending on interest. These workshops aim to empower UBC staff by introducing basic AI tools to enhance productivity, while also addressing key ethical concerns surrounding AI. The project will contribute to UBC’s broader AI strategy in higher education. Ada Analytics’ Role Ada Analytics will act as an industry partner for this project.

Ada Analytics is looking for 3 graduate students who will work closely with Ada Analytics to understand the specific needs of organizations like UBC, particularly regarding integrating AI into staff professional development. Ada Analytics will provide valuable guidance on industry best practices and insights into how AI can be effectively applied in workplace settings. This collaboration ensures that the workshops will be both grounded in real-world applications and aligned with UBC’s strategic priorities.

Key content areas

• Enhancing productivity with AI tools, such as improving email efficiency and automating repetitive tasks. Addressing ethical concerns surrounding AI, such as bias, privacy, and the responsible use of AI in the workplace.
• Ensuring the workshops are accessible and user-friendly, catering to varying levels of technological expertise among UBC staff.

Pilot and Expansion

The pilot will be conducted in the UBC Arts Amplifier office in July to gather real-world feedback and refine the content. Based on feedback, the workshops may be expanded to other departments or groups, potentially including AAPS, depending on interest and support.

Research & Data Collection Research Focus

Assess staff PD needs, current AI perceptions, and existing AI initiatives at UBC. Analyze feedback from the pilot session in the Arts Amplifier office, identifying areas for improvement. Collect data on the role of international students in AI-related workplaces and explore opportunities for more inclusive funding pathways.

Project Objectives

• Conduct research on UBC staff’s professional development needs, perceptions of AI, and existing AI offerings at UBC.
• Collaborate with Ada Analytics to generate insights into how AI can meet the needs of organizations like UBC and develop a workshop outline focusing on practical AI skills (e.g., improving email efficiency) and addressing ethical concerns.
• Pilot the workshop in the UBC Arts Amplifier office in July, gather feedback, and refine the content for broader implementation.
• Explore the possibility of expanding the project to additional units (such as AAPS) depending on interest, with a target for January/February, aligned with PD fund expiration.

Key Deliverables

• Research report on current AI use, staff PD needs, and ethical concerns.
• Workshop outline and materials for a 60-hour program, developed in collaboration with Ada Analytics.
• Pilot session in the Arts Amplifier office, followed by feedback analysis and content refinement for potential wider rollout.

Timeline

• Project Work: May - August
• Pilot Launch in Arts Amplifier Office: July, allowing time for feedback and adjustments
• Potential Expansion to AAPS or Other Units: Subject to interest, with potential workshop rollout in January/February
• Potential Fall Internship Extension: Ongoing, depending on student interest

What students will gain from this experience

• Practical Experience in AI & Professional Development: Hands-on experience designing and piloting an AI workshop tailored to professional staff needs.
• Industry Collaboration: Exposure to real-world applications of AI through engagement with Ada Analytics, an industry partner specializing in AI strategy and ethical implementation.
• Networking & Professional Growth: Opportunities to connect with university staff, researchers, and external organizations interested in AI and professional training.
• Workshop & Curriculum Design Skills: Experience in educational program development, instructional design, and stakeholder engagement.
• Research & Data Analysis Expertise: Conducting needs assessments, analyzing participant feedback, and making data-driven recommendations for refining the program.
• Potential for Expansion & Further Opportunities: A successful UBC pilot could pave the way for broader adoption, including opportunities to scale the workshop model to institutions like Simon Fraser University (SFU) or other organizations.

Ideal qualifications

• Research & Analysis: Ability to conduct needs assessments, analyze data, and synthesize findings into actionable insights.
• Workshop & Curriculum Development: Experience in instructional design, educational program development, or structuring learning materials is highly valuable.
• Event Planning & Facilitation: Strong organizational skills to help plan and execute the pilot workshop, including logistics, scheduling, and participant coordination.
• Writing & Communication: Excellent writing and editing skills to produce clear, engaging workshop materials, reports, and summaries.
• AI Awareness & Ethical Considerations: While deep technical expertise is not required, familiarity with AI applications and ethical considerations (such as bias, privacy, and accessibility) will be useful.
• Tools & Programs: Data collection & analysis: Google Forms, Excel, or survey tools like Qualtrics.
• Presentation design: PowerPoint, Canva, or equivalent. Communication & collaboration: Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace.

A successful candidate for this role would be:

• Curious and adaptable, eager to explore AI’s impact in workplace environments.
• A strong communicator, capable of synthesizing complex ideas into accessible workshop materials.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively with industry partners like Ada Analytics. Interested in professional development and training design.
• Open to engaging with stakeholders to understand organizational needs.

Students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds—including education, communications, humanities, business, and technology—could all bring valuable perspectives to the project.

APPLY HERE

About Writing Short is Hard Consulting

Writing Short is Hard Consulting Company provides writing and editing support to academics and artists, with a focus on journal articles, grant applications, and tenure and promotion dossiers. They also sell resources and training to academics, artists, editors, consultants, and other independent professionals. At Writing Short is Hard, the vision is for a university system and civil society in which high-quality creative and research work is valued, accessible, broadly shared, and appropriately measured and compensated. They recognize that high-quality creative and research work has not traditionally been understood as rigorous or prestigious, and we reject the conventional metrics as well as the unwritten rules that work against diversity and inclusivity in both academia and arts systems.

In support of this vision, their mission is three-fold:

1. To provide high-quality services and products that support academics and artists in getting their work recognized, understood, funded, and published
2. To support, develop, and share tools, resources, and information that enhance accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusivity in both academia and the arts
3. To provide high-quality training and products that enable editors, consultants, and other independent professionals to provide services in support of academics and artists. Their values are openness, co-operation, collaboration, and environmental resilience.

The student teams would work with Letitia Henville (she/her) is a book nerd, bad swimmer, and the author of the monthly academic writing advice column "Ask Dr. Editor.” She specializes in editing for faculty members in the health sciences, education, social sciences, and humanities, with a special focus on grant applications and tenure and promotion dossiers.

Project Description

Writing Short is Hard is looking for graduate students to work on the following projects.

Project 1: Course Development of “Advanced Academic Style”

1. Back in 2022, they had an intern begin but not finish the development of an online course called “Advanced Academic Style.” They would love for a CCP to review what has already been drafted as course content, review recent pieces for my column that relate to academic style (plus also some chapters of relevant books by other authors), co-develop a new outline for the course, and write new materials in missing sections. As a part of this project, the student would be enrolled for free in the 8-week summer session of “Becoming a Better Editor of Your Own Work.”
2. A written report + updates to an online course. Unfortunately none of these materials will be publicly available, which means the student will not be able to put the report in your portfolio as an example of your accomplishments. They would be open to the CCP co-writing a blog post (or series of posts) for their blog about the student's experience doing this work; those would be publicly available.
3. Participation in the online course May 5 to June 27; workback plan or gantt chart with milestones due May 14; annotated bibliography due May 31; draft course outline + report June 11; subsequent deadlines of the student's choice for new material for course.
4. The student will have substantial input in determining the content of the course, with guidance from me as to what counts as ‘advanced style’.
5. Analysis, writing, and developing educational materials.

Project 2: Updates to online course, “Editing Academic Research Grants in Canada”

1. Back in 2021, they wrote and published an online course for editors in Canada, called “Editing Academic Research Grants.” This year, they are working on a book for UBC Press called How to Write and Win Research Grants in Canada: A Handbook for Scholars. The student team would review the course, the book manuscript, and some related materials from the column that I write for University Affairs, and then develop a report with suggested changes to the online course.
2. A written report + updates to an online course. Unfortunately none of these materials will be publicly available, which means the student will not be able to put the report in their portfolio as an example of their accomplishments. Depending on the group’s capacity, there may also be the option to write blog posts about the six coaches, drawing on existing writing or on interviews.
3. Workback plan or gantt chart with milestones due May 14. Report due July 15; preliminary revisions to online course due August 15; final course revisions due Aug 29.
4. They are looking for students who will bring their curiosity and their critical eye to the course, to identify modules in which clarity is needed or updates should be added. Experience applying for research grants in Canada (e.g. the SSHRC doctoral or masters grant) is NOT required. The student team's ideas will shape the report, which in turn will inform the changes that are introduced into the course.
5. 5) Analysis, writing, and developing educational materials.

Project 3: Expanding of “Editing After Academia”

1. Back in 2023, an intern published a series of interviews with former academics who are now editors, called “Editing After Academia," which were subsequently developed the website editingafteracademia.com. The website profiles former academics who are now editors who are willing to do informational interviews with current graduate students who are considering pursuing a career in academia. The objective of this project would be to develop written materials to promote the website. the student might interview editors to write more blog posts; host a panel event to help more prospective editors learn about their options; pitch an article to Inside Higher Ed (For example, see: https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/career-advice/2024/09/16/former-professor-recommends-becoming-academic-editor-opinion).
2. Blog posts; an online panel discussion, likely to take place in late June; one or more articles to pitch to Inside Higher Ed or Times Higher Education.
3. Workback plan or gantt chart with milestones due May 14. Panel discussion to be hosted in late June. Bi-weekly deadlines for work-in-progress.
4. Developing ideas for promoting and marketing the website.
5. Writing, organizing and hosting a simple online event. Possible interviews.

Project 4: Developing Marketing Materials

1.  A review of existing materials (e.g. courses, webinars) and develop blog posts or articles for publication (e.g. in University Affairs, Inside Higher Ed, or Times Higher Ed) that help potential clients to understand the services and courses offered. Together, the students would take one or more of the courses and watch (or read the transcript of) one or more of their webinars, and develop written materials that help to share what this training is about. Here is an example of a writing piece.
2. Written materials (blog posts or publications) that describe the kind of work being done; possible case studies featuring the experiences of previous trainees (which may require interviews); possible blog posts about coaches for “Becoming a Better Editor of Your Own Work” or “Editing Academic Research Grants in Canada” (or both)
3. Participation in their online course “Becoming a Better Editor of Your Own Work” May 5 to June 27; workback plan or gantt chart with milestones due May 14; subsequent deadlines to be determined by the CCP in consultation with Letitia.
4. Writing, interviewing, creating simple graphics in Canva.

What students will gain from this experience

Through these projects, the student may increase their subject matter expertise in a specific aspect of academic writing or in managing and sustaining an independent business in the long-term. Many of the projects also involve pitching and, if successful, writing for publication in non-academic venues such as Inside Higher Ed.

Ideal qualifications

Students who are highly motivated, regardless of their background. Students who want to get into editing or grantwriting or research support or entrepreneurship. Depending on the project, the student may need to use software including Teachable (an online course management system), WordPress, or Canva. The student team will collaborate using project management software of their choice and a Google Drive account.

This community partner especially encourages applications from students from equity-deserving backgrounds, including neurodivergent students and students with invisible disabilities or differences.

APPLY HERE

About CICA Vancouver Centre of International Contemporary Art Society

CICA Vancouver is committed to fostering artistic dialogue and community engagement through our multidisciplinary exhibitions and programs. With a focus on inclusivity and representation, we provide a platform for both established and emerging artists to share their stories and perspectives. Our seasonal exhibitions, along with special programs, offer diverse audiences the opportunity to explore contemporary art in a welcoming and accessible environment. Over the past two years, CICA Vancouver has proudly showcased the works of esteemed artists such as Javier Calleja, Andrea Joyce Heimer, and Rashid Johnson, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of Vancouver.

Engagement and accessibility are two major goals CICA Vancouver strives to achieve. CICA aims to enrich education through art and facilitate the development of cognition, creativity and critical thinking for learners of all ages. So far, they have partnered with eight local schools, from kindergarten to universities and private to public. They organize school tours and art workshops for children and families to unleash their creativity while bringing a diverse framework into education. For art enthusiasts who want to pursue an artistic career, this program will provide them with a platform to get to know various professional practices and continuously navigate the art industry.

Furthermore, CICA organizes meaningful artist exchanges, panel discussions, and multidisciplinary events to enhance the community's engagement with the arts. CICA Vancouver also supports the research, documentation and career of recently emerging, growing and established artists. The documentation and archive will put a special emphasis on artists and works that examine visual culture representative to the young generations and engage in the discussion of issues relevant to their everyday life. The archives will be made available online to facilitate further study and research of the artists. Through the medium of physical or e-publications, photographs, videos and other physical documents, CICA aims to enhance the accessibility and dissemination of these histories and ideas. To see all of exhibitions, please visit: https://cicavancouver.com/

CICA is looking for three graduate students to work with:

• Viahsta Yuan, Chief Curator: Viahsta leads the team, directing the organization's activities and overseeing artist selection and exhibition curation.
• Saghi Ehteshamzadeh, Associate Curator: Saghi assists with exhibitions and events curation and logistics, as well as managing special events.
• Dyana Kim, Marketing Coordinator: Dyana handles all marketing and outreach efforts for the organization.

Project Description

1. Exhibition Review, Critical Articles, and Press Releases

The student team will collaborate with our curatorial team to conduct in-depth research on current and upcoming exhibitions, gaining firsthand insight into the exhibition process. Students will have the opportunity to write exhibition reviews and critical articles, analyzing the artistic themes, curatorial decisions, and broader cultural impact of each showcase. Additionally, participants will have the chance to interview exhibiting artists, deepening their understanding of artistic practices and perspectives. To further develop their writing and publishing experience, students will be strongly encouraged to submit their articles to art-related magazines and journals. The CICA team will provide guidance throughout the submission process to help refine and position their work for publication. Beyond critical writing, students will also collaborate with the Marketing Coordinator to craft compelling press releases that announce upcoming exhibitions. These press releases will capture the essence of each showcase, aiming to attract media attention and engage the public.

Project Outcomes:

• Potential publication in art magazines and journals
• Featured press articles
• E-publication on CICA Vancouver’s website

2. Marketing Campaign Development & Implementation

The student team will take the lead in developing marketing strategies for CICA’s upcoming exhibitions and projects. This involves conducting audience research, crafting key messages, and developing comprehensive marketing plans. Students will also gain hands-on experience creating social media content, email campaigns, and other promotional materials to enhance public engagement. Working closely with the Marketing Lead, students will learn about key marketing metrics and best practices, applying their knowledge to real-world campaigns. Additionally, they will gain practical experience in utilizing digital advertising tools such as Google Ads, Instagram Ads, and other online marketing platforms.

Project Outcomes:

• Practical experience in developing and implementing a marketing plan
• Exposure to digital advertising tools and audience engagement strategies
• Portfolio-ready marketing content and campaign materials

3. Educational Content Development

Students will contribute to the development of educational materials for CICA Vancouver’s Creative Learner Program, a program designed to provide engaging and introductory art education for students between Grade 9-12. As part of this project, students will research and design instructional resources, including lesson plans, workshop guides, presentations, and educational videos. They will explore contemporary art practices, exhibition-making, and critical thinking methodologies to create content that is both informative and inspiring for students. Additionally, the students team will have the opportunity to assist in developing hands-on activities and discussion prompts that encourage creative exploration. By participating in this initiative, students will gain valuable experience in curriculum development, arts education, and program planning. They will also collaborate with artists and educators to refine their teaching materials and ensure they align with the learning needs of high school students.

Project Outcomes:

• Practical experience in arts education, curriculum design, and instructional material development
• Portfolio-ready educational materials demonstrating skills in research, content creation, and pedagogy
• Potential opportunities to assist in delivering workshops or educational sessions, gaining firsthand experience in arts instruction.

What students will gain from this experience

• Experiential Learning: Students gain hands-on experience operating and managing an art gallery, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations and develop crucial skills for their future careers.
• Exposure to Art Curation: Through their involvement with CICA Gallery, students can learn about the curation process, including selecting artists, organizing exhibitions, and managing gallery space, providing them with valuable insight into the art curation industry.
• Networking Opportunities: Engaging with CICA Gallery exposes students to a network of artists, curators, and professionals within the art community, offering valuable networking opportunities that may lead to future collaborations or employment prospects.
• Professional Development: Participating in this internship can enhance students' professional skills, including communication, teamwork, and project management.
• Exposure to Gallery Operations: Students gain practical experience in gallery operations, including event planning, marketing, and audience engagement, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of gallery management.
• Community Engagement: By participating in CICA Gallery's events and exhibitions, students have the opportunity to engage with the local community and contribute to the cultural enrichment of the area, fostering meaningful connections and partnerships.
• Contribution to Cultural Impact: Through their work with CICA Gallery, students play a role in promoting cultural exchange and artistic expression, contributing to the broader cultural landscape and fostering positive social impact through the arts.

Ideal qualifications

• Passion for the arts and an appreciation for the organization's mission to promote cultural exchange and artistic expression within the framework of a non-profit organization.
• Creativity, innovation, and an interest in bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to the table.
• Communication skills, written and oral.
• Teamwork and an interest in collaborating with staff and and volunteers to ensure the success of exhibitions and events.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• A commitment to community engagement.
• Basic knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office would be an asset.

The ideal candidate for this internship is a highly motivated student in the UBC Faculty of Arts with a background in art history, visual arts, cultural studies, creative writing, media studies or education. This opportunity bridges academic research with hands-on experience in the arts sector, making it ideal for students pursuing careers in museums, publishing, marketing, or arts administration.

Students with strong research and writing skills will benefit from the Exhibition Review, Critical Articles, and Press Releases role, gaining experience in exhibition analysis, artist interviews, and publishing. This experience is essential for those pursuing careers in arts journalism, curatorial research, or academic publishing, as it allows them to develop a professional writing portfolio and understand the editorial and submission processes for art publications.

Those interested in audience engagement will find the Marketing Campaign Development & Implementation role valuable, as it provides practical training in strategic marketing, digital advertising, and social media promotion. This role will help students build a strong foundation in arts marketing and communications—key skills for those considering careers in cultural promotion, branding, or social media management.

Meanwhile, students passionate about education will thrive in the Educational Content Development role, developing lesson plans and interactive materials for high school students, gaining hands-on experience in arts education and curriculum design. Beyond building specialized skills, all roles offer collaboration with curators, artists, and marketing professionals, providing valuable industry exposure. This internship will enhance students' portfolios and resumes while equipping them with communication, project management, and strategic thinking skills essential for careers in the arts and beyond.

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About First Nations Technology Council

The First Nations Technology Council is an Indigenous-led non-profit organization mandated by First Nations leadership in British Columbia to serve all 204 First Nations across the province. Since 2002, we have been advancing digital equity by improving connectivity, enhancing digital skills, and providing strategic guidance on data and digital technologies.

The students would be working closely with Lindsay Street, Manager of Research Projects, at the Technology Council. Lindsay leads research projects, working closely with the wider External Relations team to develop meaningful insights that inform the delivery of our training and provide accessible and relevant research to First Nations communities across BC. Lindsay brings a background in community-led research and evaluation and has worked with Graduate Students previously to provide learning and development opportunities that are hands-on and grounded in meaningful change.

Project Description

Many First Nations communities rely on low-tech solutions, limiting governance, economic development, and business processes. To address this pertinent issue, the First Nations Technology Council is currently in the discovery phase of a large, multi-year project that will leverage research-informed data to develop AI courses, a prompt library, and a toolkit to support out-of-the-box AI adoption, fostering self-determined digital transformation. The discovery phase is currently underway, with research being conducted to understand AI awareness, use, challenges, and priorities for AI adoption across First Nations Band Councils, government and economic development corporations.

Alongside this work, we are looking for UBC students to conduct two environmental scans that explore:

1. Existing AI training, tools and resources to help Indigenous communities and/or governments. This could either be training, tools and resources that are specifically made for Indigenous communities or are designed to support the type of work that takes place in First Nations band councils, governments, economic development corporations and Indigenous-owned businesses.
2. Perceptions of AI, particularly focused on Indigenous people in BC if research is available and broadening to Canada or internationally if needed. This could explore elements of OCAP and data sovereignty, including perceptions from a community and individual perspective.

These environmental scans will help uncover what currently exists, what’s working, and where there are gaps, ultimately guiding the development of culturally relevant educational resources. We anticipate that this work will take place between mid-May and mid-August. We are interested in bringing together academic research, grey literature and interviews with experts in the field.

Project Objectives

The outputs should include:

• A short report for each environmental scan which will inform the project planning for the delivery phase of this work.
• Up to three web pages that will share the findings from the research in an accessible format to our target audience.

What students will gain from this experience

Students can expect to gain experience working closely with an Indigenous-led non-profit organisation, connect with organizations as part of the expert interviews and co-author a report that will be published on the Technology Council website.

Ideal qualifications

FNTC is looking for students that are highly skilled in writing, analysis and breaking down complex topics. It would be ideal if students had an understanding of the applications of AI, the delivery of digital skills education or training and/or experience working with Indigenous communities.

For a student to be successful in this role, they must be interested in the topics of the environmental scans, be willing to learn new things, feel comfortable identifying actionable findings and be able to write accessibly.

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