Apply to Florida Community Innovation
FCI is a civic-technology nonprofit. Students and volunteers build practical tools and research for Florida communities, in partnership with universities and local organizations. We build alongside the people who use what we make. We want a Florida where everyone can find trusted information and reach the services they need. Students are central to that work, and we pay them whenever we can.
You do not need every skill yet. If you are a first-generation student, or new to this, or a little anxious about getting started, that is fine. If you care and want to work hard, we will help you get going.
What you’ll do as an intern
Depending on your pathway, you might do policy research and literature reviews, write grants and blog posts, run social media, build partnerships, design user experiences, or write code for public tools. At the start you set learning goals with the team. Then you work on tasks that meet those goals while moving a project forward. You work about 10 hours a week and join a weekly stand-up on Zoom.
Three ways to apply
All three are for current students. You can apply to more than one. Public Affairs and Florida Resource Map interns each receive a $100 honorarium per semester. The other tech project roles are volunteer. UX intern applications are due August 31, 11:59 pm ET. Public Affairs intern applications are due September 20, 11:59 pm ET.
1. Public Affairs Intern — $100 per semester
Support FCI across research, writing, social media, and partnerships. Pick any combination of tracks: General Policy & Data Research, Social Media & Content, SHINE, Freedge, Florida Resource Map outreach, and Recyclepedia. You’ll build skills in policy research, literature review, data storytelling, copywriting, outreach, and partnerships. Term: Aug–Dec 2026, or Aug 2026–Apr 2027. Meetings: All-Team Wednesdays 6 pm ET and Public Affairs Thursdays 5:30 pm ET.
2. Web Developer / UX Intern (Florida Resource Map) — $100 per semester
Build the Florida Resource Map, a collection of more than 4,000 trusted resources across the state. We are running a major redesign and shipping smaller features along the way. Good fit if you want to grow in React, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, UX design, or AI/LLM development. Term: Aug 2026–Apr 2027 in two parts, about 10 hours a week. Meetings: weekly Wednesday stand-up.
Apply: Web Developer / UX Intern
3. Project Volunteer (all other tech projects) — Volunteer
For students who want to jump into another FCI project, from SHINE to the Gentrification Risk Assessment Tool and the rest of our work. Roles span data science, design, UX, media, outreach, engineering, and product. Time commitment is set with you and the FCI team, and you’re welcome at the Wednesday stand-up.
FCI projects
A look at the work you can join. Full write-ups live in our 2025 Year in Review and our handbook.
Flagship. Florida Community Resource Map (FRM): a statewide tool that helps social workers, nonprofits, and residents find food pantries, shelters, job resources, and more. Student-run, with 30+ students across teams. Pilot at floridaresourcemap.org.
Apps and tools. GoBituary, a digital humanities project on Miami City Cemetery funded by Florida Humanities. SHINE, a database and badge system that evaluates hotel anti-trafficking training under Florida Statute 509.096. Recyclepedia, iOS and Android recycling apps built with Miami-Dade County and Dream in Green. Gentrification Risk Assessment Tool (GRAT), an interactive GIS tool built by UF students in Gainesville’s historic Porters Community.
Research. IMPACTS, a randomized study of how ad messages influence sustainable behavior, funded by the Haskell Grant. Community Navigator, a customized FRM for community workers who help seniors, with UCF. ABLE Literature Review, a year-long review of employment barriers for people with disabilities. Mount Dora Community Trust Needs Assessment, analyzing ten years of grantmaking data and service gaps in North Lake County. University research partnerships with UMich, Georgetown, American, UCF, Rollins, UC Berkeley, and UF. Long-term R&D on nonprofit cybersecurity and on housing and zoning data.
Regional systems and science. EMERGE, a statewide environmental and public-health science program. THRIVE, a Central Florida collective-impact framework, along with the Closed Referral Work Group and the Nemours Ginsburg Institute. Catalyst, a data and nonprofit collaboration in Northeast Florida.
Community and events. Gainesville Community Fridge, a 24/7 free-access fridge with the Civic Media Center. Chengyu for Change, a bilingual environmental zine. CityCamp Gainesville, a civic tech unconference cohosted with QueerCoded @ UF. Community volunteering at Porter’s Farm, GRACE Marketplace, and Cedar Key.
Mentorship and partners. CodeGNV, a group of technology professionals who mentor FCI students. QueerCoded @ UF, a UF student organization for LGBTQ+ students in tech.
Fiscally sponsored. Tanit XR, preserving endangered Tunisian heritage through 3D scanning.
Completed, still public for learning. PATH App, Gainesville Data Walk (2023), Miami Climate Gentrification Data Walk (2024), and EveryVote (2024).
Questions before you apply?
Reach out any time. We’re happy to help you figure out which pathway fits, or talk through the work before you commit. Email info@floridainnovation.org.