Humans of San Quentin — Intern Program
More than two million people are incarcerated in the United States. Most of their stories go untold.
Our intern program exists to change that.
Humans of San Quentin is a humanitarian nonprofit that shares the lives of people inside prison with the outside world. Founded in 2017 by educator Diane Kahn and senior editor Juan Haines inside San Quentin, what began as a small project has grown into a national — and international — conversation, reaching audiences through stories, art, poetry, podcasts, and video.
Our interns don't shadow or observe. They contribute directly to a living, active storytelling organization that reaches audiences across the country and around the world. From the first week, you are part of a team that believes every human life has a story worth telling — and that publishing those stories creates real, measurable change.
"Our interns consistently tell us that their time here reshapes how they see the criminal justice system, the people inside it, and their own capacity to do meaningful work."
What interns do
Interns take on real responsibilities that directly advance our mission, including:
- Corresponding with incarcerated writers and supporting their submissions
- Managing social media channels and publishing content to our website
- Designing and producing newsletters and zines
- Supporting grant research and writing
- Contributing to fundraising and donor outreach
- Working on our annual Impact Report
- Writing letters to lawyers and parole boards on behalf of incarcerated individuals
- Supporting our intern-run Finance Department with real organizational budgeting and tracking
Two program tracks
We offer two distinct tracks depending on where you are in your academic journey.
High school
Rising Sophomores & Juniors
College
Any Undergraduate Year
Students with a dedicated free period during the school day are given first priority. Virtual and remote participation is not available. Because of the consistency this role requires, students with year-round, high-demand extracurricular schedules may find it difficult to meet our expectations.
Where interns go
Many of our alumni go on to careers in law, social work, journalism, public policy, and advocacy — carrying with them a perspective on the criminal justice system that cannot be taught in a classroom. Interning at HoSQ means joining a team where one third of our members live behind bars, and where the stories you help publish reach prisons and readers around the world.
Inspired by the compelling stories of people inside, our interns report feeling a lasting motivation to continue advocating for the rights of incarcerated persons long after their time with us. Meet our interns →
How to apply
Our next application cycle opens for Fall 2026. Send the following to us before the August 7 deadline:
- Resume — include relevant coursework, activities, or work experience
- Cover letter — tell us why you're drawn to this work and what you hope to contribute to our mission
- Headshot — a clear, recent photo in any format
We review materials after the deadline and reach out to schedule interviews with candidates who are a strong fit.
hi@humansofsanquentin.com
