Thank you for your interest! At this time, we are not taking applications but please check back for openings. 

To apply, please email jobs@ocie.wish.org

Be sure to connect with us on LinkedIn

Interns for Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire give their time and talents to help create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. All of our internships are unpaid; however, in return for their hard work and dedication, our interns receive valuable training, knowledge, hands-on non-profit work experience, a chance to meet others, and the gratification of making a difference in the life of a child.

Academic credit can also be provided for students (specific criteria/requirements of the student’s educational institution apply). All interns must be a current undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a university/college course within their internship semester (over the age of 18) with excellent written and oral communications skills, organizational skills, attention to detail, the ability to multitask and maintain confidentiality, computer proficiency, and a passion for the work of Make-A-Wish.

All internships are planned to be in-person at our Irvine office. 

Our interns assist in various areas of Make-A-Wish alongside staff and other volunteers. Below are the available internship opportunities.

The Wish Programs Intern (position based in Riverside) will assist with various facets of the Volunteer Services program and Wish department support. This will involve duties such as onboarding volunteers, database management, and supporting communication/outreach to wish families and/or the wish granting process.

Responsibilities: 

• Support onboarding processes by creating files and performing data entry of new volunteers and interns 
• Assist with Wish Granter and event specific volunteer training preparation
• Collaborate with chapter wish granters (volunteers) by providing resources to enhance the wish-granting process 
• Research and assist with facilitating volunteer recognition and engagement initiatives
• Work with the VP of Mission Delivery on as needed wish management tasks 
• Support communication between Wish department staff and families

The Development & Youth Programs Intern will assist with supporting donor communication efforts, fundraising, and promoting and developing materials for the Kids for Wish Kids (KFWK) and WishMakers on Campus (WMOC) programs. 

Responsibilities: 

• Development 
  • Learn development and fundraising aspects within and relative to a non-profit setting 
  • Conduct research on potential donors, foundations, and corporations in the local community 
  • Perform community outreach to promote Make-A-Wish's mission 
  • Preparing informational collateral to promote the organization, events, etc. 
  • Conduct research and outreach related to major projects, campaigns, and events 
• Youth Programs 
  • Create/design materials for Kids for Wish Kids (KFWK) and Wish Makers on Campus (WMOC) programs 
  • Build and strengthen relationships with local schools during the recruitment and onboarding process 
  • Coordinate event logistics related to youth engagement programs 
  • Assist with developing fundraising campaigns for Youth Programs 
  • Adhere to Make-A-Wish brand guidelines for all marketing assets 

The Event Intern will assist with event logistics and marketing communications for the Make-A-Wish OCIE signature events. This intern position will also assist with third party/external event coordination and communication. 

Responsibilities: 

• Assist in event and project management functions such as auction coordination 
• Strategically create assets for auctions for optimal marketing 
• Learn development and fundraising aspects within and relative to a non-profit setting 
• Conduct research and outreach related to major projects, campaigns, and fundraising events 
• Assist in the execution of marketing and communications plans for events 
• Participate in the creative process of event coordination by designing elements to elevate guest experience 
• Adhere to Make-A-Wish brand guidelines for all marketing assets 

To apply for an internship position, you must submit the following:  

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Intern Application Form

Applications will only be accepted within the open time frames listed below.

E-mail: internships@ocie.wish.org 

Please note that the dates below are subject to change. Based on a student's availability and school schedule, internships can begin or end before or after the dates indicated below. 

2026 ACADEMIC YEAR 

 
SUMMER 2026
Dates of program: Tentatively June 15 - August 21
Applications Accepted: April 6 - April 17  

  
FALL 2026
Dates of program: Tentatively September 7 - December 11
Applications Accepted: TBD (July)

Interns generally work between 8-10 hours per week. While these time frames work best for most students, all scheduling, including start/end dates and hours per week, is flexible and negotiated between the candidate and their supervisor.

All hired interns must successfully complete a background check and attend an orientation session prior to beginning their internship.  

Should you have any questions during the application process, please email internships@ocie.wish.org.