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The Reading Initiative

Deadline

The Reading Initiative Internship

Deadline: 1/7/26

The Reading Initiative, a faculty-led project of the English Department and the University of Arizona is seeking 1-3 Program Development Interns who have strong collaboration and teamworking skills and are passionate about advancing and advocating for the practice and skill of reading.  These interns will be responsible for helping to research, plan, facilitate, and market events and special projects for the Reading Initiative.

In the Spring of 2026, the Reading Initiative will be implementing multiple projects, including (a) developing a distraction-free reading lab for students and reading researchers; (b) putting on extracurricular reading events both on campus and off; (c) organizing a multi-university study of reading habits of college students.

Duties may include:

  • Attending meetings of the Reading Initiative
  • Writing copy for public advertising
  • Researching reading programs and events for inspiration/alignment
  • Interfacing with community-based organizations about programming
  • Marketing via digital and analog platforms
  • Document editing
  • Administrative tasks, including meeting minutes and memos
  • Calendar management, scheduling
  • Assisting with event coordination and implementation

Reports to:

Interns will report to either Paul Hurh or Johanna Skibsrud, Directors of the Reading Initiative

Requirements:

Interns must be a sophomore or higher in English, Creative Writing, Professional and Technical Writing, or related discipline. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary, and a background in reading is desirable. 

Hours:

Interns will work 8 hours a week for the 16 week semester (or the equivalent to 128 hours total).

Compensation: 

Currently, the Reading Initiative is operating unfunded, so there is no monetary compensation available. This internship carries the instructional credit of 3 units.

Application Process:

Please send a cover letter (1 page) indicating your interest, and writing sample (2-5 pages, an academic essay from a previous class is appropriate) to Paul Hurh at jphurh@arizona.edu.  Files must be word or pdf documents.  Please use “Reading Initiative Internship” in the subject line.  We will reach out to individuals to set up interviews by email.

Application Deadline: 1/7/26

Interviews Period: 1/12-1/16

Confirmations and enrollment will be made in the first week of classes and the internship will begin at that time.