Catalyst Internship - Summer 2025

NCC is a distinguished 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a 65-year legacy of providing vital services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Our organization offers three core programs designed to empower individuals of all ages to live, grow, work, and thrive. The Early Learning and Early Intervention Center provides inclusive educational services for children, both with and without disabilities, ages zero to five. The Community Support Services Residential Site Program helps adults with disabilities, ages 18 and older, live independently in the community, supported by residential teams that assist with daily living needs and foster self-sufficiency. Additionally, the Community Support Services Day Program enables adults with disabilities to develop life skills, explore new interests, pursue careers, build relationships, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Location: Washington, D.C./Silver Spring, Maryland (hybrid: 1 remote and 4 in-person days per week)

Duration: June 16 - Aug 8, 2025 (8 weeks) 

Salary:   $18.00 per hour plus a $448 transportation stipend for the duration of the internship

Application Requirements:

• Currently pursuing an associate, bachelors, masters, doctoral degree or a recent graduate
• Commitment to the full 8-week internship duration
• Ability to work in-person in Silver Spring, MD
• Must live in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia area for the duration of the internship (Please note we are unable to provide funding or assistance for housing during the internship. Interns are responsible for securing their own housing accommodations)

Submission Requirements:

• Resume
• Cover letter (optional)
• Samples of work (optional)

Our Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a student currently pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degree, or a recent graduate. We seek individuals who are passionate, creative, and eager to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Candidates should be open-minded, innovative thinkers who embrace challenges and are committed to continuous learning. NCC enthusiastically welcomes neurodiversity and those who are advocates for the inclusion of all people. Candidates with an interest or experience related to one or more of the following skillsets are encouraged to apply: graphic design, AI, grant writing, program oversight, business operations, or property management.

NCC’s Catalyst Internship at a Glance:

• Gain experience in nonprofit business operations
• Apply creativity and technology to improve program or business practices
• Attend a speaker series featuring professionals from diverse industries
• Engage in service-learning projects and give back to the community
• Build relationships with a career mentor and grow professional networks
• Contribute to meaningful projects that directly impact the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families
• Develop skills relating to essential business departments such as communications and marketing, development, innovation, operations, facilities, and program management
• You are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to your first day of employment  

Internship overview:

This internship consists of three key components:

Professional Development: Interns will engage in discussions with thought leaders and respected professionals from diverse fields across the District of Columbia. These sessions will focus on topics such as career development, work-life balance, cultivating passions, and embracing calculated risks. In addition, interns will be paired with a mentor who will provide guidance on personal aspirations and career growth.

Teamwork and Collaboration: The 2025 Catalyst cohort will work together to complete a group project to be presented at the end of the internship. Interns will also develop networking and relationship-building skills across various disciplines. Finally, the cohort will have opportunities to contribute to other neighboring nonprofit missions through service-learning activities.

Problem-Solving: Outside of scheduled group work, service learning, and professional development activities, interns will have the opportunity to explore core departments and contribute to meaningful projects. They will assess existing workflows, propose innovative solutions, and design content. 

NCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.