Internships
Education Rooted in Purpose and Solidarity
Since day one, our Foundation has prioritized engaging youth and learners at all levels in support of our grassroots anti-poverty and mutual aid efforts. Through hands-on involvement, we not only build capacity but also cultivate future leaders grounded in community values.
As family medicine educators, Drs. Figueroa and Wu have developed programs that integrate core principles of social health education, including:
Experiential Learning – learning by doing, in real-world contexts
Humanism – centering compassion, dignity, and respect for every individual
Advocacy – empowering learners to speak up and act for social justice
Solidarity – building shared responsibility and connection across communities
To sustain a strong and committed volunteer base, we focus on conveying clear purpose and intentionality—ensuring that every person who joins us understands the deeper "why" behind the work.
The Foundation offers several internship opportunities beyond single-day volunteer experiences. These roles provide students and emerging professionals with meaningful, hands-on engagement in community-based programs focused on mutual aid, health equity, and social justice.
If you're interested in internships or other ways to collaborate as a student, please complete this form. A member of our team will respond within 2–3 business days.
Email:
Bill Tran, Internship Coordinator
billt@pilsenfoodpantry.com
High School Summer Internship
Summer Internship Program
Since 2018, the Foundation has hosted a summer internship program for high school and college students, offering a unique opportunity to engage in community service and leadership development.
Interns commit approximately 25 hours per week over a six-week rotation, participating in key areas such as:
Emergency food distribution
Clothing services
Special events and outreach
Participants benefit from mentorship with Dr. Figueroa, including the chance to earn a letter of recommendation for college or scholarship applications.
Applications for Summer 2025 will open in February 2025.
For time-sensitive inquiries, email Bill Tran at billt@pilsenfoodpantry.com.
College Internships
College Internship Opportunities
The Figueroa Wu Family Foundation partners with several local universities through established learning agreements, providing structured, meaningful internship experiences for college students. Current partnerships include:
University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) – Nutrition Science, Social Justice, and School of Public Health
National Louis University – Undergraduate Programs
Northeastern Illinois University – Social Work
Like our summer interns, college interns choose a focus area such as:
Emergency food distribution
Clothing and basic needs
Medical supply support
Interns are closely supervised by Foundation staff to ensure they meet their academic and professional learning goals.
College internships are available year-round.
To inquire or apply, please complete this form.
Interested in starting a new learning agreement? We’re open to collaboration—reach out anytime!
Medical Student Opportunities
Dr. Figueroa, the executive director, coordinates a student elective, Better Health Through Advocacy, year-round for students interest in improving their patient navigation skills. The students spend time in multiple activities ranging from clinical services in the family medicine clinic, serving learning at the programs of the Figueroa Wu Family Foundation, intentional community exploration, and self-awareness and advocacy training.
In collaboration with the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, and UIC Department of Family and Community Medicine, the Foundation also co-sponsors a summer internship for a pre-clinical medical student interested in a career in family medicine.