Students across Illinois interested in advocacy, leadership and nonprofit work will have the opportunity to apply for the 2026 Pattis Family Foundation Summer Leadership Program, an initiative organized by Women Employed.
The Chicago-based organization, which has spent more than five decades advocating for equity in the workplace, created the program to introduce students to nonprofit leadership, policy advocacy and community engagement. According to Women Employed, the summer program is designed to help students gain hands-on experience while learning about issues affecting women in the workforce.
Founded in 1973, Women Employed has focused on advancing fair workplace policies, expanding access to education and strengthening economic opportunities for women and families. The organization has been involved in several policy initiatives aimed at improving workplace standards and supporting workers across Illinois and beyond.
The Summer Leadership Program, sponsored by the Pattis Family Foundation and supported by the Ora Kathleen-Flynn Family Foundation, combines professional development workshops, research projects and discussions with guest speakers. Through these activities, students are introduced to the nonprofit sector and the role advocacy organizations play in shaping public policy.
The 2026 program will run from June 8 through July 29, with interns participating on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program follows a hybrid format, requiring at least four in-person sessions in Chicago while the remaining activities are conducted remotely.
Participants receive a $3,000 stipend, along with additional support to help cover transportation for required in-person sessions. Interns must also have access to a reliable computer and internet connection in order to participate in remote sessions.
During the program, students will collaborate with staff members and fellow interns on projects that explore issues affecting low-wage women. Participants may also assist with research, outreach and public awareness efforts related to workplace equity and economic opportunity.
In addition to project work, interns take part in leadership development sessions that explore the history of the women’s movement and the role nonprofit organizations play in advancing social change.
Eligibility requirements include being a sophomore or above at a community college or a junior or above at a four-year institution. Applicants must also live in Illinois or currently attend school in the state and be authorized to work in the United States. Graduate students are not eligible for the program.
Applications for the 2026 Summer Leadership Program are open through March 25, according to Women Employed. Due to the competitive nature of the program, only applicants who meet all eligibility requirements will be considered.
For students interested in advocacy and nonprofit leadership, the program offers an opportunity to gain professional experience while working on initiatives focused on workplace equity and economic opportunity.