UT Shield

, Filed Under: Internship

Fall 2026 Internship Opportunity – Wye River Group

Wye River Group

Fall 2026 INTERNSHIP Opportunity

We are seeking interns to work with us on very timely social and public policy issues; substance use SU, mental health, (MH) and public health (PH) policy. Ideally the student(s) will have some familiarity in one or more of these subjects and a strong interest in learning about how public policy works (formal and informal process).

This is an excellent opportunity to hear from key health and health care leadership in and outside of the legislature. You will research and gain insights about the public policy challenges with SU, MH and PH. You will better understand policy applications to individuals, families, and communities across Texas.

The internship will start the first week of September and continue into November 2026 for the right candidate.

The candidate(s) selected will evaluate legislative activity from previous legislative sessions. You will research contemporary sources; academia and thank tanks, media, advocacy groups, and the legislature for insights into these issues.

The fall internship is focused on drafting policy papers designed to shape elected official’s opinions.

The work is remote and will require that you have a computer and telephone. Thank you for your consideration. If interested, please forward your person statement, a writing sample and your work bio to Jon Comola at jrcomola@gmail.com by August 21st.

, Filed Under: Internship

Fall 2026 Internship: Texas Conservation Alliance: Campus Civic Engagement Fellows Program: Priority deadline to submit: Monday, August 17, 2026

Texas Conservation Alliance (TCA), the Texas state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), is now accepting applications for its inaugural Campus Civic Engagement Fellows Program for the Fall 2026 semester.
The new program, developed in partnership with NWF, is a 10-week paid leadership opportunity ($1,000 stipend) for students interested in civic engagement, community leadership, and the conservation of Texas wildlife. Throughout the semester, fellows will explore the critical role of civic participation and public policy in the American conservation movement while inspiring their peers to become active, informed participants in our democracy.
Below you will find the position description and application with additional information about the program, responsibilities, preferred qualifications, and application process. Please direct any questions to skyler@tcatexas.org.

Organization: Texas Conservation Alliance, state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation

Position: Civic Engagement Fellow

Job Type: 10-week Internship

Priority Application Deadline: August 17, 2026 (interviews conducted on a rolling basis until positions are filled)

Start Date: September 07, 2026

End Date: November 13, 2026

Schedule: Average of 10 hours per week (up to 15 hours), including occasional weekends Work Location: Projects are conducted on the fellow’s university or college campus in Texas (large public institutions preferred) and are paired with required virtual cohort meetings and professional development sessions (tentatively Mondays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.),

Stipend: $1,000/semester ($200 distributed bi-weekly)

About Texas Conservation Alliance

Since 1971, Texas Conservation Alliance (TCA) has advocated for wildlife and habitats. TCA educates Texans and builds alliances to enhance and sustain wildlife habitat and to protect our land, air, and water for future generations. TCA has built public support to establish numerous wildlife refuges, state and federal parks, wilderness areas, and other wildlife areas, resulting in more than 250,000 Texas acres protected. TCA has recruited thousands of Texans to active conservation and advocacy through grassroots coalitions and community-driven, hands-on habitat restoration programs that welcome all communities into conservation and promote stewardship for Texas’ wildlife and wild places.

General Summary

Texas Conservation Alliance (TCA) is seeking university and college students who are passionate about civic engagement, community leadership, and the conservation of Texas wildlife to serve as inaugural Civic Engagement Fellows during the Fall 2026 semester.

Developed in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), the Campus Civic Engagement Fellows Program is a pilot leadership initiative that prepares students to organize nonpartisan civic engagement efforts tailored to their campus communities. Fellows will explore the critical role of civic participation and public policy in the American conservation movement while inspiring active, informed participation in our democracy among their peers.

Selected candidates will work alongside TCA staff and their cohort members to design and implement civic engagement activities on their campus. The 10-week internship offers valuable hands-on experience in developing leadership, project management, and community organizing skills alongside professional development opportunities applicable to future careers in conservation, nonprofit leadership, public policy, and public service.

Responsibilities:

Note: Responsibilities below may vary depending on the fellow’s campus, interests, skills, and program needs.

The Civic Engagement Fellows will work collaboratively as a cohort and with the guidance of TCA’s Director of Policy and Advocacy to:

Plan and Implement Campus Civic Engagement Activities:

  • Develop and execute a semester-long civic engagement plan tailored to the unique needs, opportunities, and culture of your campus community
  • Organize and coordinate nonpartisan activities, such as voter registration drives, educational tabling, presentations, signage campaigns, and other outreach efforts
  • Connect your campus community to accurate, nonpartisan election information and official resources related to voting and civic participation

Build Partnerships Across Campus:

  • Cultivate relationships with student organizations, university offices, and other campus stakeholders to expand the reach and impact of civic engagement activities
  • Partner with other nonpartisan campus and community organizers to strengthen campus outreach and engagement efforts, as appropriate
  • Represent TCA and the cohort professionally when serving as a campus ambassador

Participate in the Statewide Cohort:

  • Attend the required orientation and weekly virtual cohort meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions (to be determined based on cohort availability)
  • Collaborate with other fellows across campuses to exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and share successful activities and engagement strategies
  • Provide regular updates regarding project planning, progress, and needed support

Document and Evaluate Program Activities:

  • Maintain records of internship activities and campus engagement metrics throughout the semester
  • Submit periodic timesheets, reports, photographs, and other requested materials
  • Contribute feedback and recommendations to strengthen future fellow cohorts

Physical Abilities and Work Environment:

  • Ability to work outdoors or in community event settings for extended periods of time.
  • Occasionally required to lift and move event supplies, display boards, and educational items up to 25 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrated interest in wildlife conservation, civic engagement, public service, and/or community leadership
  • Experience and/or interest in organizing events, tabling on campus, presenting to student groups, and/or other public-facing outreach activities
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a statewide cohort
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Requirements

  • Enrolled student at a Texas university or college for the Fall 2026 semester; students from all institutions are encouraged to apply, with preference for large public institutions
  • Availability and internet access for required virtual cohort meetings and professional development sessions (tentatively Mondays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.)
  • Must have a reliable form of transportation
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Eligible to work in the United States

To Apply

  1. Please download and fill out the application on the internship page of the TCA website
  2. Email your application, resume, and cover letter to internship@tcatexas.org
  3. Subject line: First name Last Name – Civic Engagement Fellows

Priority deadline to submit: Monday, August 17, 2026 (interviews conducted on a rolling basis until positions are filled)

Texas Conservation Alliance is firmly committed to inclusion, diversity, and equity as core tenets of the organization, where everyone is respected and valued regardless of race, creed, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or national origin. Individuals from underrepresented backgrounds who do not meet all qualifications are encouraged to apply.

TCA Fall 2026 Civic Engagement Fellows Application

, Filed Under: Internship

Fall 2026 Internship: 2D Game Art & Visual Design Intern at RistoCat

Position: 2D Game Art & Visual Design Intern

Please note, this position is appropriate for Digital Arts & Media students. However, an internship is not a requirement of your BDP. You must however complete a Creative Project for your CE which this would not count for.

Location: In-person, UT campus

Time Commitment for Fall 2026:

  • FA 340: 150 total hours (~10/week)

Compensation: Unpaid (Academic Credit Course Eligible)

About RistoCat

RistoCat is an incremental strategy mobile game, where players run a club in Ancient Egypt to keep their kittens milk drunk. We leverage resource management mechanics to teach players financial literacy through play instead of lectures.

We take inspiration from blockbuster Tamagotchi-style games, like Club Penguin and Animal Crossing, to bridge the worlds of gaming with education and are in conversation with a major educational gaming platform for distribution.

Position Overview

We’re looking for a creative 2D Game Art & Visual Design intern to help take RistoCat from a working prototype to a polished, delightful player experience. You’ll evaluate existing mechanics, help establish a visual style guide, redesign 2D assets and UI elements, and explore game feel and feedback loops. You’ll then test your work directly with players and iterate. This role is structured as a hands-on learning experience in visual art direction, UI/UX design, and interactive storytelling in a 2D game environment, with direct mentorship from the founder.

Key Responsibilities & Learning Objectives

  • Visual Art Direction & Concepting: Translate existing 2D mechanics into a cohesive visual style; produce concept art, color palettes, and mockups establishing the game’s aesthetic direction.
  • 2D Asset & UI/UX Design: Design environment assets, character/prop art, and UI components (e.g., HUDs, menus, interactive prompts) that improve gameplay readability.
  • Game Feel & Visual Polish: Design visual feedback systems (e.g., particle effects, UI animation, action indicators) to increase player delight and emotional engagement.
  • Playtesting & Iteration: Participate in active playtesting sessions, interviewing players and translating feedback into design changes.

By the end of the semester, you’ll have shipped a defined set of production-ready deliverables plus a complete before/after case study documenting your process, for your professional portfolio.

Qualifications

Required

  • Strong foundation in 2D digital art, illustration, visual hierarchy, or UI/UX design.
  • Willingness to actively engage with playtesters, participate in player interviews, and translate user feedback into actionable design iterations.

Preferred

  • Interest in game feel, interaction design, and visual feedback mechanisms.
  • Appreciation for lighthearted, delight-driven culture (e.g., cat memes) aimed at improving the appeal of this game.

Mentorship & Guidance

You will work directly with the founder/lead developer, a UT Austin alum with prior experience at Google and Meta, along with an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Alongside the core art/design work, weekly 1-on-1 mentorship sessions cover:

  • Visual design feedback, portfolio building, and visual communication strategies.
  • Translating creative concepts into marketable user experiences.
  • Career guidance across technology, design, and product development.

How to Apply

Submit your resume to shiva@ristocat.com along with a link to your portfolio, ArtStation, or relevant work samples in 2D art, UI design, or concept work.