(For Nonprofit Volunteer Internships)

Purpose

The Cleveland Observer (TCO) provides internships to support skill development, career exploration, and community engagement in journalism, media, and nonprofit operations. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, TCO offers unpaid, volunteer-based internships in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Department of Labor guidelines.

Legal Status of Internships

  • Internships at TCO are unpaid and voluntary.

  • Interns must understand from the start that there is no expectation of compensation now or in the future.

  • Internships are intended to benefit the intern first, not replace the work of paid staff.

Learning and Training

  • Internships are structured to provide hands-on experience, mentoring, and training similar to an educational environment.

  • Where possible, internships may be coordinated with an academic program for course credit.

  • Learning opportunities include:

    • Writing and reporting for publication

    • Media production and editing

    • Research and fact-checking

    • Community engagement and event support

    • Nonprofit operations and fundraising basics

Schedule and Duration

  • Internship schedules are flexible and will accommodate academic calendars and personal commitments.

  • Duration is typically 8–12 weeks, or as defined in a written agreement.

  • The internship will end when learning objectives are met.

Work Scope

  • Interns will work alongside staff and volunteers but will not replace paid employees.

  • Assignments will be educational in nature, focusing on skill development.

  • Intern work will support TCO’s mission to provide accurate, community-focused journalism.

No Employment Guarantee

  • Completing an internship does not entitle the intern to a paid position at TCO.

  • If future opportunities arise, interns may apply and be considered along with other applicants.

Documentation

  • All interns will sign an Internship Agreement acknowledging:

    • The unpaid, volunteer nature of the role

    • The learning-focused structure of the internship

    • The duration and schedule

  • If the internship is for academic credit, TCO will work with the intern’s school to meet documentation needs.

Benefits to Interns

  • By completing a TCO internship, interns will gain:

    • Published work samples

    • Mentorship from experienced journalists and nonprofit leaders

    • Networking opportunities

    • Letters of recommendation upon successful completion