# Expanding Horizons Institute

Paid summer internship program in Los Angeles for first-generation, college-bound 10th and 11th graders at Title I schools, placing students in law firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Teach Democracy |
| Category | leadership |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 10–11 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Los Angeles, CA |
| Apply | https://teachdemocracy.org/program-page/expanding-horizons-institute-ehi/ |

## About this program

# Expanding Horizons Institute

Expanding Horizons Institute (EHI) has run since 1995 at Teach Democracy, the civic education nonprofit formerly known as Constitutional Rights Foundation. EHI pairs a spring seminar series with a paid summer internship, and has placed more than 1,900 first-generation, college-bound Los Angeles students since it began.

## What You'll Do

- Complete 18+ hours of interactive seminars on professionalism, college preparation, and civic engagement
- Build workplace skills: communication, networking, writing with purpose, and critical thinking
- Serve a paid summer internship at a law firm, corporation, government agency, or nonprofit
- Work alongside professional mentors in a real office environment
- Apply the civic participation training to your own community

## Who Should Apply

Current 10th and 11th graders at Title I high schools in Los Angeles County who are first-generation college-bound - neither parent holds a four-year degree. The application runs in three parts: an online Part I, an emailed Part II, and a parent/legal guardian agreement form.

## Outcomes

EHI is free to students and the internship is paid; each student placement is underwritten by a $5,000 sponsorship. Interns leave with paid professional work experience, a completed college-preparation curriculum, and adult professional references - assets that are hard to assemble before senior year without a program like this.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Expanding Horizons Institute cost?

Expanding Horizons Institute is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for Expanding Horizons Institute?

Expanding Horizons Institute is open to high school students in grades 10–11. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Expanding Horizons Institute online or in person?

Expanding Horizons Institute is an in-person program based in Los Angeles, CA.

### How do I apply to Expanding Horizons Institute?

Apply directly through Teach Democracy's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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