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Apply to the Spring 2027 cohort

Everything you need to know about eligibility, the application, program requirements, and the internship sites available this cycle.

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Program Eligibility

The program is for all current first-year, sophomore, and junior CSUF undergraduate students who will be continuing coursework into Fall 2027, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected statuses.

Work permits are not required for the ROOTS Leadership Institute.

Students graduating in Spring 2027 and graduate students are not eligible for the Spring 2027 cycle.

Students must not be currently employed by CSUF during the duration of the program.

Application Process

Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2026 @ 11:59pm

ALL STUDENTS MUST SUBMIT:

  1. An online application form
  2. A resume/CV via the online application
  3. 3 short essay answers via the online application
  4. 1 letter of recommendation

Start Your Application 

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Mark Your Calendars

Attendance and active participation at every mandatory date is a program requirement

Zoom cohort check-ins, every first Friday
Plus a 1:1 midpoint check-in with the DIRC team and an exit interview in May 2027.

Application Deadline

  • November 2, 2026 - Submit your form, resume, essays, and letters of recommendations

Finalist selected and contacted

  • December 2026 - Choose from a list of top candidates; matches confirmed by December 1st, 2026. 

Roots Leaership Institute Orientation

  • January 19 - January 20, 2027 - Two days of leadership and professional development with the DIRC team. Mandatory. 

Interns may begin their hours

  • January, 25, 2027 - the first day of Spring 2027 classes.

Zoom cohort check-ins

  • First Friday of each Month - Continued connection, development, and checkpoints throughout the semester. continued connection, development, and checkpoints throughout the semester.

Coalition Building Student Leadership Retreat

  • March 12 - March 14, 2027 - Please note this is an overnight trip and mandatory. 

ROOTS Leadership Symposium

  • April 28, 2027 -  A celebration of the completion of each intern's leadership projects .

All hours and project items due

  • May 21, 2027 -  Followed by a one-on-one exit interview with the DIRC team in May 2027.
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Internship Site & Project Options

Review your site options carefully — the application asks you to rank your top 3. Placeholder roles shown below for this mock; final sites are confirmed each fall.

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