What is the PHInternship?

 The PHInternship is a select program for high school students seeking an active volunteer and leadership experience.

PHI relies on PHInterns to bridge cultural divides through local community involvement.  PHInterns spearhead their own unique initiative through Passion Projects to directly support existing PHI programs.

As a PHIntern, you get to:

  • Create your own passion project
  • Act as a liaison between PHI and your own high school, planning events and collaborations with student organizations.
  • Facilitate and volunteer at community events hosted by PHI 

Details and Timeline

PHInterns will be expected to uphold our "big three" values:

1)   Volunteerism

  • Table at community events, representing PHI as a youth-powered organization.
  • Sort and package materials in Balikbayan boxes for our various programs during "PHI day," our bi-annual volunteer packaging event.
  • Research and share Filipino culture with community members.

2)   Leadership and Communication

  • Bring PHI’s mission to your respective school by establishing donation drives and volunteer events with student organizations.
  • Expand PHI’s network and promote advocacy for our core programs at school and community events.

3)   Project Development and Management

  • Design a passion project that focuses on spreading Filipino culture and PHI’s mission in your local community.
  • PHInterns will choose a PHI program to support. Projects may include (but are not limited to) item drives, volunteer events, and community outreach.
  • The Director of Programs will act as the head advisor to help make their project come to life by the Spring semester. Passion project support is available from all PHI E-Board and City Directors.
  • PHInterns are also paired with undergraduate City Directors for mentorship in project planning and execution.

This position lasts from August – May, varying from 2-4 hours/week.

From August to December, the main involvement of PHInterns is passion project proposals surrounding a specific community partner in their high school. Following a week-by-week curricula developed by the Executive Board, PHInterns create asset-based solutions to identified issues, outlined by one of our four programs. PHInterns are expected to work within the programming frameworks we have established, but are also encouraged to be creative in how they execute our programming.  At the conclusion of PHIntern project ideation, teams will present their ideas and the necessary steps to execute their plans.

From January to May, PHInterns take ownership and responsibility of the project’s goals and execution. PHInterns act as direct managers of the execution of their project, including outreach, media, logistics, and fundraising efforts. PHInterns are expected to carry out their own programming within their high school organizations and other extracurricular involvements to contribute to their project execution.

Learn more about the PHInternship with some of our 2025–2026 PHInterns!

2025-2026 PHInterns

Elizabeth Lam

William R. Boone High School (Orlando, Florida)
Elizabeth is a junior at Boone High School and founder of Project Tahi of Hope. Her initiative provides hand-crocheted beanies and sewn onesies for premature infants in the Philippines. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting for clothes and cooking.
 

Danielle Volcy

William R. Boone High School (Orlando, Florida)
Danielle is a junior at Boone High School and founder of Project Peace for the Pamilya. Her plan focuses on positively impacting the mental health of children in the Philippines by providing creative outlets such as art and music. In her free time, she enjoys going to cafes and watching movies.
 

Ciara Feliciano

Bishop Moore Catholic High School (Orlando, Florida)

 

FAQ

What is the time commitment?

The PHInternship is a year-long commitment, following the academic year. The time commitment is typically 2-4 hours/week in order to be successful, excluding special circumstances or events. Mandatory virtual meetings are held at least once a month.

Do I have to be Filipino?

No! While PHI is a Filipino interest organization, it is not Filipino exclusive. We encourage anyone who is interested to apply.

What exactly is a PHI passion project?

A PHI passion project is essentially a service initiative created by PHInterns. Passion projects typically combine personal interests with volunteer events, item drives, or associated outreach/activities to benefit existing PHI programs.

PHIntern passion projects are not strictly limited to specific types of service. Through extensive brainstorming, planning, and guided direction, all final projects will have one thing in common: successful engagement in PHIntern’s local area to directly benefit a Filipino community.

Interested?

Applications for the 2025-2026 PHInternship are CLOSED. Applications will open in May 2026.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact Sophia Paray, Director of Programs.