Learn More About The Borikua Taino Foundation
Who are they?
The Borikua Taino Foundation exists to help Borikua people protect and develop our ancestral traditions. The Foundation supports cultural continuity by implementing projects that focus on education and intergenerational knowledge-sharing to connect Borikua Taino and descendants with our heritage while promoting community-led initiatives for the future. Learn more about them at: https://www.naciontainodeboriken.org/borikua-taino-foundation
What projects might I work on?
The Yucayekeno Connect App is a digital platform which functions as both a national enrollment hub and cultural resource center which provides access to oral histories, educational tools, and community updates while maintaining data sovereignty and privacy principles. The platform functions as a learning platform which enables Borikua Taino people worldwide to share knowledge while building stronger connections.
What will working on projects look like?
The intern will work directly with the development team to develop and test app features. The intern will work on developing and improving the front-end user interface and will also assist with back-end integration. The intern will write clean, modular JavaScript and TypeScript code to ensure the platform runs smoothly on both mobile and desktop devices. The intern will also assist with bug fixes, address user feedback, and contribute to improving this mission-driven digital platform through collaboration and ongoing enhancements.
What could I expect to learn from this experience?
- Best practices in front-end and back-end development for web and mobile applications
- How to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team, including developers, designers, and community leaders
- Practical skills in debugging and code optimization
- Strategies for designing user-friendly, responsive interfaces
- Insights into building technology that supports cultural preservation and community engagement
What skills are they looking for in a strong candidate?
The qualifications for this position are:
- (Some) experience with full-stack development
- Experience with JavaScript and familiarity with TypeScript
- Knowledge of front-end frameworks (e.g., React)
- Experience using version control tools (Git/GitHub)
- Ability to work independently and meet project deadlines
- Interest in community-focused technology and cultural tools
This opportunity allows the intern to work on a project which combines technology with cultural elements and community benefits. The position is suitable for candidates who want to use their coding skills to develop user centric designs and build cross platform applications while working with a team. The intern will have flexible scheduling and mentorship access while developing a product that will serve its target audience. The organization will value both technical skills and creative problem solving skills and a strong desire to learn.
Note: Applications for IAP 2026 will open on Monday, August 25th, and close on Friday, October 17th!
