Support Indigenous-led social impact solutions!
You don’t have to leave Boston to support incredible Indigenous entrepreneurs across the United States. Through the Indigenous Communities Initiatives (ICI) program, you will work closely with Indigenous innovators throughout North America to support the growth and efficacy of their social enterprises. This program is open to MIT undergraduates only.
When you participate in ICI
- This PKG and MIT Solve offering provides you with the opportunity to join a cohort of MIT students partnering with Indigenous Communities Fellows.
- You will be exposed to modern topics in Indigenous affairs including food, data, and tribal sovereignty, and will provide direct support to Indigenous social impact entrepreneurs.
Program applications open on August 25th
Schedule a 1:1 meeting to learn more about our program
Note: This is a remote-hybrid opportunity. Please read more about this in the FAQ section below!
IAP 2026 – ICI Internship Host Sites
ICI host sites are comprised of Indigenous Communities Fellows whose work is focused on supporting the social, economic, and climate goals of their communities by harnessing both modern and ancestral technologies. The initiatives are a mixture of for-profit, nonprofit, and hybrid enterprises working across fields related to energy, food, data, and tribal sovereignty.
Host Site | Issue |
ʻĀinaQuest | Tech for the Public Good |
Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy | Environment & Public HealthTech for the Public Good |
Borikua Taino Foundation | Tech for the Public Good |
Corral | Tech for the Public Good |
Shawish Market | EntrepreneurshipTech for the Public Good |
Reclaim! | Education EquityTech for the Public Good |
Frequently Asked Questions
Dates & Deadlines
ICI applications opened on August 25th, and close on October 17th.
The program duration will be from January 5th – January 30th 2026.
Is this a virtual or in-person opportunity?
Both! Students will work with their host sites virtually, however, portions of the program involve on-campus reflection activities with peers and PKG staff. If you have any mitigating circumstances that limit your ability to participate in the on-campus portions of the program, please note so in your application.
Although it is preferred that students participate in on-campus programming in-person, we wish to make this an accessible opportunity for all students and will take mitigating circumstances into consideration.
Will I be paid?
You will be provided a grant stipend of $2500 by MIT PKG Public Service Center for your participation in the internship.
What do host sites typically work on?
ICI host sites are comprised of Indigenous Communities Fellows whose work is focused on supporting the social, economic, and climate goals of their communities by harnessing both modern and ancestral technologies. The initiatives are a mixture of for-profit, nonprofit, and hybrid enterprises working across fields related to energy, food, data, and tribal sovereignty.
Learn more about the Fellows and their work here!
What is the time commitment for this program?
Program participants are expected to attend 2 – 3 orientation sessions between late-November and mid-December. These sessions are typically held in the evenings with dinner provided. During IAP students are expected to be working a minimum of 30 hours a week with their host sites and no more than 40 hours per week on the program overall.
In addition to work hours associated with their host-site obligations, students are expected to complete weekly reflections and participate in hybrid weekly sessions with their cohort.
Will I interview with all of my top choice host sites?
Although we strive to pair students with all of their top choice host sites during the interview process we cannot guarantee so. Students should expect to interview with at least one of their top choice host sites. Additionally, students should expect to interview with host sites outside of their top choices as well.
What is the Indigenous Communities Fellowship?
Born from a call to action by the Water Protectors of Standing Rock in 2017, Solve’s Indigenous Communities Fellowship was developed to support Indigenous-led solutions that use traditional knowledge and technology to meet the social, economic, and climate goals of Indigenous communities across the United States and Canada.
Each year Solve selects six to eight Fellows who participate in a 9-month program of support in the service of their critical work. Learn more about the program here!
What is MIT Solve?
Solve is an initiative of MIT. We believe that to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future for all, we need new voices and ideas. We launch open calls for exceptional and diverse solutions to the most pressing global challenges, from anyone, anywhere in the world. Selected innovators get the backing of MIT and our community of supporters to scale their impact and drive lasting change.
Learn more about Solve here!
Note: Applications for IAP 2026 will open on Monday, August 25th, and close on Friday, October 17th!
Looking for Inspiration?
See how other MIT students reflect on their PKG Indigenous Communities Initiatives experience:
““I think it is essential that the community members and their wishes and perspectives are respected […] My experience with WE has taught me how important holistic revitalization is as a pathway for communal healing. It helped me realize how transformative and powerful it is to know who you are, where you come from, and what your purpose is. The vision of reconnection, restoration, and healing that was painted and shared with me is groundbreaking and truly uplifting.” – Elsa, ICI 2025 Participant
“Not only did I gain hands-on marketing experience, I also had the privilege of learning from Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs who are using their craft to preserve culture and history. This experience reinforced my belief that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for social impact, and it has inspired me to seek out opportunities where I can continue to make a meaningful difference.” – ICI 2025 Participant
Talk to us about ICI
Questions? Email pkg-ici@mit.edu.