Center City District Summer Internship Program
Are you passionate about community development and urban revitalization? Center City District— Philadelphia’s first and largest business improvement district—invites ambitious students to join our Summer Internship Program. This paid internship program will start on June 18 and run for eight weeks, four days per week on-site at the CCD’s office.
As an intern, candidates will work alongside industry professionals on high-impact projects that directly shape Center City and its future. Gain hands-on experience in specialized areas including horticulture, economic development, and communications while building a professional network with city leaders and community stakeholders.
This competitive program offers more than just resume-building experience—it provides a meaningful role in creating a clean, safe, and thriving Center City Philadelphia that benefits the entire region.
Marketing: BID Arts & Retail Support Research Internship
Seeking a data-driven marketing intern to research how business improvement districts (BIDs) effectively support arts communities and retail businesses. The intern will collect and analyze data on successful BID strategies nationwide, develop case studies of innovative approaches, and create actionable recommendations for implementation.
Responsibilities include design research methodology, identifying successful BID support programs, analyzing strategies, and preparing findings in visual presentations.
Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing marketing, business, urban planning, or related degree
- Strong research, data analysis, and communication skills
- Experience with data visualization tools preferred
To learn more and apply for this position, click here.
Economic Development: Research and Economic Development Internship
The Economic Development intern will help advance two critical initiatives. The first is helping to build out a database and analytical framework to support CCD’s emerging focus on retail attraction. The project involves developing a comprehensive overview of retail openings, closings, and prospects in Center City Philadelphia, alongside detailed analysis of competitive retail districts within the region as well as comparable downtown districts in other cities. The second is to assist in the streamlining of regularly requested data, including Center City demographics and foot traffic.
With guidance from an analyst and manager on the team, the Economic Development intern will help CCD avoid duplicative and redundant data pulls by centralizing and standardizing when and how data is pulled and where it is stored. This will create more efficiency not only in responding to ad hoc requests but will also improve internal processes for report production.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or master's candidates in urban studies, city planning, public policy, economics, geography, or related fields
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Sharepoint is highly desired
- Experience with Power BI or similar business analytics software desired but not necessary
To learn more and apply for this position, click here.
Corporate Partnerships: Research and Revenue Generation Internship
Seeking an enthusiastic and articulate summer intern with an interest in business, social and traditional marketing, and sponsorship. This position will focus on research and revenue generation as it relates to one of CCD’s parks.
The corporate partnerships intern will identify and help secure sponsorship revenue that will ensure the park’s continued success, as well as track our partners’ return on investment. The successful candidate will be passionate about CCD’s mission and possess the creativity to bring attention to the park in new and innovative ways, while promoting various assets and programs held within the park.
Qualifications:
- Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint required
- Familiarity with Asana and Canva preferred
- Attention to detail and strong ability to communicate both in person and through writing required
To learn more and apply for this position, click here.
Horticulture: Urban Tree & Planting Internship
Gain hands-on experience in urban forestry and landscape horticulture. This intern will create a comprehensive inventory of CCD’s urban forest and garden beds using GIS technology while developing valuable skills for your career. Document tree and plant species, assess conditions, identify planting priorities, and calculate environmental benefits. Deliverables include digital inventories with interactive maps, maintenance guidelines, and strategic planting plans.
This program blends field experience with professional development through workshops, mentorship, and training on industry software. Ideal for students studying landscape architecture, horticulture, environmental science, or related fields. Your work will directly impact our community's green spaces and culminate in a presentation to CCD leadership.
Qualifications:
- Current junior or senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, environmental science, urban forestry, or a related field
- At least three years of college education completed
To learn more and apply for this position, click here.
Design: Communications Design Internship
The communications design intern will develop professional PowerPoint templates to elevate CCD’s presentations. This creative opportunity allows you to analyze our brand elements, design master slide layouts, create custom graphics, and develop comprehensive style guides. Deliverables will include 5-7 distinct templates, a digital asset library, and training materials that empower CCD staff.
Working closely with the art director and receiving mentorship from our design team, the role will provide real-world experience while building impressive portfolio pieces. Perfect for graphic design students looking to make a meaningful impact while developing professional skills.
Qualifications:
- Current junior or senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in graphic design
- At least three years of college education completed
To learn more and apply for this position, click here.
Communications: Content Creation Internship
Seeking an intern for assisting CCD team with creating high-quality social media posts, newsletter content, blog articles, and promotional materials—all crucial touchpoints for engaging stakeholders, businesses, visitors (and potential visitors), job prospects, and all audiences with whom CCD interacts.
In addition to gathering photo and video content for all aspects of CCD (on-street operations, parks, CPDC, events, etc.), the intern will also help update CCD’s image library as well as other tasks based upon departmental needs throughout the organization.
A content creation intern will deliver content for immediate use while building long-term capacity in a way that is operationally sound and strategically forward-thinking.
Qualifications:
- Current junior or senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or related field
- Strong writing skills with ability to write in various formats (social media, blogs, newsletters)
- Photography and video gathering and editing skills
- Proficiency with all social media platforms
- Knowledge of digital asset management systems, Photoshelter experience a plus
To learn more and apply for this position, click here.