SILICON-Unicode Internship Summer 2026

The SILICON Internship Program was established to support the vital work of SILICON at Stanford University and its partner organizations. This program embodies the spirit of collaboration and interdisciplinary innovation, seeking to bridge the digital divide and support the inclusion of historically underrepresented linguistic communities.

Interns in this program will be matched with a partner organization. This year, SILICON is partnering with both the Unicode Consortium and the Endangered Languages Project. During the summer, Interns may collaborate with experts in Linguistics, Computer Science, UX/UI, Typography, Digital Humanities, Gamification, Machine Learning, and more. Interns may contribute to efforts such as improving locale data, engaging with language communities, supporting language documentation and discoverability, and developing tools and workflows for digitization. 

SILICON interns have the unique opportunity to lead or co-lead a project with a clearly defined scope. Project scopes are developed prior to the start of the internship in consultation with the SILICON team and partner organizations. Projects will depend on the skills and interests of the student as well as the needs of the partner organization. Interns with technical backgrounds may focus on usability, tooling, or performance improvements that directly support Digitally Disadvantaged Languages (DDL), while others may work on research, documentation, coordination, or community-facing initiatives.

We are seeking highly motivated, self-directed students who are excited to take initiative and work collaboratively. Ideal candidates are comfortable developing ideas, managing their time effectively, and carrying projects through to completion. 

This internship is fully remote. However, interns must be able to work reliably within U.S. time zones, attend scheduled meetings, and maintain consistent communication with the SILICON team and partner organizations. Reliable high-speed internet access is required.

A preview of this year's project scopes are below: 

1. Nonprofit Sustainability & Funding Analysis (Unicode)

This project focuses on helping an international nonprofit plan for long-term financial stability. The intern will analyze existing revenue models, research alternative funding strategies, and develop recommendations to support the organization’s future operations. This role is especially well-suited for students interested in economics, public policy, or nonprofit finance, and will be conducted in partnership with the Unicode Consortium.

2. Language Dashboard and Data Visualization Project (Unicode)

This project centers on turning complex language data into clear, compelling visual stories. The intern will design charts, dashboards, or interactive visuals that help explain how language data is used in digital products worldwide. Ideal for students with interests in Data Science, Data Visualization, design, Computer Science, or Digital Humanities, this project also partners with the Unicode Consortium.

3. Language Technology & Endangered Languages Research (ELP)

This project explores how digital tools and language technologies can support endangered and under-resourced languages. The intern will research existing tools, identify gaps, and help document opportunities where technology can make a real impact for language communities. This role is ideal for students interested in Computer Science, Linguistics, Anthropology, Digital Humanities, or social impact, and is conducted in partnership with the Endangered Languages Project.

4. HomeScreen 2.0 (Storytelling & Media Project)

Work on the next version of HomeScreen by transforming technical language data into short videos, explainers, and visual stories that make digital inclusion work understandable and engaging for non-technical audiences.

5. CLDR Academy (Education & AI Project)

Design learning materials that use AI and human-centered pedagogy to translate highly technical language standards into accessible lessons for students, contributors, and new community members.

6. QMoji 2.0 (App & Outreach Project)
Help develop an app-based version of QMoji that uses play, storytelling, and interaction to engage the public in populating emoji descriptions.