What is GIIP?

The Global Information Internship Program (GIIP) mentors the next generation of social advocates to use technology and entrepreneurship in their campaign for a just and sustainable world.

  • Strategic Vision: We mobilize the creative energy of UCSC’s highly motivated undergrads to work in solidarity with civil society groups struggling to overcome the digital divide.
  • Training: We teach social analysis, social entrepreneurship, and information technologies in a practical way. All GIIP students are taught to design, fund and implement an information technology project in partnership with a community or civil society group.
  • Method: We prioritize project design, evaluation, “learning by doing”, social networking and collaborative learning with partner organizations.
  • Sustainability: We support sustainable development, by promoting solutions that strengthen the self-reliance of civil society groups, and by supporting projects that respect natural eco-systems.
  • Governance: Since 1998, we have been a self-governing social enterprise managed by student Fellows and staff. GIIP is sponsored by the Center for Global, International, and Regional Studies (CGIRS) with the support of the Department of Sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

    • GIIP depends on external support to offer students and communities the benefits of this unique service learning opportunity. Sponsored by the Center for Global, International, and Regional Studies (cgirs.ucsc.edu) and the Department of Sociology, GIIP is currently supported by the Compton Foundation, the Division of Social Sciences, International Health Programs, IGCC, The Progressive Technology Project, and the generosity of many individuals and partners.

     

    Organizations and individuals can support GIIP in a variety of ways:

     

    Be a GIIP Fan at Facebook

     

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    Donate

     

    Now, more than ever GIIP depends on your support.  This past year GIIP has grown significantly and has established an honors major/minor at UCSC called Global Information and Social Enterprise Studies. However, the growing number of students thriving in the GIIP program cannot be supported due to the massive budget cuts facing UCSC.

     

    Your donation goes towards ensuring the continued success of GIIP. GIIP interns make a difference by passing on valuable technology and management skills to NGOs around the world, while building their capacity to serve others in their community. GIIP is currently seeking funding to hire a placement coordinator and to provide modest stipends for students’ travel expenses and minimal living costs while serving internships in foreign countries.

     

    Click here to become a friend of GIIP

     

    Host an Intern


    By hosting an intern your organization receives a well trained, motivated intern with a unique skill set well suited for NGOs. In return, GIIP interns gain valuable real life experience.


    Project Development


    GIIP is interested in expanding our partnership network by developing joint projects with Strategic Partners. Your NGO’s case study can be built into GIIP curriculum, and interns trained in the specific skills your organization needs.

     

    If you are interested in developing a project, hosting an intern or supporting our efforts, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it