Better Futures Institute: Civic Tech Scholar

Civic Tech Scholar — Summer Internship Better Futures Institute | San Antonio, TX Paid | Full-Time | 10 Weeks (Summer 2026)

Date: May 27 - August 7th

About the Better Futures Institute

The Better Futures Institute (BFI) is a San Antonio-based nonprofit think tank and urban laboratory that prepares emerging STEAM leaders to address real-world challenges through community-based research, civic technology, and innovation. Our flagship Civic Tech Scholars program has run five cohorts since 2024 and works at the intersection of data science, policy design, software development, and community engagement.

About the Role

Civic Tech Scholars work on live social impact projects — not simulations. You'll join a multidisciplinary team of undergraduate and graduate students contributing to initiatives such as civic technology platforms, regional industry research, public data analysis, and community policy conversations. Past scholars have built interactive data dashboards using City of San Antonio public works data, produced regional research reports on healthcare, cybersecurity, and economic development across the South Texas Triangle, and helped design AI-powered civic tools.

You'll present your work at a final showcase event and produce a formal case study documenting your project's methodology, findings, and community impact.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to one or more active BFI projects involving data analysis, software development, policy research, or community engagement
• Conduct community-based research and synthesize findings into written reports and presentations
• Collaborate across disciplines with fellow scholars, mentors, and community partners
• Participate in the Better Futures Conversations speaker series with city officials and industry leaders
• Produce a formal case study and final presentation of your project
• Engage in weekly workshops covering design thinking, entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, and leadership

Skills We're Looking For

• Research and analytical thinking — comfort working with qualitative and/or quantitative data
• Written and verbal communication — ability to synthesize complex ideas into clear narratives
• Collaboration and adaptability — willingness to work across unfamiliar disciplines
• At least foundational experience in one or more of the following: data science or data analysis, software development or coding, product design or product research,  architecture, urbanism, policy research or public administration, community engagement or civic technology, data visualization or information design
• Familiarity with tools such as Python, R, Excel, Tableau, or GIS is a plus but not required

Minimum Requirements

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate (sophomore standing or above) or graduate student at an accredited institution
• Any field is welcome (e.g., computer science, political science, economics, public policy, urban planning, public health, data science, engineering, design, etc
• Available full-time for 10 weeks during the summer program period
• Located in or able to relocate to San Antonio, TX for the duration of the program

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience on real civic technology and social impact projects
• Mentorship from BFI leadership, faculty advisors, and San Antonio community leaders
• A professional portfolio piece through your formal case study and final presentation
• Networking with city officials, industry professionals, and fellow scholars
• Membership in the Civic Tech Scholars alumni network
• A paid internship with workspace and technology access