richmond justice SUmmer
June 13 - July 26, 2026
about
What does a loving God have to say about injustices in the world? What does pursuing God look like in and after college? How do I love my neighbors in my everyday life? Find the intersection of these questions during Richmond Justice Summer, six weeks of intensive discipleship where you will explore how God is calling you to live out your faith in the world.
Much of how we experience the world today - racism, poverty, violence, greed - have deep roots in the American story but are inconsistent with God’s design for His creation. The story of Richmond speaks to many of the generational injustices that ripple through our nation’s history, while also bearing witness to God’s presence in the beauty and resilience of the city’s most marginalized communities. RJP Summer gives students an immersive experience of living out God’s kingdom values while living, worshipping, and serving with other IV students in the city of Richmond.
During the summer, students serve with a variety of community-based organizations that address the social issues of the city including (but not limited to) child/youth development, urban church ministry, and environmental justice. Throughout the program, students also receive teaching from a Christian perspective on the biblical values of service, justice, and compassion, as well as receiving regular training in leadership, teamwork, and decision-making. This hands-on experience equips students to faithfully combat the social, economic, and spiritual challenges of our world.
The Ideal candidate for RJP Summer
Is ready to challenge themselves in a new environment. They should have the emotional maturity to adapt to an intensive program and they consider their mental health in a good place.
Is a maturing Christian between the ages of 18-25, growing in leadership and spiritual formation on their campus.
Is excited to practice neighboring skills in marginalized communities and grow in understanding biblical justice and personal ethnic identity.
Is willing to contribute time and energy prior to the program to preparation, helping to fundraise and praying for their team.
Participation Expectations
Each student is required to be fully present for the entirety of the program in Richmond and participate in all activities: Bible studies, reading discussions, field trips, teaching, and worship. Full presence also includes placing short-term limits on technology use, spending, and relationships that are outside of the program. More on our presence guidelines here.
Students will live in a house community with other students or with a host family in the city of Richmond. Students commit to building relationships, sharing meals, and working through conflict together with the other members of their house and the program.
All students will be mentored through the summer by InterVarsity or church leaders.
Students will serve at the discretion of their site supervisors, fulfilling any responsibilities the host nonprofits ask of them.
Application Requirements
Fill out the full application by the deadline.
Provide references from a peer and a spiritual mentor. Links to these forms are found on page three of the application.
Note that you can save work on the application and return to it only if you are signed into a Gmail account. To not lose your progress, we recommend signing into Gmail when filling out the application or reading through the questions and writing answers elsewhere to be worked on gradually.
ready to apply?
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
FAQ
Q: What does RJP Summer cost? Can I get paid? The cost of the program is about $2500/person, but we do not expect that students pay this out-of-pocket. The cost will be fundraised as a team by all participants with training and support from IV staff, through reaching out to churches, friends, and family networks. This cost includes all food and living expenses; students will not need to spend any additional money for the summer.
All students who participate in RJP Summer are interning with InterVarsity and will receive a $500 stipend at the end of the program. Additional stipend funds can be requested in cases of financial need. We also recommend applying for summer internship grants through your university, where possible. Contact Kiana (kiana.pilson@intervarsity.org) for help doing so!
Q: Why is there a technology fast? We ask that all students abide by a technology fast in order to increase their ability to be present with the community around them and to depend on the Lord for their needs. This means that we typically limit personal screen time to one hour per day. Many interns have found that the tech fast is a relief and a blessing to them! Miriam (RJP ‘18) said: “The technology fast helped me identify all the ways I unintentionally isolate myself and how I find comfort and security in technology instead of pressing into my relationship with Jesus and peers.” We do use phones for basic functions such as Maps, camera, and communication with partner organizations.
Q: Do I have to live with people in the program? Yes, living in community with others is an important part of the experience. During the program, students commit to participating in everyday aspects of life together and supporting each other in the process. Your teammates will encourage you, pray for you, and challenge you throughout the summer! Several students have developed lasting friendships through RJP in the past.
Q: What should I expect during a week of the RJP Summer? During a regular week of RJP Summer, students will Sabbath on Sunday and attend a local partner church in the afternoon. We believe that resting in the Lord allows us to go and serve from a place of being filled. Monday through Friday, students will serve with our church and nonprofit partners during the day, for a total of 20-30 hours per week. In the evenings, we follow a weekly pattern of Bible study, neighbor engagement, documentary and reading discussion, and large gathering nights. Saturdays are a flex day, usually including an experiential learning portion (such as a visit to a historical site or farm), as well as time to rest, grocery shop, and have fun.
The opening and closing weeks of the summer will be used for orientation and debrief, and thus will have differing schedules, including a higher level of program-wide activities.
Q: Why is the RJP Summer a good investment of my time? While many internships focus exclusively on work experience, Richmond Justice Summer includes formation elements that address your spiritual, personal, and social development. The whole-life discipleship that results from this type of intensive experience can shape you for years to come. Read some of our intern blogs to find out more about how RJP has impacted students in the past!
Q: I have more questions. Who should I talk to? Our program director is Kiana Pilson. You can email her at kiana.pilson@intervarsity.org with any questions that come up as you apply or prepare for RJP Summer.