Loretto Justice Fellows serve in a part-time, two semester internship with one of our local partners.  The work of Loretto Justice Fellows furthers the mission and values of the Loretto Community; enhances the capacity of local social justice organizations in El Paso; and deepens the personal and professional development of Fellows, individually and collectively.

Our partner organizations’ websites are linked below; as are position descriptions for our 25/26 Loretto Justice Fellowship roles.  Click through to learn more about the work of our Fellows! 

Having a justice-oriented internship has deepened my empathy and strengthened my commitment to advocating for systemic change, shaping my values and sense of purpose. Professionally, it has equipped me with critical skills, meaningful connections and a strong foundation for a career focused on creating impact.

Iris Cano, Master of Social Work (MSW) Loretto Justice Fellow 2024-25

Interested in becoming a Loretto Justice Fellow for the 2025-26 academic year?  Apply here!

2025-26 Loretto Justice Fellowship Partners + Positions

Abara seeks narrative, systemic and personal change through Border Encounter Experiences for groups across the country, while also pursuing holistic border response – by resourcing migrant shelters downstream with needed supplies, while advocating with neighbors upstream.  Abara is accepting applications for a Social Work Loretto Justice Fellow (ASW, BSW or MSW) and for an Advocacy and Policy Loretto Justice Fellow (Social Work, LSPI, Political Science, other).

Ciudad Nueva advances the renewal and development of central El Paso’s Rio Grande neighborhood through the empowerment and transformation of its residents. Ciudad Nueva works in partnership with residents – advancing an assets-based framework that uplifts the expertise, experience, solutions and skills within the community. Ciudad Nueva focuses on four priority service areas identified by the community: empowering youth, supporting families, strengthening community and equipping leaders. Ciudad Nueva is accepting applications for Social Work Loretto Justice Fellows (ASW, BSW or MSW).

Estrella del Paso provides a comprehensive range of immigration legal services for low-income immigrants and refugees including representation in family-based immigration matters, citizenship/naturalization matters, matters related to benefits for survivors of domestic violence and other crimes, removal proceedings before the Immigration Courts, and services for adults and unaccompanied immigrant children detained in the local immigration detention centers and shelters. Estrella del Paso is accepting applications for a Social Work Loretto Justice Fellow (BSW or MSW) and for a Legal Assistant Loretto Justice Fellow (LSPI, Political Science, other). 

Kelly Center for Hunger Relief addresses hunger and food insecurity in the El Paso community through a variety of programs that provide direct assistance, promote systemic change and advance advocacy efforts. Kelly Center for Hunger Relief is accepting applications for a Social Work Loretto Justice Fellow (ASW, BSW or MSW) and/or for a Public Health Loretto Justice Fellow.

Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center provides free and low-cost legal services to immigrants and refugees through both attorneys and accredited representatives through the Department of Justice. Las Americas’ vision is that of a country where all immigrants have access to high-quality legal representation based on the principle of justice and human rights. Las Americas is accepting applications for a Social Work Loretto Justice Fellow (ASW, BSW or MSW) and for a Legal Services Loretto Justice Fellow (LSPI).

Philosophic Systems Institute (PSI) provides empowering transformational learning for a more just society. The PSI process centers philosophy and the arts, and is defined by deep human connections, effective collaborations and responsive design that leads to sustained, systemic change. Projects include Shadows to Light (federal reentry and diversion program that aims to reduce recidivism and promote successful community reintegration); Artstream (working together with public school districts, Artstream is a learning program that integrates creative arts, artists, and cultural organizations in ways that empower and spark curiosity elementary grade students and beyond); Lightstream (a full support program for teens who have been involved with the juvenile justice system) and Transformative Learning Communities (community-centered youth development opportunities for juveniles and younger children within El Paso’s public housing communities). PSI is accepting applications for Social Work Loretto Justice Fellows (ASW, BSW or MSW).

Villa Maria is a transitional home for women experiencing homelessness. Villa Maria houses a small community of women without their families or children to center them on their journey to recovery and self-sufficiency, utilizing a program framework that cares for the whole person and implements a holistic approach that addresses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Villa Maria is accepting applications for a Social Work Loretto Justice Fellow (ASW, BSW or MSW).

Loretto Justice Fellowship Partnership History

(2024-25) Abara

(2023-24) Center Against Sexual and Family Violence (CASFV)

(2023-25) Ciudad Nueva

(2023-24) Estrella del Paso

(2024-25) Kelly Center for Hunger Relief

(2023-25) Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center

(2023-24) Villa Maria

Questions?

Contact our staff through the form below!