About the Organization
The State of Mind Cafe will be the first and only coffee shop in Santa Barbara designed with the disability community. It will serve as an arts and culture hub where local artists of all abilities can showcase their art, perform, and host events free of charge. This project is not just about opening a Cafe—it is about shifting perceptions, building bridges, and creating a lasting legacy of inclusion that other communities can replicate.
Position: Strategic Planning Fellow
The Strategic Planning Fellow will research the Léni Fund, which is specifically designed to provide equitable access to performing arts experiences. The Fellow will analyze the work supported by the fund and synthesize this information into materials for the public, such as an annual report, marketing materials, and communications and web designs. The Fellow will also support the development of the expansions for the Léni Fund into new areas in Santa Barbara County, including researching potential partner organizations, creating budgets, and drafting plans for new collaborations.
The Strategic Planning Fellow will complete the internship in 200 total hours, beginning in June 2026.
Position: Project Development Fellow
The Project Development Fellow will support the creation of programs for the State of Mind Cafe, such as monthly art workshops, performances, and other ongoing opportunities for public engagement; help advance the Cafe’s fundraising campaign; and facilitate communication and coordination with community members and other nonprofits. This internship is an opportunity to learn about organizing with nonprofits and community groups and to gain experience in conceptualizing and developing programs.
The Project Development Fellow will complete the internship in 200 total hours, beginning in June 2026.