The Birmingham Immersive Community Empowerment Program (BICEP), is a collaboration between IHR, the David Mathews Center for Civic Life (DMC), and ten community organizations in the greater Birmingham area, including:
- ACE Alabama
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alabama Women’s Rights Program
- Alabama Holocaust Education Center (AHEC)
- Alabama Interfaith Refugee Partnership (ALIRP)
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI)
- Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution (GASP)
- Invisible Histories
- Lakeshore Foundation
- Offender Alumni Association (OAA)
- Titusville Development Corporation (TDC) (Landmark and Heritage Project)
BICEP provides UAB undergraduate students with the opportunity to take part in immersive civic learning and capacity-building experiences by completing a two-semester, paid internship with community-based organizations across Alabama. In addition to their placement, students will enroll in HRT 485: Professional Internship in Human Rights where they will build new skills, reflect on their experiences, strengthen their professional preparation and workforce readiness, and connect with peers who share an interest in human rights and the non-profit sector. This internship is open to all UAB undergraduate students.
Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year will open in spring 2026. Community organizations interested in getting involved are encouraged to email