Program Support Intern, Spark Chicago

The Program Support Internship is a unique chance to gain meaningful experience in the nonprofit sector within a growing organization. Volunteerism is becoming an increasingly important part of the culture of our society, and this internship provides a way for you to be ahead of the curve, cultivating useful skills to motivate and manage volunteers, reach key community groups, and support individuals as they realize the positive impact they can have on young people.

Background:

Spark (www.sparkprogram.org) is an award winning, growing youth apprenticeship program. Spark works to reduce the high-school dropout rate with a unique apprenticeship program, focused on middle-school studentsin high need communities.

In partnership with district and charter schools, Spark creates one-on-one apprenticeships in real workplaces, where youth explore careers and develop the skills and motivation to succeed academically. Spark was awarded the prestigious Draper Richards Fellowship in 2008, given to five early-stage non-profits from around the world with the highest potential for "broad social impact." In January 2010, Spark won the Ashoka Fellowship, one of the top honors for social innovation worldwide. With this and other support, Spark is building a foundation for national scale. Spark's programs have been operating in the San Francisco Bay Area since 2005, in Los Angeles since 2010, Chicago since 2011, and Philadelphia since 2013.

Responsibilities:

The Program Support Intern responsibilities vary based on individual qualifications and experience. They may include, but are not limited to:

Volunteer Outreach and Recruitment

Researching businesses and organizations within our communities for potential volunteer mentors driven by students' career interests. Recruitment strategies include: online research, networking events, canvassing and presentations with Spark staff.

Administrative Support for Program Operations

Visiting apprenticeships at workplaces, organizing volunteer appreciation throughout the session and supporting Spark volunteer networking events. Some components of our program include evening events, such as: Mentor Orientations, Match Day Events and Discovery Nights (culminating ceremonies).

Volunteer Coordination and Tracking

Ensuring compliance of all paperwork for volunteers: maintaining Spark's volunteer database (familiarity with Salesforce and Google Docs a plus), and assisting in documentation of all apprenticeships.

School Support and Logistics Coordination

Visiting schools during the Spark Leadership Class and apprenticeship days to ensure successful implementation of program logistics (attendance, transportation, etc.). Schools Spark Chicago serves are on the west and south sides of the city (East Garfield Park, North Lawndale, McKinley Park, Near South Side, Kenwood, and Washington Park).

Required Qualifications:

• Interest in working in the educational and/or nonprofit industry, experience a plus
• Strong English communication skills with adults and youth
• Highly proficient in Internet research and in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• High-energy, creative, and has a sense of humor
• Excellent attention to detail
• Comfortable giving and receiving honest, constructive feedback
• Laptop required

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with CTA public transit system
• Experience with creative software (e. g. InDesign, iMovie)
• Written and/or spoken language skills in Spanish
• Familiarity with database management (e.g. Salesforce)

Compensation:

• This is an unpaid internship. A $250 stipend is offered upon completion of internship.
• Non-monetary compensation: The opportunity to be an integral member of an energetic, innovative, hard-working and rapidly growing team, within an organization that has the potential to significantly change American middle-school education.

Internship dates are August 26 2013-December 13, 2013. Dates and hours are flexible based on applicant's schedule. This position reports to Chicago Program Coordinators.

Details:

Location: 223 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, Illinois, 60606, United States

Start date: August 26, 2013

End date: December 13, 2013

Application deadline: August 7, 2013

Hours per week: 20

Compensation: Unpaid

Stipend/Wage: 250.00

How to apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:mdave@sparkprogram.org with the subject line Program Support Intern, Your Name.