The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. SCOPE OF INTERN SERVICE:The Education & Youth Services (EYS) program is part of the IRC's holistic and integrated approach to resettlement. EYS assist refugee youth and their families in navigating the U.S. education system in the Louisville area. The Spring 2025 After-School Program Intern will support the EYS team in creating a safe and engaging environment for middle school and high school students. This role involves coordinating activities, assisting with homework, and supporting social and cultural adaptation through enrichment activities. The intern will work closely with EYS staff and volunteers to address the academic and social needs of recently resettled refugee youth.Please note this is an unpaidinternship position.LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Develop understanding of educational and social support systems for refugee youth.
- Gain hands-on experience in program coordination and youth mentorship.
- Build skills in intercultural communication and community outreach.RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide academic assistance, including tutoring and homework support, to middle and high school students in after-school programs.
- Assist in organizing after-school enrichment activities focused on cultural integration and social development.
- Alongside EYS staff, coordinate transportation logistics for students to the after-school program space.
- Support planning educational outings and community-building events for program participants.
- Support students in building confidence and adaptability within U.S. school systems.
- Help facilitate communication between students, families, and school staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.REQUIREMENTS
- Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student, or less than 12 months past graduation, preferably in the fields of Education, Social Work, or related.
- Access to a personal vehicle/reliable transportation; IRC Louisville cannot support securing transportation or housing for interns.
- Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or must have active and compliant visas and work authorization status in the United States (the IRC must not be represented as a sponsor or host in any application, filing, or other context for an intern).
- Primary availability between 1:00 PM EST and 5:00 PM EST on Mondays and Wednesdays for the after-school program.
- Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially.
- Strong intercultural communication skills, including demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers.
- Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
- Adherence to IRC volunteer/intern and workplace policies
- Fluency/proficiency in English, both spoken and written, are required; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group is desired, but not required.TRAINING & GUIDANCE
- In-depth training will be provided for interns to understand IRC programming and the various needs of clients accessing IRC services. Interns will receive training on IRC's federal R&P and APA service agreements and their programmatic requirements for resettlement services.
- Interns with client languages who could serve as an interpreter will receive guidance on policies when interpreting. Other activity specific training will be provided as needed.
- Flexibility, initiative, and a desire to collaborate are essential qualities for this intern opportunity. A high-level of confidentiality is required when working with IRC clients.Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality. Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.