UNC Chapel Hill: APPLES Service-Learning Program: For Students

Summer Internships Program
Summer 2013 Internship Sites

Description of organization: A Helping Hand is a nonprofit organization that serves adults 65+ years of age in the Orange, Durham, Chatham and western Wake counties of North Carolina. It also serves younger adults who have a temporary or ongoing need due to an accident, illness, injury or disability. Services include companionship, transportation and in-home assistance.

Organization mission: To promote self-sufficiency, quality of life and the highest level of independence for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, to recognize the contribution that each individual makes to our community.

Internship details: The intern will provide one-on-one companion care to older adults in the home setting. While this DOES NOT include any personal care assistance, such as help with bathing, it does include providing escorted transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping and accompanying clients on social outings. It also could include errands and assisting with daily household tasks that are difficult for someone who is disabled. Projects could include volunteer recruitment, research related to older adults, and/or assisting the director with grant seeking or public relations.

Suggested majors/skill sets: A Helping Hand has hosted interns from all fields of study. They do not limit selection to specific majors. Students who have found this internship particularly rewarding have come from the following majors: pre-med, social work, psychology, public health, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nutrition, divinity school, public relations, marketing, business, communications and computer science.

Specific requirements: Pleasant demeanor, sincere interest in working with older adults, interest in the nonprofit sector, patience, creativity, excellent communication skills, clean criminal background check, basic computer skills.

Description of organization: The Arc of Orange County works with and for people who have or are at risk for developmental disabilities to promote full promotion in all areas of life in our community. The Arc seeks to accomplish this through advocacy, education and collaboration, as well as through provision of quality support to individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and the community.

Internship details: The intern will work with our Summer Work and Wellness Program (SWWP), a vocational and recreational training initiative that helps teens with developmental disabilities prepare for post-secondary job placement. The participants are placed in morning internships across the community to enhance job skills and to encourage a positive work ethic. During the afternoon, participants enjoy exploring Orange County by going to museums, parks, shopping centers and many other attractions.

Suggested majors/skillsets: Psychology, child development, social work, therapy - recreational, occupational, speech and sociology. The intern will provide direct hands-on vocational and social training to teenagers with developmental disabilities. The primary focus of this position is to facilitate successful achievement of teenager's vocation and independent living goals. Interns will be able to apply behavior management skills, creativity and initiative reasoning to any major requiring strong educational and communication skills.

Specific requirements: Preferred abilities and qualifications include experience working with children, teenagers or adults with developmental disabilities, specific training relevant to the care of individuals with developmental disabilities, and/or training in childcare or child development. Valid driver’s license and current auto insurance is required. CPR/first aid will be offered through training. TB test, no criminal convictions.

Description of organization: Carolina Friends School (CFS) is a vibrant and inclusive learning community empowering students to think critically, creatively and independently. CFS fosters active exploration and quiet reflection, individual endeavor and collaborative engagement. Inspired by Quaker values -- pursuit of truth, respect for all, peaceful resolution of conflict, simplicity and the call to service – CFS teaches children that it is possible to change the world.

Organization mission: The mission of the CFS Summer programs is to provide a high quality, enriching, fun and diverse experience consistent with the philosophy of CFS and available to students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Internship details: : The intern will work with various teachers assisting with workshops. CFS asks the intern to select from the topics offered at those workshops where he or she would feel their contribution would be most worthwhile, especially if this intern has a particular skill to share. As the intern will work for eight weeks, the intern will be assigned to different teachers exposing him or her to varied teaching techniques, age groups and topics. The intern experiences can vary from week to week. The intern should be able to relate to children of different ages or at least be open to experiencing working with varied ages. A sense of humor, playfulness and maximum energy are top requirements along with enjoying children at play. As CFS is in the woods, the intern needs to like being outdoors; this includes all of the environmental aspects of being in a forest in the summer months.

Suggested majors/skill sets: Education, psychology, recreation, sociology and medical programs. An elementary education major would be an ideal choice. This is an excellent opportunity for an education major to learn how to interact with children, learn various behavior management techniques from experienced professionals, and to find out if this is what he or she wants for a life-time career.

Specific requirements: The ideal intern should possess the following qualities: a sense of humor, playfulness, an interest in teaching and or working with young children in varied age groups, ability to be flexibility, ability to think on one's feet, ability to take on responsibility, and willingness to try out new ideas and be open to new experiences. Excellent communication skills, patience and some background with children most helpful; prior camp experience is good.

Description of organization: In Asheville, cultural and community celebrations are essentially about a way of life. Asheville is home to some of the most widely attended and celebrated festivals in the Southeast. The City of Asheville produces award-winning events, family entertainment and holiday celebrations for Asheville residents and visitors throughout the year.

Internship details: Specific tasks performed by a Bele Chere Festival intern will include, but are not limited to, the following: attend ongoing Bele Chere board and committee meetings (interns will be compensated with time off for meetings attended after office hours), attend all festival staff meetings and work directly with a festival staff liaison to plan the specific aspects of the festival, such as coordinating hospitality, volunteers, vendors, events, children, merchandise, decorations, entertainment, beverages, logistics, city restaurants, downtown merchants, communications, sponsorship and the Fourth of July Celebration. Each intern will gain an understanding of event management through their committee work including involvement in the festival’s big picture direction as well as clerical duties such as data entry, filing and mailings. Intern will also help to develop and facilitate the Bele Chere Preview Party and will perform various tasks for the Fourth of July Celebration and throughout the entire Bele Chere weekend – July 29, 30 and 31.

Suggested majors/skillsets: This internship would be especially beneficial to the following majors: communications, public relations, marketing, management and event/project planning based majors. All majors considered.

Specific requirements: Required: Writing skills, organizational skills, time management skills, ability to multi-task, communication skills, motivated, detailed oriented, high energy and proficiency in Microsoft Office is preferred (Excel, Access, Web design). Must live locally (to Asheville, N.C.) during the summer.

Description of organization: The Carolina Women’s Center (CWC) strives to advance the university’s mission of research, teaching and service through the awareness and advocacy of gender issues.

Organization mission: CWC pursues gender equity at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Through education, advocacy and interdisciplinary research, we build bridges and enhance the intellectual life and public engagement mission of the university.

Interns main responsibilities: Intern will focus on identifying and developing CWC programs for the fall (and potentially spring) semesters, identifying speakers, securing dates, developing on and off-campus partnerships/collaborations, developing publicity materials and identifying potential grant/foundation funding to support CWC's future work. Intern will also develop potential proposals if feasible.

Suggested majors/skill sets: Required: basic knowledge of human trafficking, Microsoft Office/Excel, excellent communication skills -- both verbal and written (including ability to interact professionally with faculty, staff, other students and off-campus partners), detail-oriented, accurate and reliable. Preferred: some knowledge of Carolina Women's Center mission and activities; experience with the Word Press blog platform.

Description of organization: The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation is the only independent, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to mobilizing community support for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. The Foundation is a fundraiser and grant maker. It believes that all students deserve the best possible education and that teachers are our most valuable resource.

Organization mission: To create opportunities for students and teachers in every school in the district.

Interns main responsibilities: Intern will assist with short articles for the Foundation's monthly e-newsletter, assist with updating the website, interview grant recipients on the progress of their projects for use in the newsletter, help with presentations at board meetings and organize items to be put on the website. Intern will take videos and edit interviews for website, investigate Twitter and blog posts and explore other ideas as possibilities for expanding the Foundation's online presence. Intern will also assist with the spring teacher’s breakfast event preparation.

Suggested majors/skill sets: Ability to use Microsoft Office (proficiency in Excel), strong social networking skills and ability to train others in using Twitter, blogs, etc. Videotaping/editing skills not required, but preferable.

Organization mission: The Community Empowerment Fund cultivates opportunities, assets and communities that support the alleviation of homelessness and poverty.

Internship details: The intern will work with CEF’s Safe Savings Program, a program that teaches financial literacy, job readiness and savings to homeless and near homeless individuals. The savings program provides goal-oriented savings accounts which enable low-income households to open bank accounts and achieve savings dreams. Specific duties: facilitate weekly financial education classes, and revise and adapt the curricula of these classes. Staff finance office hours in CEF’s Chapel Hill office. Provide one-on-one financial coaching to individuals. Assist individuals with job placement and housing transitions. Participate in outreach activities with community partners. Co-lead and coordinate one fundraising venture over the summer term. Participate in weekly CEF executive staff meetings and take part in decision-making, problem solving and resource development.

Suggested majors/skill sets: No preference in regard to major. However, it is preferred if the intern had previous volunteer experience with CEF. Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.

Specific requirements: Microsoft Office, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to communicate complex concepts simply and effectively.

Description of organization: Founded in New York City in 1997, Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization offering services designed to help our clients find jobs and remain employed. Each Dress for Success client receives one suit when she has a job interview and can return for a second suit or separates when she finds work.

Organization mission: The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Internship details: Responsible for serving as assistant and back-up for our Durham branch manager. Duties include scheduling clients, coordinating volunteers activities, merchandising of boutique, inventory management and assisting with career training classes.

Specific requirements: Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills are a must. Microsoft Word and Excel, and able to learn a very simple database. Responsible and self-directed.

Transportation needed: Car needed to/from organization, located on TTA bus line.

Description of organization: We are a private nonprofit dedicated to supporting the arts in Durham and the Triangle region in North Carolina. We do this in many ways including, operating The Clay Studio, a warehouse studio facility located at 546 Foster Street -- just a few blocks from our main facility, programming classes in the performing, literary and visual arts for toddlers through seniors, and working with public and private schools to provide artist residencies designed for the classroom.

Organization mission: Durham Arts Council, Inc. promotes excellence in and access to the creation, experience and active support of the arts for all the people of our community.

Artist Services internship details: Marketing: post Artist Services program and CenterFest announcements on on-line calendars; create patron mail announcements to email to mailing list; create story pitches for print and broadcast media for upcoming programs, such as CenterFest, Durham Art Walk, DAC grant programs and DAC exhibit programs. Select publicity images to send to appropriate publications. Research: create summer Artist Services Update newsletter for artists and arts organizations, research current announcements to be included. Research new marketing opportunities for DAC programs and recommend approaches. CenterFest: assist with marketing, sponsor fulfillment and design of patron mail announcements. Design surveys for artists, performers, volunteers, nonprofits and food vendors.

CenterFest internship details: Main Responsibilities CenterFest: mailings, coordinating visual and performing artist and nonprofit applicant processing, supporting promotion/advertising campaign work, database entry, telephone support, related support work for planning, logistics, marketing, sponsorship, festival management. Intern will work with visual artists, nonprofit organization, sponsors and marketing and public relations.

Suggested majors/skillsets: Many different majors could benefit from the experience, however knowledge of visual art, public administration, urban planning and/or communication and marketing might be particularly useful.

Specific requirements: Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. Strong organization and planning skills to coordinate complex projects. Strong computer software skills and the ability to work as an effective team member with executive director and other DAC staff and contractors, demonstrating sound business judgment in decision-making.

Description of organization: Farmer Foodshare seeks to end hunger, malnutrition and poverty in North Carolina by providing fresh locally grown food to people at risk for hunger, while building healthy community food systems and enhancing community economic development. Since mid-2009, Farmer Foodshare donation stations have collected over 68,000 pounds of top quality food from 11 different farmers’ markets and brought it to organizations that serve the hunger and malnourished in over six North Carolina counties.

Main responsibilities: Provide support for Farmer Foodshare programs, including Donation Stations at farmers markets, the POP Market social enterprise and our Farm to Kids program. Interns will have a home base with either Donation Stations or POP, but will also be able to experience all aspects of Farmer Foodshare.

Required skills and/or qualifications: Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds of vegetables. Must be personable, highly organized, high energy, flexible, creative and outgoing. Must share Farmer Foodshare’s passion for healthy local community food systems and the right of all community members to have access to fresh local food.

Required/preferred majors: Open to all majors; preferred: political science, nutrition and public health, sustainability, environment sciences, international development, marketing, history, journalism.

Description of organization: Genesis Home works to end homelessness for families with children by providing housing and supportive services to foster independence.

Organization mission: Genesis Home works to end homelessness for families with children by providing housing and supportive services to foster independence. Genesis Home envisions a community without homelessness in which everyone lives in safe and sustainable communities and shows compassion to neighbors in need.

Internship details: The intern will work with the development director to increase their donor base, create new events and work on publications. Updating and improving their website and e-letter communication is always a priority. Genesis Home’s relationship with donors in Research Triangle Park and Durham businesses needs to be strengthened.

Suggested majors/skill sets: Any academic program that delves into social issues will be helpful. Empathy with our clients, homeless families, is key.

Specific requirements: Strong writing and communication skills, knowledge of Microsoft Publisher.

Organization mission: Marbles Kids Museum inspires imagination, discovery and learning through extraordinary adventures in play and larger-than-life IMAX experiences.

Internship details: Job responsibilities: work directly with camp animator in creating a safe, fun, playful camp environment. Set- up and maintain developmentally appropriate large more space for 3 to 6 and 7 to10 year olds. Lead 3 to 6-year-old campers in daily, theme-based movement activities. Lead 7 to 10-year-old campers through skill and team building games and initiatives. Present a positive role model who understands and supports the individual needs of campers.

Suggested majors/skill sets and specific requirements: A sincere, joyful desire to work with children and support play. Knowledge of motor development on children ages 3 to10. A positive, playful, spirited approach to movement activities. Flexibility and responsiveness in a fast-paced camp environment. Ability to work effectively as part of a dynamic camp team. Ability to remain consistently playful and positive regardless of circumstance throughout the camp day.

Transportation needed: Bike/walk from UNC; car needed to/from organization; located on CH bus line.

Description of organization: The North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG) is part of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. NCBG furthers the University's mission of teaching, research and public service. The NCBG has been a leader in native plant conservation and education in the southeastern United States for more than 30 years.

Organization mission: To inspire understanding, appreciation and conservation of plants in gardens and natural areas and to advance a sustainable relationship between people and nature.

Internship details: Help prepare and lead on-site, hands-on environmental education programs for children and families focused on natural history, environmental science and conservation. Types of programs include, but are not limited to, preschool workshops, after-school classes (K-1), home school courses (K-5), scout programs (K-5), story times and family special events and programs. Work with the Coordinator of Children's and Family Education on program logistics and preparation, including program promotion, curriculum development and the creation and maintenance of educational materials, equipment and program areas. Assist with development and maintenance of Children's Garden and exhibit interpretation as well as general support duties as needed for the education department.

Suggested majors/skill sets and specific requirements: Majors preferred include: natural sciences, environmental science, science education, biology, ecology, and outdoor recreation. Creative, self-motivated, responsible, organized, flexible, enthusiastic and positive attitude. Strong interest in the environment and natural history, enthusiasm for working with children (prior environmental education, outdoor education, or early childhood education experience a plus) are necessary. Excellent communication skills, able to work both independently and as part of a team, familiarity with (or enthusiasm to learn) a variety of environmental education activities, willingness to work outdoors. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, Microsoft office proficient, and a sense of humor.

Description of organization: The North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG) is part of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We further the University's mission of teaching, research and public service. The North Carolina Botanical Garden has been a leader in native plant conservation and education in the southeastern United States for more than 30 years. In this section of our website you can learn about our history and future plans, current news, current staff and more.

Organization mission: To inspire understanding, appreciation and conservation of plants in gardens and natural areas and to advance a sustainable relationship between people and nature.

Internship details: This internship will support the horticulture department at NCBG in numerous ways including but not restricted to garden development and maintenance, care of plants in a nursery setting, and plant propagation. This will be another exciting year because of the new garden spaces surrounding the recently completed education center. Summer interns will be part of creating these new collections and giving them the care they need to become established. Projects will include establishment of our new plant collections, maintenance of the established collections, propagation and care of various native plants in our nursery, and invasive exotic removal in both garden spaces and surrounding natural areas. The intern may also participate in occasional special projects such as plant reintroduction for purposes of restoration, seed collecting or work projects in our natural areas.

Suggested majors/skill sets and specific requirements: Internships are often filled by students in environmental studies, environmental science or biology. This internship would be most beneficial to a student interested in conservation, in plant propagation, and in horticulture. There really isn't a major at UNC that is an exact fit for what we do so any student interested in native plants, horticulture and conservation is eligible for this internship.

Description of organization: NC-HCAP has nearly 40 years of experience in providing career and educational resources for North Carolina pre-college and college students, teachers, parents and community leaders. With a highly talented and dedicated staff, NC-HCAP is committed to guiding and supporting our students in making informed decisions about their educational and career paths.

Organization mission: Increase the number of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who are educated, trained and employed in the health professions.

Internship details: The NC-HCAP Communications Intern will assist the communications manager and other programmatic staff members in all facets of communications, public relations and marketing for the organization. Specific duties and responsibilities are delineated below. Please note that depending on the projects underway at the time of the internship, student interns may engage in several of these work-related activities: publications, graphic design, special event planning, displays and exhibits, mail/correspondence, media relations and information relations.

Suggested majors/skillsets: Public relations, journalism, photojournalism, graphic design, communications, English.

Specific requirements: Junior or senior in good standing with a major in journalism or communications and/or related field or experience; knowledge of AP style; basic knowledge of InDesign, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Freehand and skills in photography preferred (but not required); general operational knowledge of basic office equipment (telephone, computer, fax, copier, etc.); demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, learn quickly, and function in a team-oriented environment.

Description of organization: Student Action with Farmworkers (SAF) works with farmworkers, students, and advocates in the Carolinas and nationwide to create a more just agricultural system. Since 1992, we have engaged thousands of students, farmworker youth and community members in the farmworker movement.

Organization mission: Student Action with Farmworkers is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring students and farmworkers together to learn about each other’s lives, share resources and skills, improve conditions for farmworkers, and build diverse coalitions working for social change.

Internship details: Through Into the Fields you will support farmworker agencies and get trained on the issues surrounding farmworkers’ lives and the broader context of the agricultural industry. Each summer, Student Action with Farmworkers (SAF) places 30 college students with organizations that serve, organize or advocate for farmworker justice. SAF interns come from diverse backgrounds and about half are from farmworker families. Most interns live and work in rural agricultural areas in the Southeast- we place you at an organization based on your skills and interests. All placements consist of at least 50 percent office work as well as some outreach to farmworkers, their children or meat processing workers.

Specific requirements: Any college student can apply, but must realize that SAF has strong preferences. In order to qualify you must: speak intermediate to advanced Spanish (you will most likely work with monolingual Spanish speakers) AND to be preferred you must fit one of the following: be a college student from a farmworker family (anywhere in the U.S.), be a student currently attending college in the Southeastern U.S., be a student from the Southeast (the southeast is your home; you grew up there; your parents still live there, etc.).

Description of organization: As a result of the collaboration among the Durham Public Schools, Durham Academy, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University and Duke University, Student U welcomed its first class of 50 students and 16 teachers in the summer of 2007. Currently, Student U works with 150 students from the Durham Public Schools and 36 college-age teachers, along with a team of advisors and mentors.

Organization mission: The mission of Student U is to empower students in the Durham Public Schools to take ownership of their education by developing the academic and personal skills they need to realize their full potential in school and beyond.

Internship details: During the summer, Student U college students teach middle school students in academic and elective classes. Students attend Student U five days a week for six weeks, engaging in four academic classes and three elective classes each day. The average class size is eight students, with an overall student to teacher ratio of four to one. The small classes provide an intimate learning environment in which students’ individual needs can be addressed and students and teachers are able to form a close-knit Student U community.

Suggested majors/skillsets: Students of all majors are welcomed at Student U. Our teachers always have diverse academic interests. What connects them is the desire to use these academic interests to make a difference in the Durham community.

Specific requirements: Student U teachers are dedicated, hard-working university students who are interesting in trying their hand at education. Some of our Student U teachers already know that they will teach when they are done with school; others have never considered teaching. Student U teachers typically attend North Carolina Central University, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, or another university in the RTP area. Teachers are passionate, intelligent and are committed to working with a diverse group of peers to inspire middle school students to gain the academic skills needed to change the world.

Description of organization: A University-based system of community regional centers that offers a set of core services along with unique demonstration programs meeting the clinical, training and research needs of individuals with ASD, their families, and professionals across the state of North Carolina. TEACCH, founded by Dr. Eric Schopler in 1972, is a model for other programs around the world. TEACCH provides clinical services such as diagnostic evaluations, parent training and parent support groups, social play and recreation groups, individual counseling for higher-functioning clients, and supported employment.

Internship details: TEACCH provides summer training programs for teachers and other professionals working with students with autism in educational settings. As a training assistant during a five-week training program, the intern will work directly with students, ages 6 to 21 with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a demonstration classroom. The intern will also make activities and visual structures to increase the independence and skills of these students. In addition to the summer training program, the intern will have the opportunity to spend time observing adults with ASD at their employment sites and observe adults in residential programs.

Suggested majors/skillsets: There is no required or preferred major. TEACCH is a generalist model so the staff come from a variety of educational backgrounds. The only requirement is an intern who is seeking to learn about Autism Spectrum Disorders.

To obtain contact information for the current Internships Chair, please refer to the APPLES' Organizers directory.