STEM Leadership & Education Intern

This is a part-time hybrid internship based in Minneapolis.

Part-time (20hrs / week May 25- July 10 30hrs/ week July 13- August 1)

About OIC of America

For nearly six decades, OIC of America has stood as a beacon of possibility—transforming lives through the radical act of believing in human potential. Born from the civil rights movement with a vision that everyone deserves opportunity regardless of circumstance, we carry forward this legacy with unwavering conviction.

Strategically located in the hearts of forgotten places, OIC of America deeply connects with the authentic needs of the people we serve. We’re leveraging 60 years of experience to transform the lives of individuals and strengthen the fabric of communities through meaningful participation in today’s economy.

Our Vision

To be an equalizer for poor communities by providing quality education and training through a national network of local affiliates. We believe investing in people is the answer to addressing the national labor shortage. We know we can ensure people of all races and all backgrounds are successful for the good jobs America’s employers need to fill.

Our Mission

We’re fighting for a country where all communities can support themselves and their families. Through collaboration and commitment, we break cycles of poverty and injustice to create a more just society. For everyone.

Position Summary:

This internship is designed to support the delivery of OIC of America’s STEM programming, including STEM Saturdays and STEMFest events, with a focus on volunteer facilitation, education support, and program experience.

The intern will gain hands-on experience supporting events while also observing and contributing ideas to strengthen how programming connects to student learning and career pathways.

Key Responsibilities:

Volunteer Facilitation & Training Support

• Support coordination of volunteers for STEM events
• Assist with organizing volunteer roles and assignments
• Help prepare volunteers to facilitate STEM activities
• Support day-of volunteer onboarding and guidance
• Observe volunteer readiness and identify opportunities for improvement

Event Support

• Assist with setup and breakdown of STEM events
• Support activity stations and volunteer needs during events
• Help ensure a smooth and organized event experience
• Take ownership of assigned tasks during events

Education & Student Experience Observation

• Support STEM activities and engage with students during events
• Observe student engagement and overall experience
• Identify what is working well and where improvements can be made
• Provide input on how activities connect to real-world careers

Program Insight & Light Systems Contribution

• Share observations on program flow and volunteer experience
• Provide feedback to support improvements to training or delivery
• Contribute ideas on how programming can better connect to career pathways (K–Career alignment)

Professional Development Opportunities

• Experience facilitating learning in a real-world setting
• Exposure to STEM programming and workforce pathways
• Development of leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Insight into nonprofit program delivery and event execution

Capstone Project

Develop a Program Experience Improvement Toolkit focused on strengthening volunteer facilitation and/or student engagement.

Toolkit may include:

• 2–3 key recommendations based on observations

• At least 1–2 tangible tools or resources, such as:

• • Volunteer training quick guide
  • Simplified activity explanation framework
  • Student-facing career connection prompt or reflection tool
  • “What success looks like” checklist for events
  • • Clear explanation of how each recommendation/tool could be implemented
  • • Brief final presentation during the last week of the internship

Qualifications:

• Interest in education, leadership, or youth development
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to take initiative and follow through
• Organized and reliable
• Comfortable working independently and with a team

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties, as necessary.

Compensation:

The hourly wage for this internship is $21.00 for this non-exempt internship.

ADA Specifications:

• Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
• Ability to learn/translate/refer to technical material and produce extensive written communications.
• Ability to travel to external meetings both locally and nationally, including periodic overnight travel.
• Normal work requires frequent use of the telephone and computer (monitor, keyboard, mouse).
• Ability to be mobile at meetings and events.
• May be required to move about frequently in the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, attend meetings, etc.
• May require standing/sitting for prolonged periods of time during meetings and conferences.
• Must be able to communicate in large gatherings and conduct information sessions with technology so others will understand.

Applicants in need of special assistance or accommodation during the interview process or in accessing our website may contact us by sending an email to kpasquarella@oicofamerica.org. In your email, please include your name and preferred method of contact, and we will respond as soon as possible.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and maintaining a diverse work force. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, status as a crime victim, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by federal and Philadelphia and Pennsylvania state laws.