Literacy Hub Programming Intern

Literacy Hub Programming Intern

Reports to: Chief of Staff

About Start Lighthouse

Start Lighthouse is a Bronx-founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit transforming underutilized school libraries into permanent Literacy Hubs where children discover the joy and power of reading. We believe every child, regardless of race or zip code, deserves access to high-quality literacy experiences, culturally responsive books, and learning environments that help them thrive.

Founded in 2020, Start Lighthouse began by delivering thousands of multicultural books directly to students and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, our work has grown into a comprehensive, school-based literacy model. We operate permanent Literacy Hubs across the Bronx, providing daily literacy instruction, student book shopping, author and illustrator visits, family engagement opportunities, and community literacy events. Each year, thousands of students build home libraries while developing the confidence and skills to become lifelong readers.

Everything we do is grounded in the belief that literacy is more than reading—it’s identity, opportunity, belonging, and joy. We combine high-quality programming with strong operational systems and deep school partnerships to create sustainable impact. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for interns who are excited to learn, take initiative, and contribute to building equitable literacy opportunities for children and families across New York City.

Role Purpose

The On-Site Programming Intern helps deliver joyful, high-quality literacy programming inside Start Lighthouse Literacy Hubs. This role works directly with students and educators to prepare materials, support classroom instruction, and ensure each Hub is welcoming, organized, and ready for learning. This internship is ideal for students interested in education, literacy, child development, teaching, psychology, or youth development.

Core Responsibilities

Student Support

• Assist Leads during literacy lessons and read-alouds.
• Support student engagement and participation.
• Help facilitate small-group and one-on-one learning activities.
• Reinforce classroom expectations and positive behavior.
• Answer student questions and clarify directions during independent work.

Program Preparation

• Prepare books, lesson materials, and classroom supplies.
• Organize activities before students arrive.
• Ensure instructional materials are ready each day.
• Identify missing materials and communicate needs proactively.

Hub Operations

• Reset classrooms between groups.
• Organize books and instructional materials.
• Restock supplies and maintain an inviting learning environment.
• Prepare future lessons before leaving each shift.

Team Support

• Check in with the Lead at the beginning and end of each shift.
• Communicate proactively about challenges or concerns.
• Look for opportunities to help without waiting to be asked.

Qualifications

• Passion for literacy and educational equity.
• Enjoy working with children.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliable, organized, and proactive.
• Comfortable receiving and applying feedback.

Preferred Majors

• Education
• Psychology/ Social Work
• English
• Human Development
• Sociology

How We Work

Start Lighthouse is a systems-minded and student-centered organization. We believe that great literacy experiences happen when preparation, consistency, and relationships come together. In this role, you will:

• Work closely with Literacy Hub Leads to deliver engaging, high-quality programming.
• Help create welcoming, organized, and joyful learning environments for students.
• Take ownership of lesson preparation, classroom organization, and daily Hub operations.
• Build strong relationships with students while reinforcing classroom expectations and routines.
• Identify challenges early, communicate proactively, and help solve problems before they affect programming.
• Leave every Hub better prepared for the next class than you found it.

The strongest candidates for this role enjoy working directly with children, take initiative without being asked, stay organized under changing priorities, and find satisfaction in helping both students and teammates succeed.

What We Look for in Every Intern

Regardless of role, successful interns:

• Believe every child deserves access to high-quality literacy experiences.
• Take ownership and follow through on commitments.
• Communicate clearly, proactively, and professionally.
• Welcome feedback and demonstrate a growth mindset.
• Are reliable, organized, and solutions-oriented.
• Work collaboratively and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Leave every project, classroom, or system better than they found it.

Start Lighthouse internships are designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience while making a lasting impact on students, schools, and communities.

Work Environment

This role is primarily based in Start Lighthouse Literacy Hubs located within Bronx public schools.

Responsibilities may include:

• Working directly with elementary and middle school students.
• Standing and moving throughout the school day.
• Lifting and organizing books, classroom materials, and supplies (up to 25 lbs.).
• Setting up and resetting classrooms between lessons.
• Occasional support for community literacy events.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Start Lighthouse is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.

We strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented communities to apply.

Start Lighthouse’s internship program is designed as an applied learning experience that helps college students translate classroom knowledge into professional practice. Interns gain hands-on exposure to nonprofit operations, program delivery, marketing, events, finance, and organizational systems while developing core workplace skills such as communication, prioritization, problem-solving, collaboration, and professional judgment. Each intern works from individualized learning goals and a structured work plan, receives regular supervision and feedback, and completes a capstone project tied to a real organizational need. This allows interns not only to observe how a growing nonprofit functions, but to contribute meaningful work, test career interests across multiple areas, build confidence in professional settings, and leave with a tangible work product they can reference in future job applications, interviews, and portfolios.