Youth Civic Engagement Mentor/Intern

Greater Philadelphia YMCA Employment Opportunity!

This position offers a college student the opportunity to engage meaningfully with the Greater Philadelphia community through hands-on experience in youth civic engagement programming. The intern will work directly with YMCA Youth and Government and Model United Nations students during the school year, serving as a mentor to help them prepare for program conferences and events, explore college and career pathways, and develop leadership skills. This role also provides the intern with exposure to key elements of positive youth development, including mentorship, community activism, and social-emotional learning.

Some rewards for joining our team: 

• Free YMCA membership - access to all branches! 
• Flexible work schedule
• Sweet discount on child care and summer camp programs
• Planning for your future? Ask us how we do it at the Y- it's awesome!

What is needed for this job:

• Academic Standing:
  • Candidates must be incoming college juniors, seniors, or graduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university at the time of the internship.
• Transportation:
  • Interns must have access to reliable transportation to travel to various program locations across Greater Philadelphia. This may include schools, YMCA branches, or special event sites.
• Relevant Academic Background:
  • While there is no single required major for this internship, students pursuing degrees in the following fields may find the content and responsibilities especially aligned with their academic and career interests:
    • Political Science
    • Pre-Law
    • Sociology
    • History
    • Business Administration
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership, Organization, and Ethics
    • Communications
    • Social Work
    • Education
• College Credit Eligibility:
  • This internship is eligible for college credit, pending approval from the student’s college or university. Interns are responsible for coordinating with their academic department to meet credit requirements.
• General Expectations:
  • Ability to work independently and take initiative while also collaborating as part of a team.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially when working with youth.
  • Commitment to upholding the YMCA’s values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring.
  • Flexibility to work some evenings or weekends based on program schedules or events (advance notice will be provided).

The responsibilities we will trust you with:

• Facilitate Youth Civic Engagement Programming:
  • Support and lead weekly sessions with YMCA YCE students, either in-person or virtually, to help them build skills in leadership, civic knowledge, and public speaking. Ensure activities are engaging, inclusive, and aligned with program goals.
• Mentor High School Participants:
  • Provide guidance and encouragement to students as they prepare for Youth and Government and Model UN conferences, complete program assignments, and explore college and career pathways. Build positive, supportive relationships that foster youth development.
• Maintain Accurate Program Records:
  • Track student attendance, session engagement, and progress toward program goals. Complete all required administrative tasks in a timely and organized manner, including reports, documentation, and communication with supervisors.
• Participate in Special Events and Conferences:
  • Support and attend Youth Civic Engagement conferences, weekend retreats, and special events. These experiences provide additional opportunities for leadership, learning, and networking.
• Collaborate with YMCA Staff and Community Partners:
  • Communicate regularly with site supervisors, program staff, and community partners to ensure consistent support for students and alignment with program objectives.
• Demonstrate Commitment to Youth Development Principles:
  • Model positive behavior, uphold YMCA values, and contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Other Duties as Assigned:
  • Take on additional tasks or projects as needed to support the success of the program and the intern’s professional development.

What you can expect:

• Support from an amazing team which includes training you on expectations
• Opportunities to learn and grow
• Being a part of a non-profit organization that works to make the community stronger
• Great members to work with every day!

After reading this, if you’re thinking this is me - we want to meet you!

Get the ball rolling with our quick, 3-minute online application.

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. The Y considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable laws.