Summer Internship Program Coordinator

Student U is a community organization that uses the power of education, advocacy, and leadership to build a just and equitable Durham. Within systems that perpetuate racism, poverty, other systemic injustices, and that fail to allocate resources equitably, Student U sees brilliant students and engaged families who know that they’re capable of incredible things. In order to break the cycle of poverty and help shape a new future for our city, we empower and equip first-generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will transform our city for the better.

Student U’s High School Program Internship Coordinator is designed for a person with strong communication and leadership skills and a desire to support students in reaching their college and career goals. The Internship Coordinator will report to the High School Program Coordinator (HSPC) to co-create an exceptional summer experience for our rising juniors and seniors.  More specifically, the Internship Coordinator will be responsible for managing the daily operations of Student U’s on-campus summer internship program for some of our rising juniors and seniors as well as support our off campus interns during the summer.  This includes preparation for the summer during the spring semester .  This team will also plan and facilitate weekly professional development sessions for all juniors and seniors during the summer.  The Internship Coordinator is responsible for creating a positive, safe environment for all interns to learn and grow, along with building a supportive community among the interns. The Internship Coordinator serves as a role model to all interns and Student U students and is responsible for upholding the organization’s core values at all times.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES :

Spring / Pre-Summer (Part Time : January 26 – June 15; approximately 5-7 hours / week)

Plan, attend, and support with the implementation of the Internship Fair during U Prep Day on February 21, 2026Attend Staff Launch on April 24th & 25th, 2026Review student internship applications and co-facilitate virtual Interview Day(s) in April 2026 (dates TBD; typically the third Saturday)Support the High School Program Coordinator in the selection and placement of all internsCo-plan and lead Internship and Supervisor Orientation with the High School Program CoordinatorCo-plan Summer Academy programming as a member of the Summer Academy Leadership Team (SALT) Begin planning and executing Summer Academy Career DayCo-plan once-weekly professional development opportunities for rising 11th and 12th grade students to be implemented in the summer Co-plan field trip for interns on July 25, 2026Attend weekly check-ins with High School Program Coordinator (in-person or virtual)

Summer (Full Time : June 15 – August 5, 2026)

Co-lead Summer Academy programming as a member of the Summer Academy Leadership Team (SALT) Co-lead Summer Internship Orientation (June 15-18) with the High School Program CoordinatorCreate and maintain a positive, supportive, and safe environment for all internsSupervise and manage a team of on-campus interns to ensure they meet personal / program goals. This includes tracking attendance, providing support to all departments, conducting check-ins with interns and supervisor(s), creating assignments, administering evaluations, etc. Hold all interns on- and off campus accountable in fulfilling expectations of attendance, timeliness, professionalism, and completion of dutiesWith the High School Program Coordinator, co-plan and co-lead the creation and execution of Career Day for Summer Academy students on July 18, 2026Facilitate the completion of special projects for full-time staff members by delegating tasks among the on-campus interns (not limited to student surveys, health screenings, community partner events, etc.)Coordinate Presentations of Learning (POL), an exit activity for the interns upon completion of their internship, and support all interns in successfully completing a thoughtful POLSupport High School Program Coordinator with any and all tasks related to Summer Academy and internshipsEvaluate the success of the internship program with the High School Program Coordinator and other Full Time Staff (FTS).

Required Dates (subject to change) :

February 21, 2026 Internship Fair during U Prep Day

April 24, 2026 Staff Launch

April 25, 2026 Staff Launch pt. 2, Internship Interview Day

April 2026, date TBD Internship Makeup Interview Day

June 15 - June 18, 2026 Intern Orientation (M-Th, 8 : 00am - 3 : 00pm)

June 18, 2026 Site Supervisor Orientation & Lunch (10 : 00am - 12 : 00pm)

June 15 - June 26, 2026 Summer Teacher Orientation (M-F, 7 : 30am - 3 : 00pm)

June 19, 2026 Student U Closed - No programing (observing Juneteenth)

June 20, 2026 Family Day (9 : 00am - 1 : 00pm)

June 29  - July 31, 2026 Summer Academy & Internship Program (M-F weekly), 7 : 00-3 : 30pm

July 3, 2026 Holiday, Student U closed

August 3 - August 5, 2026  Evaluation Week (8 : 00am - 3 : 00pm)

Qualifications :

Commitment to pre-summer preparation, summer programming, and all mandatory dates aboveEnthusiasm for and understanding of the internship programAbility to develop strong rapport with interns, families, and Student U staffWarm, confident, and energetic disposition High bandwidth for the important work we do before and during Summer AcademyDemonstrated leadership experience (not limited to a supervisory role)Ability to create open and supportive work environments and effective teams Creative, adaptable, and flexible approach to problem-solvingTeam player who is dependable and willing to support their co-workersDemonstrated commitment to your own education and professional developmentExcellent organizational, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skillsAbility to work independently, without supervision, and meet deadlinesAbility to engage, work with, and manage people (including students, interns, and staff) without reliance on supervisorBelief in the Student U mission, educational philosophy, and core values High school diploma or equivalentPreferred : participation in the Student U Internship Program as an intern or previous experience with Student U

Anti-Discrimination Policy & Commitment to Equity & Child Safeguarding Policy

Student U is committed to fostering an inclusive culture within our organization where people from various backgrounds can participate fully and equitably, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to our mission.Student U has a commitment to ensuring the safety of our students. All staff will participate in the Darkness to Light Training, which is a child safeguarding training to help them understand why it is necessary to safeguard and protect children and to be fully aware of the procedure for reporting concerns.

Deadline to submit Internship Coordinator application : January 5, 2026

Interview dates : Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Friday,  January 9, 2026

Monday, January 12, 2026

Expected start date : January 26, 2026

Compensation : $18.00 / hour

A complete application includes a resume and a cover letter with thorough responses to the questions provided below. Please ensure all materials are complete prior to submission for full consideration.

Please submit a cover letter that thoughtfully and completely answers each of the questions below. Please limit your letter to 500 words :

The majority of our students attend Durham Public Schools or surrounding schools. All of our Student U students are either first generation students or qualify for free or reduced lunch. 96% of the students we serve are also People of Color. With these facts in mind, while also acknowledging the systemic barriers our students often face, why do you believe that all Student U students can succeed in high school and college? One of Student U’s Core Values is “Achieve Greatness.” What skills do you believe students need in order to be ready for college? Describe these skills, plus two ideas you wish to implement this summer that will foster these skills and support our students to achieve their greatness.Two of Student U’s Core Values are “Dream Fearlessly” and “Discover Your Best Self.” In this role, how will you discover your best self and help students discover theirs? In other words, how do you hope to learn, grow, and experience the Internship Program at Student U? One of Student U’s Core Values is “Share Your Brilliance.” Based on the job description, what brilliance do you bring to this position? In other words, what do you think makes you uniquely qualified for this position? How will you balance building relationships with interns while holding them accountable as their supervisor? Please describe relevant leadership experience, especially with adolescents and young adults. For returning applicants only : What ideas do you have for growing and refining the Internship Program? If you already have a relationship with Student U, particularly our High School Program, what do you hope will remain consistent from previous years?

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