|
2009 Freedom Schools Summer Program
Summer Internship Opportunity
The See Forever Foundation, located in Washington, D.C. is recruiting current college students (and recent graduates) to work with us at our Freedom Schools this coming summer. In partnership with the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) we will run the Freedom Schools program at four sites in and around Washington, DC. Servant Leader Interns will take on critical roles over the summer, serving as instructors and leaders in our summer school programming.
All interns must attend an 8 day overnight training program sponsored by the Children’s Defense Fund at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, starting May 31, 2009. Interns will return to See Forever in late June for two weeks of preparation on-site. Then interns will then assume their positions as instructors for five or six weeks, depending on the site. Our four sites are:
- Maya Angelou Public Charter High School, Shaw Campus, Washington, DC
- Maya Angelou Public Charter High School, Evans Campus, Washington, DC
- Maya Angelou Public Charter, Middle School Campus, Washington, DC
- See Forever’s Oak Hill Academy High School, Laurel, MD (for District of Columbia youth who are incarcerated at the City’s secure juvenile facility)
Working as a Servant Leader Intern with See Forever/Maya Angelou represents a unique opportunity to learn what it is like to be a teacher and to work day-to-day with a progressive organization that is directly working to improve the education and juvenile justice system in Washington, DC.
Background
See Forever opened in 1997, with the goal of creating a small, nurturing high school for students who had not succeeded in traditional schools. We currently run three campuses under the Maya Angelou Public Charter School name. One secondary campus is located in the historic Shaw district at 9th and T Streets NW, and the second one is at 57th and East Capitol Streets NE. The third campus, a new middle school, is also located at 57th and East Capitol Streets NE. See Forever assumed operation of the Oak Hill Academy in Laurel, MD during the summer of 2007 and also operates an affiliated Transition Center in Washington, D.C.
Our school approach and design have worked where others have failed. Over 80% of our graduates have gone on to postsecondary school after graduating from Maya Angelou, even though many had quit or been put out of school before coming to us. Nearly three times as many of our graduates are earning bachelor’s degrees than their peers, and overall 10% more of our alumni are staying in school to earn a postsecondary degree. Maya Angelou is recognized as a national model, having created the sort of high-quality school often reserved for the most affluent, but in our case designed specifically for the most disadvantaged and often academically in-need students.
The CDF Freedom Schools program is an educational and cultural enrichment program. Schools and community groups nationwide operate Freedom Schools over the summer, with the support of CDF. Community groups, working with children ages 5 to 18, offer the program. The Freedom Schools model integrates reading, conflict resolution, and social action in an activity-based curriculum to promote social, cultural, and historical awareness.
College-aged young people and recent college graduates play a key role in the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools program as Servant Leader Interns. CDF Freedom Schools Servant Leader Interns are responsible for the front-line care and instruction of the children. Using an integrated reading curriculum designed by CDF curriculum staff, they serve as facilitators in the classroom and as leaders of parent workshops and community outreach activities.
Responsibilities
- Deliver our Integrated Reading Curriculum to a class of seven to ten students, along with the support of a See Forever co-instructor
- Set-up and breakdown of classroom space, including securing and organizing the appropriate materials
- Collaborate with staff to establish and maintain a supportive and structured environment for the students
- Serve as a Harambee! leader each day of program operation.
- Serve as a leader of afternoon activities and other special events; chaperone field trips
- Administer pre and post reading assessments for all participants
Qualifications
- Solid commitment to youth advocacy, a desire to work with teens in a challenging and rewarding setting, and enthusiasm for the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools program
- Ability to motivate others and work as part of an intergenerational team
- Strong appreciation and understanding of individual cultural history and the willingness to be open and respectful of all cultures
- Willingness to strive for excellence in all areas
- Ability to think critically and analytically
- Exhibit behavior and positive attitude; model a mature and professional demeanor
- Excellent written and verbal skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to the character, humility and servant leadership ethics of Ella Baker
- Authorization for background check for criminal and child protective findings
Compensation
Freedom Schools Servant Leader Interns earn a summer stipend of $2,700 - $2,900, depending upon the site to which they are assigned. The internship includes an 8-day overnight training sponsored by the Children’s Defense Fund at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; two weeks of training with See Forever; and five to six weeks of instruction at one of the sites. Please note that See Forever cannot provide housing for interns, but can help facilitate housing opportunities.
To Apply
If you are interested in applying for a Freedom Schools internship with See Forever, please e-mail your resume, cover letter, and three references as Word attachments to: hr@seeforever.org, no later than April 30, 2009. Please indicate Freedom Schools Internship in the subject line and the campus to which you are applying. (Please see the campus list above.)
See Forever is an equal opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better staff. People of color are encouraged to apply. |
