Urban Impact Foundation

Academic Teacher

June - August 2022 • Pittsburgh, PA

What I liked

The team you work with is so incredibly supportive, and everyone is incredibly committed to what they do. Expectations are clear, and guidance is always available if you need it. The kids you are working with will be tough, but having the support of your coworkers and supervisors makes it sustainable and enjoyable. If you want to grow spiritually and professionally, this is the best place to do it.

What I wish was different

We were understaffed when I did it, so I didn't get as many breaks and planning times as I would have liked. I enjoyed doubling as a teacher and counselor, but I think having at least a lunch break or planning period would have been very helpful.

Advice

Do not be fooled--you will not survive if you are not on your knees in prayer and devouring God's word. You will need to depend on Him and the people he surrounds you with. Luckily, support is always available to you coming from those sources, so really lean into God and your coworkers. Also, focus on the little wins you have each day--don't get too caught up in the challenges.

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Summer Day Camp Academic Intern

June - August 2019 • Pittsburgh, PA

What I liked

I liked the environment in which I worked and the support that was provided to us by the staff. The staff truly invested in us as interns and in the students who attended camp. It was a very positive and welcoming atmosphere.

What I wish was different

I don't think I would have changed anything.

Advice

Be prepared to learn a lot and be challenged a lot. The students are challenging but it is so worth it and is a very growing experience.

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Day Camp Intern

June - August 2019 • Pittsburgh, PA

What I liked

I loved the kids at Urban Impact and the hearts behind the ministry of Urban Impact. They are unlike any ministry I've worked with before and God is bringing redemption to the Northside of Pittsburgh through Urban Impact.

What I wish was different

There isn't a lot I'd wish to change. Even on the hardest days I still loved it.

Advice

Don't go in expecting rainbows and sunshine. The work is hard and the kids will break you. The hardest kids often need the most attention, but don't neglect the quiet kids. Also, the moments of one-on-one time are unscheduled, but when it happens they just need to be heard by someone. The child needs to feel like they have a voice, and their counselor is responsible to give them the space to use it.

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Theater intern

May - September 2019 • Pittsburgh, PA

What I liked

The best aspect of working at Urban Impact this summer was the growth. Not just my own personal growth, but the growth in relationships I had with the kids I worked with and my coworkers.

What I wish was different

I wish I had had more than one other college intern there to share the load, because at times the work was a lot to handle in the Shakes program.

Advice

I would advise anyone seeking a Shakes summer internship to be prepared for trials. Whether it be long days and nights, dealing with fights among the students or having to come to terms with some of the hardships you’ll hear about, be prepared.

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Lead Counselor

June - August 2017 • Pittsburgh, PA

What I liked

The staff was great, very helpful and kind. The kids were a handful but they were awesome. Life-changing summer.

What I wish was different

Maybe a little better pay, but cannot really complain.

Advice

If you do not like kids, do not consider. If you do like kids, be ready to discipline and be ready to be let down. But overall, you will become attached and never want to leave them.

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