Community Outreach Intern

PLEASE NOTE: Although this posting may display a longer availability window on Handshake due to system requirements, applications for this internship must be submitted by March 27.

This internship is part of the BRIDGE Fellows program, a workforce development initiative coordinated by the Kent County Health Department and the Grand Rapids LGBTQ Health Care Consortium. BRIDGE Fellows are hired and supported by KCHD and the Consortium but placed with community partner organizations across Kent County to work on projects that address local public health priorities. While the Fellow will spend most of their time working with the host site listed below, they will also participate in cohort activities, mentorship, and professional development coordinated by KCHD and the Consortium.

Host Site: A Glimpse of Africa

Time Commitment: 11-20 hours per week 

Project Description:

The Community Outreach & Events Intern will support the planning and execution of community wellness activities designed to increase awareness of mental health resources and promote wellbeing among New American, immigrant, and refugee communities in Kent County. A Glimpse of Africa (AGOA) hosts many community-centered events throughout the year with the intention of bringing people together while also connecting them to health and social services. 

The intern will assist with coordinating event logistics and supporting outreach efforts primarily related to the Mental Health & Wellness Fair, a two-day event hosted each summer that includes mental health specialists and resources, finance, immigration, and health services, culturally sensitive support and peer connections, blood pressure screenings, and a large soccer tournament. Responsibilities may include supporting event registration, helping organize tabling opportunities with local service providers, distributing outreach materials, and engaging with community partners. The intern may also assist with tracking participating resource partners and documenting event activities.

This internship provides hands-on experience in nonprofit event coordination, community engagement, and culturally responsive outreach while supporting programs aimed at improving access to mental health and wellness resources.

Community Importance:

Many immigrant and refugee communities face barriers to accessing mental health services, including stigma, limited awareness of available resources, language barriers, and lack of familiarity with local health systems. Community-based events that bring together service providers, advocates, and residents can help bridge these gaps by creating welcoming environments where individuals can learn about available supports and connect with culturally responsive services.

By helping plan and support community wellness events, the intern will contribute to increasing awareness of mental health resources and strengthen connections between community members and local service providers. These efforts support broader public health goals of reducing stigma, improving access to care, and addressing social and economic determinants of health within underserved communities.

Project Deliverables: 

• Support coordination and logistics for community wellness events
• Event attendee registration tracking
• Outreach and tabling activities
• Resource partner tracking list
• Post-event recap summarizing activities and outcomes
• Documentation of community engagement efforts

Minimum Qualifications: Students applying for this internship must be enrolled in an associates, bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Computer proficiency is required. Experience with Microsoft Suite preferred.