Apprentice Coordinator
This internship is part of the Schwartz Community Based Internships. This premier opportunity allows UR undergraduate students to access traditionally unpaid opportunities that highlight the value of the humanities in the workplace. If selected, students will receive a $5,000 stipend over a minimum 270-hour period in a non-for-profit organization in the Rochester, NY region.
To learn more and view additional Schwartz Community Based Internships, visit:
https://careereducation.rochester.edu/experiences/schwartz-community-based-internships/
ORGANIZATION: Writers & Books
POSITION: Apprentice Coordinator
Responsible to: Youth Education Associate (YEA)
SCOPE OF WORK
The Apprentice Coordinator partners with other members of the Youth Education Department to oversee all aspects of the SummerWrite Apprentice Program, serving as the primary point person and mentor to high school and college-aged apprentices. The Apprentice Coordinator works closely with the Youth Education Associate and SummerWrite Coordinator, as well as other members of the Youth Department, to create a seamless experience for apprentices, from orientation and training, through the completion of SummerWrite camps.
SummerWrite OVERVIEW
SummerWrite is Writers & Books’ reading and writing summer youth program, successful for nearly 4 decades. Week-long half-day and full-day camps engage youth ages 8-17 with topics ranging from fiction writing and drama to interactive and interdisciplinary experiences for readers.
We seek to reduce barriers to participation by offering tuition-free camps in Rochester branch libraries and other locations accessible to city youth and by providing need-based scholarship support for fee-based camps delivered at our urban headquarters and our Finger Lakes retreat center.
SummerWrite APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
Our apprenticeship program offers 5 or 6 high school juniors, seniors, and college students the opportunity to work side by side with our experienced teaching artists, supporting their work and learning from them, while helping to create a welcoming environment for SummerWrite campers. Apprentices can take on many different roles within their assigned camps; from acting as a model student, to assisting with curriculum delivery, to offering writing mentorship to the campers. Apprentices earn minimum wage and benefit from professional development workshops.
APPRENTICE COORDINATOR WEEKLY SCHEDULE
● Orientation and Training, preparing for SummerWrite camps
○ June 2-20 and June 30-July 4: 1o-20 hours/week; hybrid: both remote and in-person hours
○ June 23-27: 20-25 hours/week (includes evening and/or weekend training hours); in person
● SummerWrite Camp in session
○ July 7-August 8: 40 hours/week; in-person
● Wrap-Up and Evaluation
○ August 11-15: 10-15 hours; hybrid: both remote and in-person hours
Location: SummerWrite camps take place at Writers & Books (740 University Avenue, Rochester) and satellite locations, including but not limited to Arnett, Lincoln, Sully, and Wheatley branch libraries; Flower City Arts Center; and The Memorial Art Gallery. Some local travel will be necessary. The
Apprentice Coordinator will be reimbursed for use of public transportation/uber/personal vehicle when traveling to satellite venues.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Play a key role in managing Apprentices, with the support of the Youth Education Associate and SummerWrite Coordinator
○ Onboarding and orientation
○ Plan and deliver a portion of the Apprentice Training
○ Serve as the primary liaison between apprentices and Youth Department staff
○ Create weekly apprentice schedule
○ Lead twice-weekly apprentice check-in meetings
○ Evaluation of apprentices
○ Observe and offer mentorship to apprentices
■ Troubleshoot and assist with problem-solving related to concerns of apprentices
■ Review rubric on a weekly basis, assess areas of strength and growth
○ Visit multiple program sites for observation
● Supervise campers’ lunch hour alongside apprentices
● Engage with Social Justice Apprenticeship activities
● Be available to serve as apprentice sub as needed
● Assist with additional duties, which could include layout and design of student anthologies; camper check-in/out process; program evaluation
● Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
● Commitment to Writers & Books’ mission, values, and JEDAI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, & Inclusion) goals
● Previous experience working with children
● Strong interpersonal skills
● Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral
● Strong organizational skills
● Ability to take initiative and prioritize
● Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team
● Flexibility and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
● Attention to detail
● Demonstrated facility with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite
All hired staff must agree to a background check.
To apply: Please submit resume and cover letter
Questions? Please contact Clara O’Connor, Youth Education Associate, clarao@wab.org