Community Empowerment Intern

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/  

The Esther Project is a grassroots 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to addressing housing instability, supporting women transitioning out of homelessness, and empowering young girls through leadership development. Our programs – The Esther Project, Operation Storefront, and P31Girlz – work collaboratively to provide holistic support, from sustainable housing solutions to mentorship and resource distribution. Interning with us means working hands-on in a purpose-driven, dynamic environment committed to creating lasting change.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and driven Community Empowerment Intern to support our team across all three core programs. This internship offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that directly impact lives, build professional skills, and gain firsthand experience in nonprofit operations.

Intern Responsibilities:

The intern will work on tasks and projects related to:

1. The Esther Project:

• Assist with coordinating housing support services, such as processing applications for security deposits and rent assistance.
• Help organize and conduct community outreach efforts to identify and serve women in need.

2. Operation Storefront:

• Support logistics for furniture collection and distribution to women transitioning to permanent housing.
• Assist with managing inventory and liaising with partner organizations like hotels and property owners.

3. P31Girlz:

• Participate in planning and executing mentorship events and leadership workshops for young girls.
• Assist in creating engaging program materials and tracking participant progress.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this internship, the intern will:

1. Develop a deeper understanding of the intersection between housing, social justice, and nonprofit operations.

2. Gain hands-on experience in program coordination and community outreach.

3. Strengthen organizational, communication, and project management skills.

Internship Benefits:

• Mentorship from experienced nonprofit leaders.
• Networking opportunities with community partners, local organizations, and stakeholders.
• Professional development, including resume-building workshops, guidance on career paths in social services, and feedback on performance throughout the internship.

Internship Qualifications:

• Pursuing or recently graduated with a degree in Social Work, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a related field (preferred but not required).
• Passionate about social justice, housing equity, and community empowerment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace (preferred) and all Social Media Platforms
• No prior experience required; we welcome individuals eager to learn and grow.

Internship Details:

• Location: Hybrid – a mix of remote work and in-person engagement in Rochester, NY.