Internship Organization: Next Step
Internship Position: Summer Program Associate
Internship Length: ~10 weeks (Ideal dates are Monday, June 6 – Friday, August 12)
Internship Location: Next Step’s office is in Central Square, Cambridge, MA. Depending on the progression of the pandemic, this internship may be in-person. Applicants should be able to be in-person if needed.
Organization Description:
At Next Step, we serve young people living with chronic illnesses — cancer, HIV, sickle cell and other rare genetic conditions — between the ages of 16-29. We believe that if you empower them with the right skills, tools, and knowledge they will begin asking, “What’s next?” instead of Why me?” We help young people accomplish this shift in mindset through our change process — a 3-step process built upon the following pillars:
- Engagement: Building Community + Changing Perspective
- Education: Learning Skills + Growing Confidence
- Empowerment: Building Resilience + Developing Leadership
All of our programs are free of charge to participants. A key part of our impact lies in the relationships we build among the youth. The only person in the world who can understand what it’s like to share your diagnosis with a friend for the first time or miss extensive days of school because of your diagnosis is another young person who’s been there too. The power of that shared experience can be life-changing.
During the summer, Next Step delivers three dynamic Campferences — 3-day programs that combine the recreational fun of camp with the information and networking opportunities possible at conferences. Due to the pandemic, these programs will be virtual. The Campferences serve the following communities with participants ranging in age from 16-25 years old:
- Face2Face Campference (for young people with a cancer diagnosis)
- Dates: Thursday, June 23 – Sunday, June 26
- FaceForward Campference (for young people living with a rare genetic disorder)
- Dates: Thursday, July 7 – Sunday, July 10
- One Love Campference (for young people living with HIV)
- Dates: Thursday, July 21 – Sunday, July 24
Internship Description:
Interns will work on a number of projects throughout the summer months. Their main responsibility, however, will be assisting with the delivery and evaluation of Next Step’s 3 Summer Campferences for youth living with cancer, HIV and rare genetic disorders. The intern will primarily be responsible for the facilitation of Campference logistics — including, but not limited to, creating the Campference binders, collecting and processing evaluations, and participating as staff during each Campference.
Additionally, interns may have an opportunity to work closely with our development department to research funding opportunities through foundations, supporting fundraising initiatives, and work with social media to grow our brand.
We are a very fast-paced agency during our summer months. This position will require a diligent and detail-oriented eye. Our interns will also spend a great deal of time working with youth at all of our Campferences. Potential candidates must have great interpersonal skills and be teenager-friendly.
Intern Qualifications:
- Must have excellent organizational and computer skills.
- Exceptional communication skills and professional boundaries.
- Are able to keep all interactions with participants confidential.
- Volunteer experience working with youth and/or youth with chronic illnesses.
- Comfort working with culturally diverse populations — including, but not limited to race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or abilities/disabilities.
- Are willing to travel and work residential weekend programs when needed.
- Are able to manage a fast-paced, all-hands-on-deck atmosphere.
- Possess a good sense of humor and work ethic.
- Well-organized and able to work independently with minimal direct supervision.
- Experience or strong interest in nonprofit program development — including grant and curriculum writing/research.
- Strong interest in public health, medicine, and social justice issues.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the mission of Next Step.
This is a seasonal position. If you are interested, please email your resume, a cover letter, and a 3-page writing sample (of previously written work) to kepler@nextstepnet.org.
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