This is an 8 week part-time summer internship that will work up to 30 hours week.
OUR ORGANIZATION:
Youth Solutions, Inc. is a part of the Kinexus Group family of organizations. Kinexus Group, recognized as one of the Best Nonprofits to Work for by Nonprofit Times in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2026, is a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. We are change agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality.
Youth Solutions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing Michigan's youth with the support and experiences that prepare them for their futures. Youth Solutions aims to ensure every youth in Michigan has access to career-focused education.
OUR DESIRED OUTCOMES:
The JMG Pathways Intern supports the BCVB JMG Youth Team in delivering engaging, career-focused programming for young adults across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. This role is designed to provide emerging professionals with hands-on experience in workforce development, youth engagement, and community partnership work while helping young people build confidence, explore career pathways, and prepare for future employment and education opportunities.
Grounded in the principles of Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) and aligned with workforce development initiatives such as WIOA and Young Professionals, the intern will assist with career-readiness activities, outreach, work-experience support, and youth engagement efforts to help participants successfully navigate employment, training, and postsecondary pathways.
Reporting to the Director of Integrated Youth Services and working alongside the JMG Pathways Specialists, the intern will contribute to meaningful projects and initiatives that strengthen career-connected learning opportunities for youth throughout the region.
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:
Youth Engagement and Program Support
- Assist with outreach and recruitment activities to engage youth in workforce development and career readiness programming
- Support onboarding, orientation, and participant engagement activities for all youth initiatives
- Build positive and professional relationships with youth while encouraging participation and continued engagement
- Assist staff with youth workshops, group activities, and special events
Career Readiness and Workforce Preparation
- Support the delivery of career readiness activities, including resume building, interview preparation, workplace professionalism, communication skills, and financial literacy
- Assist youth with career exploration activities using labor market information, career pathway tools, and virtual career exploration platforms
- Help prepare workshop materials, sign-in sheets, participant packets, and presentation resources
- Encourage youth to explore postsecondary education, training opportunities, and career pathways connected to high-demand industries
Work Experience and Employer Support
- Assist staff with coordinating work experience placements and employer communication
- Support employer orientation activities and worksite engagement efforts
- Participate in employer visits, youth worksite check-ins, and career exploration events when appropriate
- Help organize and collect participant timesheets and required program documentation
Community Outreach and Partnerships
- Represent Youth Solutions professionally at community events, workshops, and outreach activities
- Assist with community engagement efforts and promotion of youth programming through events and outreach opportunities
- Support collaboration efforts with schools, employers, and community organizations that provide opportunities and resources for youth
Program Operations and Administrative Support
- Assist with maintaining organized participant records and files
- Support data entry, documentation, and tracking activities aligned with organizational expectations
- Participate in team meetings, training opportunities, and planning sessions
- Support staff with general administrative and operational tasks related to youth programming
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Currently enrolled in or recently completed college coursework in human services, education, social work, business, communications, nonprofit leadership, workforce development, or a related field
- Reliable transportation and be able to travel independently to various locations within the service area
- Interest in youth development, workforce development, education, or community engagement
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff, youth, employers, and community partners
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace tools
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- Experience working with youth through volunteer work, internships, mentoring, coaching, tutoring, camps, or community programs
- Experience facilitating activities, workshops, or group engagement opportunities
- Ability to adapt in fast-paced environments and take initiative
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Flexible and collaborative
- In-person expectations with some in-field and community-based work
- Travel within the tri-county region may be required
- Exposure to community events, employer sites, schools, and workforce development activities
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:
- Meaningful hands-on experience in workforce development and youth programming
- Mentorship and professional growth opportunities
- Exposure to nonprofit leadership, employer engagement, and career development work
- A supportive and mission-driven team environment
- Opportunities to build professional skills, leadership capacity, and community connections
We have unique culture that requires individuals to be BOLD, INSPIRATIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL and INCLUSIVE. We spend more waking hours with each other than we do with family or friends, so finding someone that adds to our culture is extremely important.
Kinexus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids, reasonable accommodations and/or services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Center: 711 Voice and TDD. Kinexus is a partner of American Job Centers.
