Benton Harbor, MI - travel within the tri‑county region may be required.
8‑week part‑time summer internship, up to 30 hours per week.
OUR ORGANIZATION:
Youth Solutions, Inc. is part of the Kinexus Group family of organizations. The Kinexus Group is a recognized non‑profit that works to create an economically thriving Michigan through community development, workforce development, and business initiatives. Youth Solutions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on providing Michigan’s youth with career‑focused education and support.
OUR DESIRED OUTCOMES:
The JMG Pathways Intern will support the BCVB JMG Youth Team in delivering engaging, career‑focused programming for young adults across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. This role offers emerging professionals hands‑on experience in workforce development, youth engagement, and community partnership work while helping youth 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 WIOA and Young Professionals initiatives, the intern will assist with career‑readiness activities, outreach, work‑experience support, and youth engagement efforts.
RESPONSIBILITIES
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 continued participation.
- 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 ability to travel independently 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.
Culture: We have a unique culture that requires individuals to be BOLD, INSPIRATIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL, and INCLUSIVE.
EEO Statement: 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.