Education, Policy, and Equity
Read the World
About: Read the World is a motivational reading program. It is an inspirational reading program that seeks to encourage children to become excited about reading more and to strengthen their comprehension skills. It provides structures for students to improve their literacy skills by being tested regularly on the literature they are reading. Through this program educators are able to pinpoint the children’s strengths and weaknesses and identify where their improvements could be made.
Position Description: Read the World is looking for volunteers to support Poughkeepsie’s Saturday Morning Lights Program. Saturday Morning Lights is a free community program serving students in grades K–8 and their families. Held every Saturday at Poughkeepsie Middle School, the program provides academic enrichment, positive youth development, and opportunities for family engagement. Volunteers will support elementary students through reading, comprehension, and classroom activities.
Responsibilities include:
- Familiarize yourself with the chosen book(s)
- Developing lesson plans for students in grades 3–4 and grades 5–6 (approximately 1–2 hours per week) based off of the reading
- Meeting with Growing STEMz & Read the World staff (approximately 1 hour per week) to prepare activities and coordinate lesson plans
- Assisting with classroom instruction and student engagement on Saturdays from 9:00am-12:00 p.m. (approximately 3 hours)
Being a volunteer means you will be helping these students find a love for reading and help them learn vital skills they may have missed out on. This is a very rewarding program to be a part of by getting to see the students thrive. Volunteers should be enthusiastic about working with children and creating a positive, engaging learning environment.
Preferred Majors: Education, Psychology, and English
Commitment: Full Academic Year Commitment preferred
Are you interested in getting involved with Read the World? Visit here for your next steps.
Celebrating the African Spirit
https://celebratingtheafricanspirit.org
Non-profit, 15 – 20 team members
Address: Family Partnership Center, 29 N Hamilton, Poughkeepsie, NY
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Racial Justice
About: The mission of Celebrating the African Spirit is to acknowledge, articulate, research and commemorate the lives of enslaved Africans in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Our work is rooted in the reality that slavery existed in the MidHudson Region, and in Poughkeepsie from the earliest days, and enslaved adults and children were major contributors to the growth of what is now the City of Poughkeepsie and the Mid-Hudson Region. The works, language and traditions of Africans, both enslaved and free, are part of the legacy, which is American history, and should be taught to, and treasured by, all Americans. This lack of knowledge contributes to ongoing denial regarding the consequences of centuries of slavery, our violent and racist past, and the pervasiveness of racism and inequality in America today.
Our many projects are centered around visibilizing so-called “hidden histories,” K-12 education and mentoring, (particularly Poughkeepsie High Schoolers), and social justice-related collaborative City of Poughkeepsie initiatives that connect past to present, from efforts around the public school system, to housing, police transparency, and more.
Position Description:
Cultivating and fostering relations with high schoolers and families, young people and elders; designing and producing outreach materials; helping design, plan, and implement projects; supporting specific CAS initiatives (i.e., Poughkeepsie Middle and High School visits, Kwanzaa, Black History Month events/displays, Juneteenth, Frederick Douglass Day).
Desired Skills: Communications, Graphic design, Previous experience working with people young and old, Public speaking/presenting, Research skills, Social media management
Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with Celebrating the African Spirit? Visit here for your next steps.
Camino al Éxito (Project for All)
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Address: 5 Elm Street, Pawling NY 12564
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Legal Access
About: Camino al Éxito Project for All Inc empowers low-income youth and their families within the Hudson Valley by providing bilingual access to education, health and legal resources that improve personal skills to uplevel available life opportunities.
Position Description:
Students can support with the operation’s organization within the marketing and development department.
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Graphic design, Previous experience working with young people, Research skills, Social media management, Writing, Data collection/analysis
Hours: 8hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with Camino al Éxito? Visit here for your next steps.
Vassar After School Tutoring (VAST)
https://www.vassar.edu/vassar-education-collaboration/programs/vast
Non-profit, 20-25 team members
Poughkeepsie, NY
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity
About: The Vassar After School Tutoring (VAST) program supports students’ academic and extracurricular pursuits while providing early exposure to a college campus. VAST fosters a connection between Vassar College and Poughkeepsie Middle School (PMS). VAST aims to support PMS students who need a space to explore their passions and are interested in college, as well as parents/guardians who are looking for a safe and engaging space for students after school. Our mentors are current Vassar students who are dedicated to forming meaningful relationships and supporting students. Every student is paired with a Vassar College student who serves as their mentor for the academic year. Mentors provide homework help, support Passion Projects, and explore extracurriculars with students such as art, cooking, sports, and more. In addition, we bring students to Vassar’s campus every Friday and connect students with student organizations, departments, spaces, and campus events that relate to their interests.
Position Description:
Students who get involved with VAST can choose to be a middle school mentor or an after-school tutor. In both roles, the student would be responsible for assisting their assigned student with any existing homework/projects. The middle school mentor will also have the additional task of engaging students in extracurricular activities and Friday campus visits, while the after-school tutor will have the responsibility of running academic exercises for students who do not have homework. In addition to being a tutor or mentor, the student may also choose to help create lesson plans, run activities, do research on after-school programs, and help develop long-term projects for middle school students. If there is something the student is interested in doing, they may also reach out ahead of time to the coordinator to decide if it is possible.
Desired Skills: Previous experience working with young people, Previous experience in this field, Research skills
Hours: 4hrs/week or 8 hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with VAST? Visit here for your next steps.
The Peace Education Center of the Hudson Valley (DBA: Peace Museum & Learning Lab) – hybrid position
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Address: 730 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Expression, Arts, and Culture, LGBTQAI+ Rights, Racial Justice
About: Empowering individuals & organizations to create ecologically-minded, just, and peaceful communities. PECHV has recently opened the Peace Museum & Learning Lab (only the second dedicated peace museum in the US!
Position Description: We’re looking for folks who would like to be part of these projects: 1) Exhibition research and planning; 2) developing activities and curricula that connect to exhibits; 3)research schools & teachers, community groups, peace & justice networks, grants & foundations; 4) grant writing/editing; 5) program planning; 6) promotion and marketing; 7) co-teaching programs for children.
Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Copywriting, Previous experience working with young people, Social media management, Writing,
Additional Requirements: access to a car to drive to Kingston
Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week
Positions Available: 1 -2
Are you interested in getting involved with the Peace Education Center? Visit here for your next steps.
Adelante Student Voices
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Racial Justice, Immigrant rights
About: Adelante is a safe space for undocumented students in NYS to explore their legal status and routes to college with their peers and professional staff. Members join our network by attending a summer session and continue to develop their educational roadmap through mentorship and quarterly reunions. We also work with students to research new policy directions and offer consulting to colleges and universities that wish to welcome more undocumented students. Members become involved in legislative and institutional campaigns to contribute to a just New York State
Position Descriptions: Adelante Student Voices is seeking up to four semester interns who are passionate about education, immigrant rights, youth leadership, and community organizing. This internship is ideal for students who want meaningful hands-on experience supporting undocumented youth while learning about nonprofit leadership, higher education access, and advocacy.
Interns become part of a small, collaborative team where they will receive mentorship, professional development, and training from Adelante staff. Throughout the semester, interns will gain practical experience while contributing to projects that directly impact undocumented students and their families across the Hudson Valley.
College Access Support Position
- Work directly with undocumented high school seniors and transfer students as they navigate the college admissions process.
- Assisting students with college essays and personal statements.
- Supporting students with the Common Application and college research.
- Helping students understand application timelines and admissions requirements.
- Learning about and assisting with New York State DREAM Act applications and financial aid opportunities available to undocumented students.
- Connecting students with scholarships and helping them prepare scholarship applications.
- Training will be provided on college admissions, financial aid, and best practices for supporting undocumented students.
- Work may take place remotely, at the Adelante office in Poughkeepsie, or at the Adriance Memorial Library in Poughkeepsie.
Youth Organizing and Advocacy
- Support Adelante’s youth organizing initiatives by helping plan programs and community events that empower undocumented youth to become advocates for themselves and their communities.
- Supporting the planning and implementation of Power Weekend (October 9 to 11), Adelante’s annual leadership retreat focused on youth organizing, advocacy, and community building.
- Assisting with Youth Organizing Committee meetings and helping coordinate campaigns and community events.
- Supporting outreach efforts to students, alumni, and community partners.
- Assisting with workshops focused on immigrant rights, civic engagement, leadership development, higher education, and organizing.
- Past Power Weekend workshops have included:
- Know Your Rights
- Youth Organizing in the Hudson Valley
- Story of Self
- The Life Cycle of a Campaign
- Public Narrative
- Immigrant Rights in New York State
- Legislative Advocacy
- Interns may also have opportunities to attend advocacy events, legislative visits, college tours, or community meetings throughout the semester.
Family Preparedness and Community Support
- Support Adelante’s growing work with immigrant families by assisting staff during family preparedness clinics and legal resource clinics.
- Responsibilities may include:
- Helping families register for clinics and workshops.
- Connecting students and families with community resources.
- Assisting with appointment scheduling for legal, medical, educational, or social service providers.
- Translating school forms, outreach materials, and community resources.
- Following up with students and families after workshops or referrals.
- Helping organize resource materials and educational packets.
- Interns will gain experience working alongside community partners and organizations that provide legal and social services to immigrant communities.
Wellness and Case Management Support
- Work alongside Adelante’s Case Manager to support undocumented students experiencing barriers related to education, health care, housing, food access, transportation, or immigration related stress.
- Responsibilities may include:
- Scheduling follow up meetings with students.
- Helping connect students to campus and community resources.
- Maintaining resource lists and referral information.
- Supporting wellness initiatives and student check ins.
- Assisting with confidential administrative tasks while learning ethical practices around client support.
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Bilingual with another language, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Graphic design, Previous experience working with young people, Public speaking/presenting
Additional Requirements: Drivers License
Hours: 4hrs/week
Positions Available: 3
Are you interested in getting involved with Adelante? Visit here for your next steps.
Arlington Parters Against Racism (ON PAR) – hybrid position
Volunteer-run, 30+ team members
Address: Town of Poughkeepsie
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Racial Justice
About: ArlingtOn PAR is a group of action-oriented anti-racist community members and parents in the Arlington Central School District dedicated to equity and institutional diversity. We amplify the voices, experiences, and needs of marginalized groups to ensure they are represented, understood, and responded to.
Position Description: Students will support the organization by building our capacity to support educational justice in our community. Here are some examples of work that might be expected of a CEL student or Intern:
- Communications: Supporting OnPAR’s communications through their website, social media, and presentations
- Membership: Connect with current members; recruit new members
- Data Collection: Partnering to interview or lead focus groups or discussions with community members, high school students, teachers, and/or administrators about equity work, youth opportunities and realities, the future of the ACSD, and the future of K-12 education in Dutchess County more broadly
- Data Analysis and Writing: Conduct research and engage in scholarly and policy writing
- Program Support: Directly support the planning and hosting of in-person and virtual middle and high school racial justice enrichment opportunities
- Advocacy: Attend and participate (virtually, and occasionally in-person) in ACSD school board meetings and local public meetings as needed; Support OnPAR to provide advocacy support for community members/children when issues arise
Spring 2026 projects included: further developing relevant annual celebrations and youth enrichment programs; hosting an in-person OnPAR community event; research and policy writing
Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Copywriting, Fact-checking, Previous experience working with young people, Public speaking/presenting, Research skills, Social media management, Writing, Data collection/analysis
Hours: 4hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with ON PAR? Visit here for your next steps.
DAY ONE Early Learning Community
Non-profit, 20 – 30 team members
Address: 70 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601
Action Areas: Early Childhood Education, Workforce Development, Instructional Design
About: Social impact organization that provides services in early childhood education for teachers, children, families and community.
Position Description: Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction Intern
Desired Skills:
- Bilingual Spanish-English
- Strong interest in Early Childhood Education
- Experience working with children ages 18 months-5 years preferred
- Strong communication skills – written, phone, in person, social media
- Interest in community outreach
Hours: 4hrs/week or 8hrs/week
Positions Available: 2
Are you interested in getting involved with DAY ONE? Visit here for your next steps.
Nature’s Impact
Poughkeepsie/ Hudson Valley
1-5 team members
Action Areas: Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture
About: Nature’s Impact is a social enterprise dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment. Through environmental education, sustainable garden design, and thoughtfully curated events, we empower individuals to appreciate, protect, and celebrate the natural world while promoting sustainable practices.
Expected Responsibilities/Duties:
Students will be able to assist with environmental programming, art programming, social media, and research if necessary. Students will learn about organic gardening and working with children.
Desired Skills: Gardening/farming experience, Previous experience working with young people, Social media management
Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week, I am open to both depending on the students time.
Are you interested in getting involved with Nature’s Impact? Visit here for your next steps.
The American Lung Association
Non-profit, 30+, Nationwide over 300 team members
Poughkeepsie Public School District and Astor Head Start
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Public Health
About: The mission of the Lung Association is accomplished by investing in research, providing tools and resources to educate the public about lung disease, and advocating to protect lung health by fighting for healthy lungs and healthy air. The Asthma Management in School Program is a comprehensive framework to provide educational resources and technical assistance to schools outside of NYC and School-Based Health Centers state-wide. This is a joint initiative of the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) Asthma Control Program and the American Lung Association.
Position description: Student volunteers will work alongside the American Lung Association’s Health Promotions Team members to implement various New York State Children’s Asthma Initiative activities, explicitly focusing on the Asthma Management in Schools (AMS) program. This role will provide the student volunteers with valuable experience in public health.
The student volunteer will assist in delivering asthma self-management education programs for children and families in the Poughkeepsie community. Their responsibilities will include strengthening partnerships between schools, early childhood programs, and the community, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes for students with asthma and their caregivers participating in our programs.
Additionally, the student volunteer will acquire essential community and population health skills. This experience will deepen their understanding of guideline-based asthma management and its impact on improving health outcomes within our community.
Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Previous experience working with young people, Public speaking/presenting, Research skills
Hours: 4hrs/week
Positions Available: 2
Are you interested in getting involved with the Lung Association? Visit here for your next steps.
The Art Effect
Non-profit
Address: 45 Pershing Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
About: The Art Effect empowers young people to develop their creative voice to shape their futures and bring about positive social change. The Art Effect helps youth explore, experience, and excel in the arts, introducing them to visual arts and media, giving them the opportunity to develop real skills in these fields, and guiding them towards achieving their academic and career goals. We believe that the arts have the power to create a more vibrant, caring, and sustainable world led by a generation of youth who value creative thinking, diverse voices, and stronger connections between all people.
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Self-Actualization through professional artistic skills
Position Descriptions:
Development Intern – The Development Intern will gain hands-on experience in non-profit fundraising, donor relations, and event planning. The intern will work closely with our Director of Institutional Giving and Development Associate to assist in various fundraising activities, and research potential funding sources including grant research, writing, reporting, donor communications, event planning, and administrative support. Availability required is at least 4 hours per week.
Marketing & Communications Intern – Marketing & Communications Interns assist with all aspects of The Art Effect’s communications channels. Responsibilities include: keeping our website up-to-date, connecting with local and national media outlets, creating and sending out press releases, creating content for social media, and conducting community outreach. Availability required is at least 4 hours per week.
Social Media Intern – Social Media Interns assist with representing The Art Effect’s programs and initiatives in digital spaces. Responsibilities of this internship include: building content for marketing materials (including e-blasts, blog posts, press releases, social media, flyers, etc.), inputting information into community calendars, conducting web analytics, and conducting community outreach. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite and graphic design experience preferred. Availability required is at least 4 hours per week.
Media/Art/Design Lab (MADLab) – The MADLab intern helps with student application processing, creation of rosters and visual arts education tools, on-site production assistance, arts materials maintenance, and digital file management. Prior experience with visual arts and/or working with teenagers preferred but not required. Availability required is at least 4 hours per week.
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Copywriting, Graphic design, Previous experience working with young people, Research skills, Social media management, Writing, Video editing/production, Data collection/analysis, Curation or gallery design
Hours: 4 hrs/week or 8 hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with The Art Effect? Visit here for your next steps.
The Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum
Address: 75 North Water Street Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Non profit, 10-15 team members
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Equitable STEM Access
About: The Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum (MHDM) is committed to advancing equity by empowering children and families through inclusive, hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). We believe every child deserves access to high-quality educational opportunities, regardless of race, income, language, or background. Our mission is to break down barriers to learning and create spaces that celebrate diversity, nurture curiosity, and build confidence.
As the only child-centered museum in the Mid-Hudson region, MHDM welcomes 80,000 guests each year. We serve a community that reflects wide cultural, economic, and social diversity, and we work intentionally to ensure that children ages 0–12 see themselves reflected in our exhibits, programs, and staff.
MHDM is expanding its work to address urgent challenges facing families today. Through education, we are tackling climate change at the local level and engaging children as future stewards of their environment, particularly in nearby environmental justice communities. We are working to bridge the digital divide between affluent and less affluent youth by providing access to technology and the skills needed for success in a digital world. We are also promoting better health outcomes for children by fostering play, wellness, and nutrition education.
By combining purposeful play with culturally responsive programming and equitable access initiatives, MHDM creates an environment where all children can build foundational skills, practice critical thinking, and thrive.
Position Descriptions
The student intern can contribute to the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum (MHDM) by supporting both our education and marketing initiatives. In education, the intern can collaborate with museum educators to design and deliver engaging STEAM-based programs for children and families. This may include preparing materials, assisting with hands-on activities, facilitating visitor engagement, and helping to evaluate program impact. As part of the internship, the student will implement one educational activity or program that reflects their own interests and areas of expertise, supported by MHDM staff.
In marketing, the intern can assist with communications efforts that promote MHDM’s exhibits, programs, and events. This may include developing content for email campaigns, designing promotional materials, distributing outreach materials to partners, and analyzing marketing data to inform future strategies. A special emphasis can be placed on social media: the intern can help us create fun, fresh content and stop us from doing things like using 12 filters on one photo or writing captions that sound like they belong in 2010.
Through these responsibilities, the intern can gain meaningful, hands-on experience in both museum education and nonprofit communications, while contributing directly to MHDM’s mission of empowering children and families.
Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Graphic design, Public speaking/presenting, Social media management, Writing, Positive attitude, flexibility, interest in education and or/museums
Are you interested in getting involved with MHDM? Visit here for your next steps.
The Children’s Center at the Dutchess County Family Court
About: Family Services brings people together to find the support they need, improving their lives and communities, and building a stronger, safer Hudson Valley.
Position Description:
The Children’s Center Intern assists the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher at the Children’s Center at the Dutchess County Family Court in compliance with all NYS Office of Court Administration Children’s Center Program agreements. The Intern provides a safe and creative curriculum for children while their families attend to court business and offers consultation to families for resources within the community. The position enthusiastically supports, practices, and communicates the agency’s Mission and Statement of Values. Under the supervision of program staff, interns may facilitate activities with children and offer supportive counseling to parents. In addition to direct-services, interns will assist with administrative and clerical duties. Intern responsibilities will be inclusive of areas identified in their respective college/university learning plan. Children Center Interns enthusiastically support, practice, and communicate the agency’s mission and statement of values.
Role/Responsibilities:
- Responsible for assisting with the direct care and safety of the children left in the center
under the supervision of program staff.- Implements and maintains the health and safety protocol/procedures and maintains visible instructive printouts of these procedures.
- Will assure center is in compliance with all program safety and confidentiality guidelines.
- Under the supervision of program staff, assisting with required intakes and reports.
- Prepares and submits information for monthly reports to appropriate entities.
- Secures the intake paperwork in proper location.
- Maintains statistical records necessary for reports and research.
- Planning, development and evaluation of program activities.
- Designs and carries out curriculum and activities based on the needs and
development of children in center at any given time. - Develops and implements monthly/seasonal themes and constructive activities in
a long-range plan - Will implement the established curriculum guidelines
- Designs and carries out curriculum and activities based on the needs and
- Assisting with the distribution of referral and resource information to caregivers based on their and their children’s needs.
- Remains informed on current local resources and services.
- Assesses the needs of the caregiver and will respond to them through referrals to
appropriate agency/program.
- Assisting the Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher in the planning and coordinating the Children’s Center/Supervised Visitation Advisory Committee in conjunction with the Associate Director and Director of Family Support Services
- Completion of all required training for staff.
- Providing appropriate, creative, supportive interactions with the children in the center in group and individual activities.
- Develop creative “in-class” programs based on age and present teachable
Hours: 4 hrs/week or 8 hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with the Children’s Center? Visit here for your next steps.
Poughkeepsie Farm Project
Non-profit, 15-20 team members
51 Vassar Farm Lane Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture
About: Poughkeepsie Farm Project began in 1999 as a small community farm with a commitment to education and food justice. The first season, 15 CSA shareholders enjoyed produce from 3 acres of reawakened farmland leased from Vassar College.
Now we have expanded to 12 acres and over 500 households take part in our CSA. We are leaders in cutting edge practices in today’s sustainable agriculture. We harvest over 180,000 pounds of produce per year and donate over 30,000 pounds of it to those in need in our community. In addition to our food cultivation, we train and educate the community on healthy growing and eating practices year round.
Position description:
- Support with Farm to School programs (starting in late September)
- Support with the Poughkeepsie Farm Project field trip programs by helping to facilitate lessons, create lessons, and build relationships with young people
- Workshop planning and execution
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Gardening/farming experience
Hours: 4hrs/week, 8hrs/week
Positions Available: 2
Are you interested in getting involved with the PFP? Visit here for your next steps.
The Environmental Cooperative
environmentalcoopeartive.vassar.edu
Non-profit, 5-10 team members
Address: 50 Vassar Farm Lane, Poughkeepsie, 12603
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, access to nature
About: The Vassar Environmental Cooperative works to strengthen place-based environmental awareness in the Hudson Valley. We support local conservation efforts, develop new programs, and inspire deeper engagement with the natural world. We actively help people connect with the outdoors and their neighbors while fostering a mindset of environmental stewardship. The Environmental Cooperative is an outreach initiative of Vassar College located on the Preserve at Vassar. We work to bring more people to the Preserve for structured education programs while facilitating Vassar student engagement in conservation efforts off-campus.
Position Description:
The Environmental Cooperative Intern will assist with all aspects of programming and activities at the Environmental Cooperative. This includes assisting with community outreach and outdoor education programs. They will work closely with Environmental Cooperative staff, teaching environmental science field trips to children from local schools and organizations on the Preserve and in local parks. Programs typically include hikes on the Preserve, arts and crafts, nature-themed games, and other outdoor activities. They will also help with stewardship and conservation projects on campus and in the community. These include weeding pollinator gardens, collecting seeds of native plants on the Preserve, and plant propagation. They will assist the Environmental Cooperative with local community projects.
Applicants do not need prior experience in these areas, however, we are looking for someone committed to learning to teaching outdoor education programs, native plant gardening, and community engagement. The applicant will gain experience and understanding in environmental education, urban/suburban conservation, land stewardship, and communicating information to a general audience.
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Gardening/farming experience, Previous experience working with young people, Public speaking/presenting
Hours: 4hrs/week, 8 hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with The Environmental Cooperative? Visit here for your next steps.
Mediation Center of Dutchess County – at capacity for the Fall semester, please check back for Spring
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Address: 205 South Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Action Areas: Youth and Community needs, Racial Justice, Education Policy and Equity, Mental Health Access and Support
About: The fundamental principles of a Restorative approach are that all humans:
- Wish to be in good relationship with others;
- Need to feel a sense of belonging in order to thrive;
- Need to feel seen and heard in order to feel they belong;
- Are more likely to consider the impact of their actions on others if those challenging their actions are those with whom they are in good relationship; and
- Have the capacity to be accountable for their actions when they are supported through a non-judgmental process of self-reflection and perspective-taking.
Position description: Helping structure the internship (building systems, data collection)
- facilitating/helping with circles
- write circles (restorative and community-building)
- Creating a resources and guide (for community, colleges, age groups)
- Shadowing/Observing
- Sharing insights, perspectives, and ideas
Desired Skills: Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Graphic design, Previous experience working with young people, Previous experience in this field, Public speaking/presenting, Research skills, Social media management, Web design, Writing, Data collection/analysis
Hours:4hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with the MCDC? Visit here for your next steps.
The Growing STEMZ Foundation
Non-profit, 1-5 team members
Address: 295 Mill St. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Action Areas: Education Policy and Equity, Environmental Justice and Food Security, Expression, Arts, and Culture, Mental Health Access and Support, Racial Justice, Equity in STEM Education
About:The Growing STEMz Foundation is an organization dedicated to empowerment for communities through STEM/STEAM education via consulting, program development, professional development, tutorials, parent engagement and more.
Collaboration with others and Expressive Arts meets Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, are the hallmarks of our mission. We envision community engagement through project based experiences and developing 21st Century Skills for a competitive global marketplace. We advocate for Educational and Environmental Justice, Equity in STEM Education, and Social Justice.
Our ideal customers are students, educators, and parents. Our ideal partnerships will lead to increased exposure, learning, and college/career readiness for urban, underserved and marginalized communities in STEM. We push into elementary schools to enhance the Science curriculum, collaborate on after school programming, and partner with Nubian Directions to create events at the Innovation Lab.
Position description:
- Informal direct teaching (Teachers Assistant) via Science LABs, Science Club, Science Research in Elementary School Environment.
- Audit Planning Meetings
- Develop Youth Workshops (STEAM, Field Research)
- Assist in Planning and Coordinating STEM FEST Events 2025
- Conduct and analyze surveys and questionnaires for organizational development
- Conduct Materials and Resources Inventory (develop a system)
- Enhance Organization Social Media/website for brand exposure, regular updates
Desired Skills: Bilingual Spanish-English, Fact-checking, Gardening/farming experience, Previous experience working with young people, Social media management, Data collection/analysis, Familiarity with STEM ideals
Hours: 4hrs/week or 8 hrs/week
Are you interested in getting involved with The Growing STEMZ Foundation? Visit here for your next steps.
Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo – must have a access to a vehicle
Non-profit, 15-20 team members
Address: 282 Millbrook School Road, Millbrook, NY 12545
Action Areas: Conservation and Education
About: The Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo is an AZA accredited zoo that is part of Millbrook School, an independent high school. Education is core to our mission and we work with both the high school students at Millbrook and our community visitors to share information about conservation, wildlife, and the natural world.
Position descriptions:
Conservation research (field and data analysis): This student would assist in several onsite conservation projects which could include reviewing camera trap footage and organizing data or depending on timing assist with wetland conservation turtle projects.
- Desired Skills: GIS/Mapping, Previous experience in this field, Data collection/analysis
Animal Husbandry: CEL students would assist zoo staff in the daily husbandry care of the animals (cleaning, feeding, and enriching animals). Students would be trained on how to do some tasks independently to provide the best welfare for our animals and our visitors the best experience at the zoo. Students would need to be able to be on their feet and moving on uneven ground with stairs at times. Students also should be able to carry 40 pounds and have a willingness to get dirty and be in close proximity of animals. This position requires at least 4 hours a week, primarily in the morning. Students working with animals will have some vaccination requirements.
- Desired Skills: Gardening/farming experience, Previous experience working with young people, Previous experience in this field
Education Ambassador: This student will assist onsite in developing new lesson plans and activities for visitors (general public to school groups) and provide specific animal conservation information to visitors.
- Desired Skills: In person outreach, Gardening/farming experience, Previous experience working with young people
Hours: 4hrs/week
Positions Available: 1-3
Are you interested in getting involved with The Trevor Zoo? Visit here for your next steps.
PACT
Non-profit, 20-25 team members
27 W 60th Street, #20014 New York, NY 10023
Action Areas: Preventive Education, Policy
About: More than 30 years ago, PACT (formerly ECPAT-USA) became the first U.S.-based nonprofit to raise awareness about the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Initially, PACT addressed sex tourism by helping to pass legislation that made it possible to prosecute Americans who traveled abroad to purchase and engage in sex with minors, ensuring that those who sexually exploited children in other countries could be held accountable in the U.S. Today, PACT now stands as the leading organization in the United States dedicated to ending the trafficking and sexual exploitation of children.
PACT’s mission is to protect every child’s right to grow up free from child sexual exploitation and trafficking. Our mission is achieved through four pillars: education, private sector engagement and community outreach, and legislative advocacy.
PACT’s approach to the prevention of child trafficking and commercial exploitation is unique due to our is multi-prong approach, which includes educational programs, legislative advocacy, engagement of the private sector who have a critical role to play in anti-trafficking efforts, as they can help to effect change through their business practices and operations, ensuring proper training of their staff, and helping to publicly raise awareness about this terrible problem; and research initiatives. Our programs and services are evidence-based, culturally and linguistically appropriate, and trauma-informed; Importantly, they are also informed by the Lived Experience Experts who serve on our Survivors Council, as well as the members of our Youth Advisory Council. Their contributions help to ensure that PACT’s programs and educational curricula content remain grounded in the realities of human trafficking, but the language employed to describe it is immediately accessible. Through these programs, PACT has trained educators, service providers, parents, and professionals across 35 states.
Position Description:
- Our interns will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, including data entry, outreach, reviewing and editing our different curricula and presentations, and collaborating on program design. As an intern, you will not only collaborate with the programs department, but also network with other departments. In addition to the essential work you will be completing, you will also receive guidance and instruction.
Responsibilities/Duties:
- Review our curricula workshops; provide feedback and suggestions for workshops and programs
- Ensure the materials, activities, and topics covered in our workshops are age appropriate and culturally relevant to youth. Practice workshop facilitation.
- Brainstorm and propose additions to our current youth programming, community engagement, and private sector engagement.
- Conduct Outreach for our different programs
- Carryout presentations to youth groups or Community events.
- Conduct research for programs. Assist in content creation for our program.
- Complete data entry and outreach for our program, with a focus on schools, community centers, and youth serving organizations across New York State.
- Participate in cross-departmental projects, as requested.
- Participate in professional skills development activities.
Desired Skills:
- Bilingual Spanish-English, Bilingual with another language, Communications – emails, phone calls, in person outreach, Fact-checking, Previous experience working with young people, Public speaking/presenting, Research skills, Writing, Data collection/analysis
Additional Requirements:
- Background check
Are you interested in getting involved with PACT? Visit here for your next steps.
Land to Learn – must have access to a vehicle
Non-profit, 5-10 team members
Address: 5109 Route 9W, Suite 1 Newburgh, NY 12550
Action Areas: environmental and food/nutrition education
About: Land to Learn cultivates connection to food, land, and community by engaging youth in hands-on, garden-based education that nourishes health, ecological awareness, and collective well-being. Our programs serve about 3,000 youth annually across the Hudson Valley region.
Position Description:
Land to Learn is seeking 1 to 2 student interns to support the care and maintenance of our school gardens across the Hudson Valley. This is a hands-on opportunity to gain practical experience in vegetable gardening and garden-based education. The internship begins in June with an orientation period, during which the interns will observe and assist with Land to Learn’s garden-based lessons in regional elementary schools, gaining firsthand exposure to our program and gardens. Then July through August, the interns will take on greater independence, carrying out garden maintenance tasks including watering, weeding, and planting with guidance and support from Land to Learn staff. The ideal internship period is 10 weeks, running June 15 through August 21, though we are happy to discuss flexible start and end dates. Each week, an intern can expect to work 4-6 hours. Land to Learn school gardens are located in Kingston, Newburgh, and Beacon. The exact location for internship work is yet to be determined, but it will be in one or two gardens in one of these districts.
Desired Skills: Gardening/farming experience
Additional Requirements: A valid ID is required to enter public school buildings; students will need transportation to get to gardens and travel between garden sites during their work day
Hours: 4hrs/week, We are flexible and can accommodate students looking to work 4 hours/week or more.
Positions Available:1- 2
Are you interested in getting involved with Land to Learn? Visit here for your next steps.