Apply Today! Summer 2024 Internships are now open!

The mission of the Refugee Development Center is to cultivate a welcoming, thriving community that collaborates with refugees and newcomers through education, engagement, and support. This is an unpaid internship, though you will gain experience in professional development and employable skills. We are able to partner with academic institutions offering credit for internships. If applicable, please include any academic requirements in your application. A cover letter is required for consideration. Our internship opportunities are listed below.

Applications will be accepted until May 10th. Internship positions will be filled on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Our Summer semester internships are in-person, operating from June 3rd to August 9th. Email resume, cover letter, and any questions to Savanna Hamed at volunteer@rdclansing.org.

Summer Internships

Youth Development Internship

This internship will offer a comprehensive experience in refugee post-resettlement programming at the Refugee Development Center. Interns will be involved in indirect and direct service responsibilities in our Youth Programs (grades K-12). School-aged services help newly arrived refugee students through activities and lessons including English, academic support, cultural immersion, sports, arts, and field trips to places like the science museum, public parks and gardens. This program takes place at RDC’s Newcomer Center in south Lansing.

Application here: Youth Development Internship

Childhood Development Internship

This internship will offer a comprehensive experience in refugee post-resettlement programming at the Refugee Development Center. Interns will be involved in indirect and direct service responsibilities in our First Steps early literacy program. Pre-school aged programs focus on early literacy skills, school readiness, and parenting support. This program takes place at RDC’s Newcomer Center in south Lansing.

Application here: Childhood Development Internship

English Teaching Intership

ESOL Interns will work as a teacher’s assistant in adult ESOL/Digital Literacy Learning (DLL) classes. Interns must be able to commit to at least two classes/week during the morning, afternoon, OR evening class times. Additional hours for planning and data support will be on Fridays or as the intern’s schedule permits. Interns will be expected to tutor clients and lead small group conversations, assist in creating lesson plans, materials and activities, assist in leading and managing volunteers, and maintain program data and general administrative assistance. Interns may be placed in ESOL or DLL programs upon interviewing. Applicants who prefer to work in a particular program should specify in their application. This program takes place at RDC’s Newcomer Center in south Lansing.

Application here: English Teaching Internship

Student Success Internship

The Student Success intern will assist with welcoming all students into the RDC programs. Student Success interns will assist Student Success Specialists with pre/post testing of adult English language learners, conducting interviews to evaluate language proficiency, and work with data in excel/google sheets and RDC database. Opportunities exist to develop test-preparation materials and identify gaps within the Student Success team. This program takes place at RDC’s Newcomer Center in south Lansing.

Application here: Student Success Internship

Welcome Desk Internship

Welcome Desk interns serve as a friendly and welcoming face, greeting students as they arrive at RDC’s Newcomer Center. Welcome Desk interns are tasked with new-student registration, collecting vital information during the intake process, and are responsible for ordering supplies, making copies of materials, and other necessary functions associated with running the Welcome Desk. Welcome Desk interns will assist with scheduling, monitoring of procedures, and identifying gaps in the Welcome Desk process. This program takes place at RDC’s Newcomer Center in south Lansing.

Application here: Welcome Desk Internship

Health and Housing Navigation Internship

Navigation Intern will support Health and Housing Navigators in completing health and housing case management tasks. Navigation intern will assist the Health Navigator in resolving RDC clients’ questions related to medical and dental care, health insurance, and MDHHS benefits. The navigation intern will assist the Housing Navigator in developing an updated list of affordable housing units available in Ingham County. This program takes place at RDC’s Newcomer Center in south Lansing.

Application here: Health and Housing Navigation Program Internship