CLIMB High School Summer Internship

Who We Are
enFocus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and community growth in the South Bend-Elkhart region of Indiana. We empower talented individuals to make meaningful contributions to the community while developing professional skills and gaining real-world experience. 

What You’ll Do 
The Catalysts for Leadership, Innovation, Mentorship, and Business (CLIMB) Internship is an engaging 6 to 8 week paid opportunity designed for high school students to explore career paths, develop professional skills, and contribute to the local community through innovative project work. This internship provides hands-on experience with real-world projects while connecting students to mentors and peers in a collaborative environment.  

As an intern, you will:  

• Collaborate with enFocus  interns, Fellows, project managers, and sponsors to work on meaningful, community-based projects.  
• Conduct research, gather data, and contribute ideas to develop innovative solutions for local challenges.  
• Learn foundational project management, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills through hands-on involvement.  
• Participate in a team-based group project focused on addressing regional challenges, including sustainability, community development, or entrepreneurship.  
• Present project outcomes to enFocus staff and sponsors, building confidence in public speaking and professional communication.  
• Engage in professional development workshops to enhance skills such as teamwork, time management, presentation skills, and effective communication.  
• Experience the vibrant South Bend-Elkhart region through organized social and networking events.  
• This internship is part of a study on the efficacy of community based internships. You will be asked to participate in the study and if you consent to participate, you will complete weekly surveys and participate in a focus group regarding your internship experience. 

What We Look for in a Candidate 

We’re looking for curious, driven, and community-minded high school students who are excited about making an impact. Successful candidates will demonstrate:  

• A passion for learning and contributing to their community.  
• An interest in innovation, problem-solving, and project-based work.  
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.  
• The ability to work in a team environment and take initiative on project tasks.  
  

Requirements & Expectations  

• Current high school student (rising juniors and seniors preferred).  
• Must be at least 16 years or older at the start of internship.
• Availability for 6 to 8 weeks during the summer internship program
  • Internship Dates June 1 to July 24. 
  • Typical work hours: 40 hours/week, 9 AM - 5 PM M-F
• Commitment to working in-person in the South Bend-Elkhart region, primarily in Elkhart. 
• A willingness to engage in all aspects of the internship, including workshops, events, and presentations.  
• Ability to be paid via direct deposit

Job Type  

Part-Time, 6 to 8 Week Summer Internship (~40 hours/week).  

Location  

This is an in-person internship based in the South Bend-Elkhart region, with primary work location in Elkhart.  

Benefits  

• $12-13 per hour  
• Mentorship from enFocus Fellows and Project Managers.  
• Opportunities to network with local leaders and organizations.  
• Exposure to a variety of career paths in Civic and Industry sectors.  
• Participation in professional development programming tailored for high school students and interns.  
• Social and networking events to explore the region and connect with peers.  
  

Application Process  

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will be contacted for a short interview.  

For more information, contact recruiting@en-focus.org.  

Join enFocus this summer and start building the future of your community while preparing for your own bright career!

Guided by Notre Dame’s Mission, the Lucy Family Institute adventurously collaborates on advancing data-driven and artificial intelligence convergence research, translational solutions, and education to ethically address society’s vexing problems. The Lucy Family Institute brings expertise in data science, AI, data engineering, computing, applications, and methods. The Institute also brings forth core societal expertise in areas of human development, healthcare, sciences, peace processes, ethics, global development, democracy, and poverty studies. 

Salary : $12 - $13