What are the responsibilities and job description for the Leadership Institute Senior Intern - Summer 2026 position at Mercy Street?
OVERVIEW
The Leadership Institute (LI) is a ten-week summer program where senior interns (college aged students) and junior apprentice trainees (high school aged students) participate in unique programming to grow the high school students’ faith, leadership, and understanding of how to navigate life after high school. The first two weeks will be dedicated to training the senior interns to serve as mentors and managers for the junior apprentice trainees. Then they help facilitate 8 weeks of dynamic activities that include workshops and speakers, small group discussions, tours of local businesses, Bible studies, and ongoing exercises for growth and development. Senior Interns will serve May 18th -July 24th.
REQUIRED CRITERIA
- Demonstrated understanding of the mission, vision and values of Mercy Street.
- Vibrant Christian spiritual walk.
- Eagerness to build relationships with high school students.
- Full summer availability.
- Hard-working and flexible attitude as long days/hours will often be required.
- High level of self- awareness and maturity.
- Demonstrated understanding of the dynamics of living and working in Christian community.
- Demonstrated commitment, initiative, and responsibility.
- High school diploma or GED and at least one full year of college and/or work experience.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
- Experience working with youth.
- Experience working cross-culturally.
- Experience leading a team.
- Interest in business, social work, and/or youth ministry.
- Valid driving license and access to a vehicle is a plus.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Facilitate Leadership Institute programming, which includes building relationships with high school participants, communication with volunteers, working as a team to create teaching content, assisting with classroom management, being a team player, creating a safe and fun environment for high school students.
- Manage a variety of workshops and/or microbusinesses, which will include training high school students, troubleshooting as problems arise, managing a team of employees, and ensuring a high level of quality and customer service.
- Attend and participate in weekly meetings which may require advance reading and/or preparation.
- Prepare and teach Bible studies, small group discussions, and lessons about leadership, business and other post-secondary opportunities for high school students.
- Willingness to work in close community with others, including the team of interns, Mercy Street staff, and program vendors and constituents.
- Be a team player.
COMPENSATION
Senior Interns will receive a stipend that totals $5,000 upon fulfillment of the complete summer program. This stipend will be broken up and paid bi-monthly throughout the summer.