Position Overview
The Intern will lead the development of a new Teen Beyond the Books program, expanding Community Action Network's successful Beyond the Books elementary literacy initiative to better engage middle and high school youth. Working alongside staff, the intern will research culturally responsive young adult literature, identify age-appropriate discussion topics, and develop a comprehensive curriculum that encourages literacy, critical thinking, and social-emotional learning. The intern will create lesson plans, discussion guides, interactive activities, and evaluation tools while helping pilot selected lessons with youth. They will also gather feedback from participants and staff to refine the curriculum and produce a complete, sustainable program that can be implemented across CAN's after-school sites and adapted for future semesters.
As time allows, the intern may assist with literacy-related program evaluation, organize curriculum and resource materials, support volunteer training related to Beyond the Books, help collect youth feedback, assist with special literacy events, and contribute to resource development for family engagement activities. The intern may also assist with researching grants and community partnerships that support literacy programming.
This internship is sponsored by the Community-Based Internship Fund at U-M’s Ginsberg Center. As part of this internship, you will complete training and advising with Ginsberg Center staff to support professional development.
Core Responsibilities
Research culturally responsive young adult literature
Identify age-appropriate discussion topics for students
Create 12–15 lesson plans, discussion guides, interactive activities
Gather feedback from participants and staff
Preferred qualifications/experience
Interest in education, literacy, youth development, or nonprofit organizations
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience working with adolescents is preferred
Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects
Experience with Google Workspace
Research and organizational skills
Creativity and willingness to develop engaging educational materials
Eligibility
This position is open to Undergraduate, Masters and PhD-level students
Hours & Scheduling Information
8-10 hours per week September 2026 - May 2027
Hybrid. Weekly check-in meetings, either in person or virtual. Time/day TBD.
Compensation Information
$17/hr - undergraduate students
$19/hr - master students
$21/hr - doctoral students
Instructions on how to apply: If you are interested in this position, please email a cover letter and resume to CAN's Director of Volunteer and Literacy Engagement, Vanina Quinn to apply: vquinn@canwashtenaw.org
