Community Internship - CYC College & Torch Program Support

Spring 2026 Community Internship

Scope of Work

Focus Area:

REPORTS TO:  CYC Deputy Director (Tara Patterson Hammons, MSW, JD)

PURPOSE

This internship supports CYC’s mission to empower youth through equitable access, compassionate care, and strengths-based development. The intern will work across two key areas: 

• Immigrant Student College Access: Identifying and addressing barriers, building resources, and providing direct support that empowers undocumented students to navigate college admissions, financial aid, and matriculation with confidence and dignity.
• Torch Fellow Support: Providing responsive, trauma-informed support to high school Fellows who disclose personal or home-related concerns.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

The intern will serve as a compassionate, confidential point of contact for Torch Fellows (grades 9–12) who disclose personal, family, or home-related concerns. This includes:

        a.  Receiving and Responding to Disclosures

• Create a safe, affirming space for students to share concerns related to mental health, housing instability, family conflict, identity, or other personal challenges.
• Respond with empathy and professionalism, using active listening and nonjudgmental language.
• Document disclosures appropriately, following CYC’s confidentiality and mandated reporting protocols.

        b.  Triage and Needs Assessment

• Conduct brief check-ins to assess urgency, safety, and support needs.
• Use strengths-based questions to help students identify coping strategies and existing support systems.
• Determine whether concerns require internal follow-up, external referral, or immediate escalation.

         c.  Referral and Resource Coordination

• Collaborate with CYC staff to connect students to appropriate supports, such as:
  • ⁠Mental health services
  • Legal aid or immigration support
  • Food, housing, or financial assistance
  • School-based counselors or social workers
• Maintain a curated list of vetted community resources and update it regularly.

        d.  Follow-Up and Relationship Building

• Check in with students after referrals to ensure continuity of care and emotional safety.
• Build trust through consistent, values-aligned communication.
• Offer affirming messages that reinforce students’ agency, resilience, and belonging.

        e.  Staff Collaboration and Training

• Debrief with supervisor and program staff to share insights and patterns (without breaching confidentiality).
• Contribute to staff training materials or mini-workshops on trauma-informed youth support.
• Recommend practices that strengthen CYC’s capacity to respond to student needs with care and clarity.

     2. College Access Support for Immigrant Students

        a.  Needs Assessment & Landscape Mapping

• • • Conduct interviews or focus groups with Fellows and alumni to understand lived experiences and barriers.
    • Research local, state, and national policies affecting undocumented students’ access to college.
    • Identify colleges with inclusive admissions and financial aid practices (e.g., DACA-friendly, no SSN required).

        b.  Resource Development

• Create a comprehensive guide for undocumented students including:
  • Admissions tips
  • FAFSA alternatives
  • Scholarship databases
  • Legal and advocacy resources
• Develop visual handouts and slide decks for workshops and family engagement.

        c.  Assist with Direct Student Support

• • Support CYC staff who offer 1:1 coaching or small group sessions on college applications, essays, and financial aid.
  • Help students identify safe and supportive campuses.
  • Collaborate with CYC staff to ensure students are connected to legal, mental health, and academic supports as needed.

        d.  Staff & Partner Training

• Design and deliver a mini-training for CYC staff on best practices for supporting undocumented youth.
• Share findings and resources with college access partners and volunteers.

        e.  Dissemination & Sustainability

• Upload resources to CYC’s internal portal and share with Fellows via newsletters or workshops.
• Create a feedback loop to update materials, as needed.
• Recommend policy or practice changes to strengthen CYC’s support systems.

SKILLS & QUALITIES NEEDED

• Cultural humility and trauma-informed approach
• Strong research and writing skills
• Comfort discussing immigration-related challenges with sensitivity
• Commitment to equity, confidentiality, and student empowerment