Servant Leader Intern

Position Summary
Make a difference. Build your leadership skills. Inspire the next generation. Freedom School Servant Leader Interns (SLIs) are paid summer counselors, mentors, and literacy leaders serving scholars in grades K-12. Interns facilitate engaging reading activities, support enrichment experiences, chaperone field trips, and help create a joyful learning environment where scholars thrive. This is a rewarding and high-energy leadership experience that requires commitment, professionalism, and teamwork. SLIs complete approximately 300 hours over 9.5 weeks, including pre-serving training followed by 6 weeks of direct service with scholars. Consistent attendance and active engagement are essential to the success of our scholars and program. This experience takes place in Charlotte, NC.

Responsibilities

Training & Program Commitment

• Maintain full-time attendance from late May through early August 2027, including required training, program days, enrichment activities, team meetings, and occasional evening events.
• Participate fully in required pre-service training and professional development sessions.
• Arrive prepared and on time for all assigned program responsibilities, typically 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with occasional evening events from approximately 5:30–7:00 p.m.
• Apply training and feedback to strengthen classroom leadership, scholar engagement, and professional practice.

Classroom Leadership & Literacy Facilitation

• Set up, maintain, and break down classroom space, following FSP guidelines
• Serve as the primary mentor and leader of scholars, creating a safe, structured, and engaging learning environment under the guidance of the Site Coordinator
• Personalize and submit lesson plans and supply lists based on the weekly themes
• Deliver the Integrated Reading Curriculum/FSP Literacy Model to a class of 10 or more scholars
• Supervise and engage scholars throughout all program components, transitions, and activities

Team Culture, Leadership, & Engagement

• Serve as an energetic Harambee (morning pep rally) leader each program day
• Collaborate to create and sustain a positive, supportive, and structured environment for all scholars
• Use age-appropriate strategies to encourage scholar voice, confidence, leadership, and participation.
• Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating the values of Freedom School Partners

Enrichment & Family Engagement

• Facilitate and participate in field trips, enrichment activities and special events
• Help scholars make connections between literacy, enrichment activities, their interests, and the world around them
• Participate in Family Engagement Events throughout the program

Health & Safety

• Maintain a safe environment for scholars during classroom activities, transitions, field trips, enrichment activities, meals, and outdoor activities.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• At least 18 years of age, current college student or early career professional
• Documented prior experience leading and working with youth (through volunteer work, employment, or leadership roles) required
• Ability to reside in the Charlotte area for the full duration of training and program (housing assistance not provided)
• Interest in working with and supervising children in a classroom setting and a commitment to children’s advocacy and servant leadership
• Strong interpersonal skills, including effective oral and written communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork
• Mature, professional demeanor with the ability to manage difficult or emotional situations
• Physical ability to work in summer heat, lift at least 50 lbs, and actively participate in outdoor field trips and outdoor activities (e.g., field days, swimming, science experiments).
• Strong appreciation for individual cultural history and openness to/respect for all cultures.
• Valid ID, reliable transportation, and the ability to pass a drug test and background check (criminal and child protective findings).

What You’ll Gain

• Leadership development
• Hands-on teaching experience
• Networking with peers and professionals
• Personal growth through service and advocacy

Compensation

• $3,400-$4,000 based on years of experience with FSP or professional teaching experience

Accountability

Shall be accountable to the Site Coordinator

About Freedom School Partners

Freedom School Partners (FSP) is a nonprofit organization that strives to stop summer learning loss by offering opportunities that build children’s reading, social-emotional skills, and hands-on learning experiences. Freedom Schools are led by college student interns and connect scholars to a broader community that believes in and advocates for them. FSP’s mission is to inspire our scholars to love reading and learning, believe in themselves, and create extraordinary futures.

Application Process

Ready to inspire young minds and grow as a leader? Apply now at www.freedomschoolpartners.org/careers.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the person(s) assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. FSP reserves the right to amend the position description due to unforeseen circumstances.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSP desires to have a workforce, which is diverse and inclusive. FSP offers equal employment and advancement opportunities to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology or membership in any other legally protected class.