CAMBRIA-SOMERSET-BEDFORD — The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies is excited to invite current high school seniors from Bedford, Cambria, and Somerset counties (with a passion for community involvement, public relations, and current events) to apply for the 2016 Youth Philanthropy Internship.
Throughout the eight-week paid internship, participants will use their skill sets to identify and support solutions for areas of concern within our community, while duly bringing a youthful perspective to the Foundation’s grantmaking. Click here for a complete job description.
The 2016 YPI is scheduled to run from June 20 to August 12 in downtown Johnstown. Former interns are quick to point out that this is “far from a typical internship.” Over the course of the summer, interns will work in teams to create and implement a youth philanthropy project, which will culminate in awarding grants to local agencies that serve the region. In order to develop the project, the interns will research a variety of issues facing local neighborhoods, identify service priorities, build funding guidelines, solicit request for proposals, and ultimately award funding. Interns will not only learn the basics of grantmaking but also create media advocacy pieces, volunteer for community organizations, and earn money — all while gaining greater knowledge about our region.
“We are very excited to learn more about this year’s applicants and what matters to them. After three successful years, we believe we’ll see another diverse group of young community leaders,” said Angie Berzonski, Program/Communications Officer for the Foundation. “Candidates should be able to work in teams, demonstrate strong communication skills, and be able to interview, collect, and report information.”
The internship is funded by a grant from The Heinz Endowments, and mirrors the Endowments’ highly successful Summer Youth Philanthropy Internship. The Heinz Endowments supports multiple efforts to make western Pennsylvania a great place to live and work, a center for learning and educational excellence, and a region that embraces diversity and inclusion.
The mission of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies is to serve the best interests of its donors in perpetuating their philanthropic interest in financially supporting our community, using the Foundation’s integrity, accountability, and common knowledge. The Foundation recognizes the growing need to closely understand how area issues affect local teens and, therefore, is offering this opportunity for the Class of 2016 to work with its staff as paid summer interns.
Applications are available online HERE and are due February 29, 2016. Applications will be reviewed by a committee and a select number of candidates will be asked to visit the Foundation for an interview. Eight candidates will ultimately be selected for the internship.
