The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

SCOPE OF INTERN SERVICE:
 

The Education & Youth Services (EYS) program is part of the IRC’s holistic and integrated approach to resettlement. EYS assist refugee youth and their families in navigating the U.S. education system in the Louisville area. The Summer 2026 Education and Youth Services Intern will support the EYS team in creating a safe and engaging environment for middle school and high school students. This role involves coordinating activities, assisting with homework, and supporting social and cultural adaptation through enrichment activities. The intern will work closely with EYS staff and volunteers to address the academic and social needs of recently resettled refugee youth.

Please note this is an unpaid internship position.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Develop understanding of educational and social support systems for refugee youth.
• Gain hands-on experience in program coordination and youth mentorship.
• Build skills in intercultural communication and community outreach.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide academic assistance, including tutoring and homework support, to middle and high school students in after-school programs.
• Assist in organizing after-school enrichment activities focused on cultural integration and social development.
• Alongside EYS staff, coordinate transportation logistics for students to the after-school program space.
• Support planning educational outings and community-building events for program participants.
• Support students in building confidence and adaptability within U.S. school systems.
• Help facilitate communication between students, families, and school staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
   

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student, or less than 12 months past graduation, preferably in the fields of Education, Social Work, or related.
• Access to a personal vehicle/reliable transportation; IRC Louisville cannot support securing transportation or housing for interns.  
• Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or must have active and compliant visas and work authorization status in the United States (the IRC must not be represented as a sponsor or host in any application, filing, or other context for an intern).
• Primary availability between 1:00 PM EST and 5:00 PM EST on Mondays and Wednesdays for the after-school program.
• Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially.
• Strong intercultural communication skills, including demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
• Adherence to IRC volunteer/intern and workplace policies
• Fluency/proficiency in English, both spoken and written, are required; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group is desired, but not required.

TRAINING & GUIDANCE

In-depth training will be provided for interns to understand IRC programming and the various needs of clients accessing IRC services. Interns will receive training on IRC’s federal R&P and APA service agreements and their programmatic requirements for resettlement services. Interns with client languages who could serve as an interpreter will receive guidance on policies when interpreting. Other activity specific training will be provided as needed. Flexibility, initiative, and a desire to collaborate are essential qualities for this intern opportunity. A high-level of confidentiality is required when working with IRC clients.

FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS, & YOUTH PROGRAM LEADERS

If you would like to discuss connecting your organization with the IRC in Louisville for internship opportunities, please email  Volunteer.Louisville@rescue.org with the subject line “INTERNSHIP."

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED & SUPPORT

• Learn more about the IRC’s work at Rescue.org/Louisville

Fight for policies that deliver real change for the people we serve: Rescue.org/take-action

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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