Equity Interns Program

Join the movement to advance educational equity by supporting San Francisco Bay Area children and youth to thrive academically and contribute to positive change in their communities. Work alongside community leaders, youth development professionals, and educators to provide engaging and impactful summer enrichment programming in a fun and dynamic environment. Develop knowledge and skills to work collectively toward a civic purpose, educate and empower children and youth, and navigate and accomplish professional responsibilities.

In this summer program, Equity Interns spend 8 weeks in full-time, paid fellowships supporting the YMCA of San Francisco’s Power Scholars Academy. Earn a $3,000 for full participation in the program, while benefiting from free USF campus housing. Some transportations and meals will also be provided.

The Equity Interns program is a collaboration between the University of Delaware’s Biden Institute, the University of San Francisco’s Leo T. McCarthy Center and the YMCA of San Francisco to reduce the educational opportunity gap and ensure that all young people, especially those from underserved communities, meet their full potential academically and beyond. 

The goal of this program is to bring together civically-engaged college students as Equity Interns to support summer learning opportunities for children and youth entering grades K-8. The Equity Interns will enhance Power Scholars’ overall development, academic performance, and graduation rates by supporting Powers Scholars Academy teachers and staff, and engaging children and their families while inspiring them to become life-long academic achievers. 

Connected with the overarching goal, the Equity Interns program promotes three objectives:

1. Ensure that Power Scholars consistently and attentively participate in program activities through Equity Interns providing increased adult-to-student high-touch engagement; 
2. Connect Power Scholars with Equity Interns as role models and mentors who promote a college-going culture, helping Power Scholars to envision their paths to college, careers and future civic engagement; and
3. Equip Equity Interns to support families and caregivers to ensure Power Scholars have the access, resources, and support they need to be successful.

Students with diverse interests, experiences, and academic majors are welcome to apply. No prior experience with youth programming is necessary, but we are seeking students who are driven by a desire to advance educational equity and/or address related social justice issues.