ASPIRE internships are a time to serve

Sewa USA started the ASPIRE summer internships as a way of offering a unique opportunity for young adults to engage with their community and also to create a fun learning environment for ASPIRE students. Interns help out in the learning centers by leading activities, games and lessons, as well as performing administrative tasks at Sewa USA.

ASPIRE internships are a particularly good choice for those who enjoy spending time with children ages 6-12, are interested in helping children of refugee and immigrant families adapt to their new life in Houston, and to help them improve their English in a meaningful way! Apart from serving wonderful kids, as an intern you will experience firsthand what it’s like working at a nonprofit. Sewa USA is a great place to get your nonprofit start as it has received a collection of awards and recognitions for its consistent excellence in service and transparency.

These internships are unpaid, but can be completed for high school or college credit. Interns also receive a certificate recognizing their service.

gih internship

Get Inspired Houston (GIH) is an annual summer internship program offered to young adults and college/university students geared towards assisting the welfare of immigrant and refugee communities. The program aims to provide a platform for young adults to practice diverse professional skills related to running a non-profit and to play an instrumental role in Sewa’s ongoing community projects.

This internship is a full-time commitment composed of direct community service, content creation, event planning, educational tutoring, attending lectures, and public outreach. Interns are divided into cohorts in which they explore their personal interests and develop professional skills. This is done by creating and implementing projects which lead to social change with the assistance of experienced mentors who serve as advisors for their projects.

Past projects include developing and implementing a summer curriculum for our three ASPIRE centers, volunteering with Alief ISD’s Summer Language Institute, and planning vaccination drives in medically underserved areas. Interns are free to choose which of the following cohorts and types of activities best fit their skills and interests:

·       Youth Education: assess ASPIRE student needs, plan a summer curriculum and field trips.

·       Public Relations: develop website and newsletter content, promote programs within the community, and assist with social media communications.

·       Public Health and Family Services: assist with Stop Diabetes Movement planning and promotion, organize vaccination drives and other health-related events.

·       Event Management: plan ASPIRE student field trips/events, and organize the annual Internship Gala.

·       Grant Writing: seek out and apply for donations and grants.

Commitment: Interns are expected to commit full-time during the summer to meet the required 200 hours, which typically means working between 20-40 hours per week. This involves spending a few days working in the office and completing direct service out in the community, mainly in areas around West Houston.

Lead internship

Lead Houston is an annual summer internship program for high school students.  This program offers students the opportunity to directly serve the community, learn from leading members of the Houston area, and develop skills that can be carried throughout their educational and professional careers. Each Lead intern will be guided through the program by an assigned GIH intern peer, who will help define the expectations and offer assistance if needed. A GIH intern coordinator will also facilitate communication between Sewa team members and interns.

The Lead Internship includes:

Direct service at volunteer events around the community and ASPIRE tutorial centers. At volunteer events, interns may be expected to assist with projects, interact with community members, or simply represent Sewa’s presence in the community. At the centers, they will assist with lessons and contribute to the children’s positive learning environment. Current volunteer opportunities include Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts at Little Cambodia (Rosharon), International Day of Yoga events, ASPIRE field trips, and more.

Speaker events that introduce socially conscious leadership to young adults and give them valuable networking opportunities. Interns will meet and hear from leaders in a variety of fields, such as Business, Nonprofits, Media, Arts, Social Work, etc. Past speakers have included NASA scientists, Mayors, and Congressmen from the Greater Houston Area.

GIH peer assistance on diverse projects relating to non-profit work. Each Lead Intern’s assigned GIH peer may ask for help on their own projects. This may include various tasks in Public Relations, Public Health, Event Management, Grant Writing, or Youth Education and will give the intern opportunities to develop skills and explore their areas of interest.

Commitment: Interns will be expected to commit to 50 hours of service during the summer months, typically around 8-15 hours per week. Most of these hours can be completed at ASPIRE centers or volunteer events, though some interns may take on extra tasks with their GIH peer at home or at the Sewa office. To be most successful in this internship, reliable transportation and strong communication skills are a must.