Peer Engagement Internship (PEI) Application 2023-2024
Build Relationships – Connect to Jewish Life – Create Meaningful Jewish Opportunities
The Peer Engagement Internship is a 10-month paid internship for teens through The Second Floor at the JCC. Interns serve as connectors and builders of Jewish life in Pittsburgh, utilizing their own social networks and creating relationships with Jewish students across the community. Interns attend monthly skill-building workshops and create their own teen-led programs to welcome their peers to The Second Floor space.
Interested students must be in grades 10-12 and over the age of 16 to apply. All First-Year Peer Engagement Interns will be paid at a rate of $9/hour and Returning Interns will be paid at a rate of $10/hour for the 2023-2024 school year.
THIS YEAR, THE SECOND FLOOR IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE OFFERING NEW PEER ENGAGEMENT INTERNSHIP TRACKS!
Brief descriptions of these tracks are below but we are happy to answer any questions you might have on the roles/responsibilities!
Internship Tracks:
Jewish Enrichment: Jewish Enrichment PEIs will work with JCC/The Second Floor staff to plan and facilitate Jewish programming on The Second Floor. These PEIs will assist with holiday event planning, shabbat programming, Nazun (aka Challah for Hunger), and more.
Tikkun Olam: Tikkun Olam PEIs will work with JCC/The Second Floor Staff to create, facilitate, and promote new and engaging service opportunities for teens. These PEIs will work with our new Tikkun Olam Club to help put together monthly service opportunities. Additionally, these PEIs will work with the J-Serve Steering Committee throughout the year and play a hands-on role in the planning process.
Middle School Engagement: Middle School Engagement PEIs will work with JCC/The Second Floor Staff to help build connections with 6-8th graders to provide more specific programming opportunities for Middle Schoolers and ensure they have a smooth transition into our HS-aged programming when the time comes. Middle School Engagement PEIs will also have the opportunity to network and engage with local middle schools to build connections with The Second Floor.
Sports and Fitness: Sports and Fitness PEIs will work with JCC/The Second Floor Staff to spearhead our new JCC Teen Sports + Fitness Committee from a teen perspective. These PEIs will help guide conversations around sports, athletics, and fitness programs at the JCC as well as have the opportunity to plan larger sports and fitness themed events such as speakers, sports competitions, etc.
Social Programming: Social Programming PEIs will work with JCC/The Second Floor Staff to plan and facilitate social programs on The Second Floor. These may include pop-up experiences, half-day activities, Friendsgiving, midterm/finals weeks, and more.
Israel Engagement: Israel Engagement PEIs will work with JCC/The Second Floor Staff to create and lead initiatives, events, and programs around Israeli culture, history, etc. These PEIs will also have the opportunity to work closely with the Shinshinim to have them involved in Israel-based programming on The Second Floor.
Arts and Culture: Arts and Culture PEIs will work with JCC/The Second Floor Staff to create, support, and facilitate arts and culture based programming with teens. These programs may include Crafting and Jewish Spirituality, Middle and High School Musicals, Cricut Club, and more.
All interns are expected to:
– Attend mandatory monthly meetings and trainings
– Connect their peers to opportunities that match their interests
– Identify trends and gaps in engagement opportunities
– Engage with teens in the space during working hours
– Represent the Peer Engagement Intern brand, and promote The Second Floor programming and events during and outside working hours
– Utilize staff resources to fulfill job requirements to best of their ability
– Have a fun, outgoing, and friendly attitude!
