Strategic Engagement (Advocacy) Intern

Job Summary:

Resilience, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving the mental health of students, as well as reducing mass shootings, suicide, and depression. Resilience, Inc also works to combat declining test scores, low student engagement, and a slew of other social issues. 

Our organization focuses on offering Social Emotional Learning tools to enable K-12 schools to teach emotional intelligence through five core topics; self-awareness, self-control, social awareness, relationship management, goal setting, and effective decision-making. Resilience, Inc. also provides tools for acquiring and maintaining inspiration, hope, and overall well-being.  

Our mission is to teach SEL at every school in the country. It is a tough challenge, but we know “No Challenge, No Change.” If you are also concerned about children’s mental health and social being, join us! Become a member of Resilience, Inc, and help change the way schools approach mental health.

Resilience offers unpaid internship programs that require at least a 4 month commitment with a minimum of 5 hours per week. There are flexible start and end dates with the option to continue after meeting the minimum requirement

Although this is an unpaid internship, there is the opportunity to earn school credit. Some educational institutions require prior approval before the start of an internship. It is the responsibility of the student to check with their institution to be sure they meet any requirements before they accept a position.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Identify and engage key stakeholders—educators, parents, community leaders, and decision-makers—to build support for SEL initiatives.
• Support the planning and implementation of public awareness campaigns, town halls, and community events.
• Help manage strategic partnerships with advocacy organizations, school districts, and education networks.
• Track emerging issues in SEL-related education policy and contribute to internal strategy sessions.
• Create public-facing materials such as one-pagers, slide decks, and storytelling spotlights that communicate the impact of SEL.
• Assist with grant research, public funding opportunities, and local initiatives that support SEL implementation.

Qualifications: 

• A strong commitment to education reform, mental health advocacy, or youth empowerment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience or interest in community outreach, coalition-building, or organizing.
• Familiarity with the U.S. public education system and SEL concepts (or a willingness to learn quickly).
• Organized, resourceful, and proactive—able to manage multiple moving parts and adapt as needed.
• Creative thinker who understands how to tailor messaging for different audiences (educators, policymakers, parents, youth).
• Comfortable working in collaborative, cross-functional teams and using virtual communication tools.

Note: This internship offers a unique chance to be part of a meaningful project that positively impacts the lives of refugees. While the position is unpaid, it provides valuable experience in project management, social impact initiatives, and collaboration with diverse teams. You will have the opportunity to contribute to a noble cause and enhance your skills in a real-world setting.

Check with your school's Internship Coordinator BEFORE accepting the hiring offer to determine if this position satisfies the criteria for receiving academic credit.