Program Support Intern (Chicago, IL) - The Hidden Genius Project

JOB TITLE: Program Site Intern

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:

The Hidden Genius Project is a non-profit headquartered in Oakland, California that trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities. The Hidden Genius Project seeks to reveal the true potential of Black male youth and transform their communities from the inside out. Through our student-centered, project-based approach, we invest in young Black men, give them access to technology training, and plug them into an ecosystem of innovation and empowerment. The Hidden Genius Project was founded in 2012 and established a full-time infrastructure in 2015. The organization now operates Intensive Immersion Programs in Oakland, Richmond, Baltimore , Los Angeles, Detroit, Atlanta, and Chicago; in 2024, we will continue on our national growth trajectory, all as we look to regain our programming rhythm in the wake of ongoing public health challenges. As the program grows, The Hidden Genius Project seeks to impact thousands more Black males and young people in the coming years.

POSITION PURPOSE AND SUMMARY:

Program Site Interns are responsible for aiding the site team's work in executing the Immersion program. Program Site Interns will support the site through various nominal tasks and errands that will help the site meet or exceed the program's goals. Program Site Interns will also collaboratively work with The Hidden Genius Project’s staff, Geniuses, and volunteers. The successful completion of this internship will also help strengthen the intern's resume and guide them toward their professional goals.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Immersion Program Support 

• Be readily available to assist with setting up, rearranging, or breakdown of the space. 

• Assist with food set up and clean up.

• Aid the staff team in cultivating a positive and welcoming environment.  

• Be willing to participate in the Immersion program to support a positive experience for our Geniuses. 

• Support Geniuses' questions or concerns by connecting them to the appropriate staff member.  

• Solicit additional tasks to support the site’s success and maximize your internship experience.

• Share all observations (positive/negative) with the Site Director for the betterment of the program. 

• Execute research, calls, inquiries, or errands that support the needs of the program site, as requested. 

• Collaborate with organizational staff on events and projects as needed. 

• Perform daily administrative tasks (e.g., photocopying, filing, assisting with mailings).

• Meet with potential funders and partners to offer a youth/Alumni perspective. 

• Other tasks as assigned.

 QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

REQUIRED:

• Passion for supporting our Immersion program to gain experience and skills for your life and future work;

• Excellent leadership abilities and conflict resolution skills;

• “Can do” attitude and ability to work as part of a team;

• Ability to receive feedback and engage in continuous self-improvement;

• Weekday, evening, and weekend availability.

• Other responsibilities as assigned.

DESIRED:

• High comfort level with various technology platforms and the ability to learn new ones;

• Experience mentoring, as well as a commitment to working with Black male youth;

• Ability to adapt to a dynamic and rapidly-changing work environment;

ROLE OVERVIEW: 

• Role Location: Onsite - Chicago, IL

• Reports to: Site Director 

• Status: Internship

• Schedule: Part Time (maximum of 20 hours per week, in accordance with any youth work permit requirement, if applicable)

• Duration: Summer Immersion Program, 7-week period

 BENEFITS:

• Dynamic and fun environment;

• Excellent opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of youth;

• Entrepreneurial organization: implement your ideas and see the effects;

• Meet and connect with key stakeholders  in the technology industry; 

• Play a supportive role in building a national program; 

• Opportunity to earn a successful completion stipend for completing the outlined hours/days/duties assigned and college credit for field placement work.
  
  

COMPENSATION: 

• This is an internship, an opportunity to learn and gain experience in support of future work or an educational requirement. Stipend may be offered upon successful completion.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to perform the essential functions of this job successfully:

• The employee may occasionally climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; frequently stand, walk, or sit; and regularly grasp objects, talk, and hear.

• The employee will occasionally lift up to 50 pounds and regularly lift up to 30 pounds.

• This job requires vision abilities that ensure the safety of operating and programming spaces for all stakeholders.

APPLYING: 

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to the Program Site Internship job opening accessed through our website’s careers page. 

ABOUT THE HIDDEN GENIUS PROJECT CREATION & COMMITMENT:

The Hidden Genius Project trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities. Founded in 2012 by five Black male entrepreneurs/technologists who were unnerved by the dramatic juxtaposition between the high unemployment of Black male youth and the plethora of career opportunities within the local technology sector, The Hidden Genius Project connects young Black males with the skills, mentors, and experiences that they need to become leaders in high-performing entrepreneurs and technologists.

The Hidden Genius Project is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or a need that requires an accommodation, please let us know. 

We value diversity and inclusion and encourage people of color to apply for our open positions. To be successful in our work, one must have a passion for young Black males and, through operational excellence, be able to serve them in their current state and for the betterment of their future.