Internship Sites

The Saint Paul Area Synod is looking for placement sites to host an intern from mid-June to mid-August during the summer of 2023. Placement sites can be congregations, or they can be non-profits, mission starts, or other faith partners around the synod.

The synod will be supporting interns financially, through a $4,000 stipend funded by The Planting Hope Campaign. Placement sites will not need to provide additional funding, but they will be the main source of support and guidance for interns. Interns will work closely with a specific supervisor who will serve as a mentor, teacher and cheerleader for the summer.

Interns can work in a variety of areas: communications, administration, social services, or ministry. Maybe your congregation or organization has a specific project you’re undertaking this summer that could use the insight and leadership from a young adult, such as creating a community garden or designing a webpage. Maybe you have on-going service programs that would be a good skills development opportunity for an intern, such as a food distribution program or a community meal. Our vision is to provide each intern with a work experience that is interesting, engaging, and value-added for them and for you.

Although placement sites should see interns primarily as learners, we know you will also have the chance to learn a lot from them. The synod is committed to providing opportunities for faith formation and vocational exploration to our young adults. We hope you will be interested in partnering with us in that mission! Click here for information about applying as an intern.

Criteria for Placement Sites

Program Eligibility

• Placement sites are tax-exempt nonprofit and religious organizations within the area served by the Saint Paul Area Synod.
• Placement sites must be able to provide an opportunity for 23-26 hours of work per week, typically across 4 days, from June 12 through August 10.
• Interns will be given time off on June 19, July 3-7, and two additional weekdays determined mutually by the intern and supervisor.

Organizational Character

• Sites will perceive the student as a learner while in service with the organization, in service of the program goal of offering interns an opportunity for vocational exploration.
• Sites are a safe, welcoming work environment for youth and young adults from diverse backgrounds and have demonstrated commitment to equity.
• Sites are encouraged to plan a specific project for interns to work on or complete, rather than expecting interns to assume leadership of an entire program or project.

Supervision

• Placement sites must designate a specific mentor who is willing to (1) invest time in orienting, supervising, and coaching the intern, (2) commit to weekly check-in conversations of at least 20 minutes with the intern, and (3) complete an evaluation for the intern at the end of the program.
• Mentors are required to have a background check within the last two years. It is preferable for mentors to have at least two years of experience working with the organization/congregation.
• Sites are encouraged to identify 3-5 other people, in addition to the supervising mentor, who are willing to meet with the intern for an informational interview during the program.

Applications are now being accepted for internship sites; complete the form below. Questions? Contact Pastor Bristol Reading, program coordinator, at pastorbristolreading@gmail.com.