If you are a US-based student passionate about education and supporting refugee youth, this internship with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Elizabeth, New Jersey, is deeply rewarding. You will help recently arrived refugee and immigrant youth adapt to school, prepare for college and careers, and build their confidence, while developing hands-on skills in youth programming.
About the Organisation
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC works in more than 40 countries and 29 US cities.
Over the past eight years, the Refugee Youth Program at IRC NJ has developed partnerships with Union, Essex, and Hudson County public schools, community-based organisations, and local colleges and universities to support the positive development of refugee youth and their communities in New Jersey. The program provides year-round programming working directly with refugee youth, their parents and families, and their schools.
Scope of Work
The goal of the youth programs is to help recently arrived refugee and immigrant children and youth adapt successfully to elementary, middle, and high schools and prepare for college, career, and beyond, while meeting their short- and long-term educational needs and supporting their social-emotional wellbeing and English language development.
As a Youth Program Intern, you will assist the Youth Programs Coordinator with parent and student outreach, and with the design and implementation of after-school programming such as Youth Mentoring, youth workshops, Empower Tutoring, and Teen Service Days.
Responsibilities
🗣️ Provide or secure interpretation services as needed to inform students and parents about youth programming
📝 Input case notes into IRC platforms
📄 Create and translate flyers and documents for youth programs
🏫 Assist staff in welcoming, accompanying, and supporting students at after-school youth programs
🤝 Participate in staff development, team meetings, and workshops
📋 Under supervision, assess and monitor family needs and make appropriate referrals
🛠️ Assist with program design and implementation, and complete related tasks assigned by the Youth Programs Coordinator
Learning Objectives
🌍 Learn about refugee resettlement issues and processes
📣 Develop outreach and advocacy skills
🤝 Develop direct client service skills
📐 Develop program design and implementation skills
🌈 Develop culturally responsive practice skills
Requirements
🗣️ Fluency in a second language is required (such as Spanish, Haitian Creole, Arabic, or Dari)
🎓 Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in social work, education, public health, or a related field
👧 Experience working with children and youth, along with parents, specifically in educational and social programs
🌏 Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations is highly desirable
💪 The ability to work independently, collaboratively, and take initiative
❤️ Empathy, patience, cooperation, and strong interpersonal skills
📋 An understanding of case management methods aimed at client self-sufficiency and sustainability
⏰ Availability to commit 15 to 20 hours a week in person
The Details
📍 Location: Elizabeth, NJ, USA (in person)
🕒 Type: part-time, unpaid internship, 15 to 20 hours per week
How to Apply
Apply through the IRC careers portal, quoting job requisition ID JR00003983.
Deadline
02 September 2026
Links
🔗 Vacancy and how to apply: https://theirc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External_Careers/job/Elizabeth-NJ-USA/Youth-Programming-Intern--Unpaid-_JR00003983
