Event Planning & Community Engagement Intern
Bold Leaders in Action (Girls Inc. of Chicago’s Safe Spaces for Youth Program)
Organization Overview
Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Our comprehensive approach to whole girl development equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. These positive outcomes are achieved through three core elements: people — trained staff and volunteers who build lasting, mentoring relationships; environment — physically and emotionally safe, where there is a sisterhood of support, high expectations, and mutual respect; and programming — research-based, hands-on and minds-on, age-appropriate, meeting the needs of today’s girls.
Role Description
Girls Inc. of Chicago is seeking 15 dynamic Event Planning and Community Engagement Interns, ages 16–24, who live or attend school in the Greater Grand Crossing Chicago community area, to join our Community Engagement Department through the Bold Leaders in Action program.
Bold Leaders in Action is a paid youth employment and leadership development program, funded through the City of Chicago’s My CHI. My Future. Safe Spaces for Youth initiative, for young people ages 16–24 who live or attend school in the Greater Grand Crossing area. This opportunity runs from July 2026 through December 31, 2026, providing interns with meaningful work experience, professional development, and the opportunity to make a positive impact in their community.
Interns will develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and career readiness skills while planning and leading safe, engaging Kickback Events for teens and young adults ages 13–24, held during evenings, weekends, and school breaks. Consistent with the program’s youth-driven model, interns — not staff — take the lead in identifying event themes, planning logistics, conducting outreach, and hosting; program staff provide support and guidance throughout.
Through mentorship, hands-on projects, and workforce training, interns will gain valuable, real-world experience in event planning, community engagement, and workplace professionalism.
Responsibilities
- Plan, lead, and host community Kickback Events and outreach activities, with youth in the driver’s seat of decision-making
- Support development and distribution of promotional materials (newsletter content, flyers) for programs and events
- Help maintain and update contact lists and community databases
- Attend meetings with the Community Engagement Department, community partners, and stakeholders; take notes and prepare summaries
- Conduct research on community needs, trends, and partnership opportunities
- Respond to inquiries from community members and provide information about programs and services
- Gather feedback from participants and help evaluate engagement efforts
- Prepare reports and summaries of engagement activities
- Support general administrative tasks for the Community Engagement team
- Attend required program events and trainings, including the all-youth program Kickoff
Qualifications
Required:
- Between the ages of 16–24, and 16 by the program start date
- Live or attend school within the Greater Grand Crossing community area of Chicago
- Able to work in person on-site — this is not a remote position
- Available for the full program schedule: 20 hrs/week in summer, 10 hrs/week in fall/winter
- Able to attend all required program events, including the mandatory Kickoff
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
