CLIMB High School Summer Internship

enFocus • Elkhart, IN

4h • Onsite

About The Position

The Catalysts for Leadership, Innovation, Mentorship, and Business (CLIMB) Internship is an engaging 6 to 8 week paid opportunity designed for high school students to explore career paths, develop professional skills, and contribute to the local community through innovative project work. This internship provides hands-on experience with real-world projects while connecting students to mentors and peers in a collaborative environment. As an intern, you will collaborate with enFocus interns, Fellows, project managers, and sponsors on meaningful, community-based projects, conduct research, gather data, and contribute ideas to develop innovative solutions for local challenges. You will learn foundational project management, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills, participate in a team-based group project focused on addressing regional challenges like sustainability, community development, or entrepreneurship, and present project outcomes. The internship also includes professional development workshops and social/networking events. This internship is part of a study on the efficacy of community based internships, requiring participation in weekly surveys and a focus group if consent is given.

Requirements

• A passion for learning and contributing to their community.
• An interest in innovation, problem-solving, and project-based work.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• The ability to work in a team environment and take initiative on project tasks.
• Current high school student.
• Must be at least 16 years or older at the start of internship.
• Availability for 6 to 8 weeks during the summer internship program.
• Commitment to working in-person in the South Bend-Elkhart region, primarily in Elkhart.
• A willingness to engage in all aspects of the internship, including workshops, events, and presentations.
• Ability to be paid via direct deposit.

Nice To Haves

• Rising juniors and seniors preferred

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with enFocus interns, Fellows, project managers, and sponsors to work on meaningful, community-based projects.
• Conduct research, gather data, and contribute ideas to develop innovative solutions for local challenges.
• Learn foundational project management, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills through hands-on involvement.
• Participate in a team-based group project focused on addressing regional challenges, including sustainability, community development, or entrepreneurship.
• Present project outcomes to enFocus staff and sponsors, building confidence in public speaking and professional communication.
• Engage in professional development workshops to enhance skills such as teamwork, time management, presentation skills, and effective communication.
• Experience the vibrant South Bend-Elkhart region through organized social and networking events.
• Participate in the study and if you consent to participate, you will complete weekly surveys and participate in a focus group regarding your internship experience.

Benefits

• $12-13 per hour
• Mentorship from enFocus Fellows and Project Managers.
• Opportunities to network with local leaders and organizations.
• Exposure to a variety of career paths in Civic and Industry sectors.
• Participation in professional development programming tailored for high school students and interns.
• Social and networking events to explore the region and connect with peers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees