Freedom School Literacy, Leadership & Advocacy Intern

Metanoia•North Charleston, SC

About The Position

The Freedom School Literacy, Leadership & Advocacy Intern serves as Servant Leader Intern (SLI) within the Freedom School model developed by the Children's Defense Fund. This position provides college-aged leaders with the opportunity to mentor and support young scholars while strengthening literacy skills through the Freedom School curriculum. Interns play an important role in cultivating youth voice, civic awareness, and leadership while helping create a positive, culturally responsive learning environment that empowers children and families. Servant Leader Interns (SLIs) play a vital role within an intergenerational model that ignites and inspires leadership, literacy, and social action among scholars ages 5–14. This role as the Servant Leader Intern (SLI), interns lead and facilitate the Integrated Reading Curriculum for a class of up to 10 students during a six-week summer program. Instruction aligns with nationally recognized standards from the Children's Defense Fund and is implemented in partnership with Metanoia Community Development Corporation, a Parent & Family Engagement Excellence Award–winning, community-driven organization committed to strengthening children, families, and communities. Servant Leader Interns (SLIs) will have the opportunity to further their professional development and expand their networking opportunities by participating in the Ella Baker Child Policy Training Institute hosted by the Children's Defense Fund in Knoxville. This leadership and professional development opportunity is designed to equip interns with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to support continued direct service, advocacy, and leadership on behalf of children and families. More about Metanoia Freedom School. We are proud to offer this outstanding, nationally recognized program for the 19th year to scholars who attend Chicora Elementary and live in Chicora or surrounding neighborhoods. Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The CDF Freedom Schools® program provides summer and after-school enrichment through a research-based and multicultural curriculum that supports children and families through comprehensive, holistic development. It fosters environments where young people believe in their ability to make a difference in themselves, their families, schools, communities, country, and world with hope, education, and action.

Requirements

Must have completed at least one year of College
Ability to attend all required training, including 6-day professional development training (Ella Baker Policy Training Institute) in Knoxville, Tennessee on June 2, 2026 – June 7, 2026.
Attend all required training, including the 6-day professional development training (Ella Baker Policy Training Institute) in Knoxville, Tennessee: May 26, 2026 - May 29, 2026 Pre-Training - In-Person (North Charleston, SC) June 2, 2026 - June 7, 2026 - National Training - In-Person Training (Travel to Knoxville, Tennessee) June 9, 2026 - June 12, 2026 - Post Training - In-Person Training (North Charleston, SC)

Responsibilities

Engage a maximum of 10 scholars in the Integrated Reading Curriculum for 6 weeks, according to the standards developed by the Children's Defense Fund and Metanoia Freedom School.
Serve as a positive role model for all scholars.
Set up, manage, and break down classroom space, according to the standards outlined by CDF and Metanoia.
Secure and organize the appropriate materials for classroom instruction and activities.
Supervise and support the safety of scholars.
Collaborate with team members to establish and maintain a structured and supportive learning environment.
Serve as a Harambee! Leader, fostering enthusiasm and engagement throughout the program.
Facilitate and/or support implementation of afternoon activities, outdoor time, special events, and field trips.