The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, founded in 1824, is one of the nation’s largest archives of historical documents. We are proud to serve as Philadelphia’s Library of American History, with over 21 million manuscripts, books, and graphic images encompassing centuries of US history. HSP serves more than 4,000 on-site researchers annually and millions more around the globe who use its online resources. HSP is also a leading center for the documentation and study of ethnic communities and immigrant experiences in the 20th century, and one of the largest family history libraries in the country. Through educator workshops, research opportunities, public programs and lectures throughout the year, we strive to make history relevant and exhilarating to all.
There are internship opportunities available during all semesters in: archival work, performing arts, conservation, stacks management, and education.
Philadelphia Education Fund works with both students and teachers to improve the quality of education and create opportunities for youth preparing for college.
The Philadelphia Math + Science Coalition is part of the explore STEM Philly Initiative to increase student interest in science, technology, engineering, and math. needs volunteers to assist year-round with science fairs or as teaching resources. Students can choose to either participate on an occasional basis or set up a more long-term relationship in the classroom. For more information about this program, contact Don Mckinney at dmckinney@philaedfund.org, or call 215-665-1400, ext. 3319.
Galaei is a queer and Latin social justice organization, dedicated to serving the Latinidad through providing social services around HIV/AIDs and sexual health issues.
Galaei offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. The Midnight Cowboy Project Outreach Team works during the later hours to provide education, safer sex kits and resources to those in need. Volunteers can also participate by packaging safer sex kits.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Tommy Atz to learn how you can get involved at 215-851-1757 or tatz@galaei.org
Committed to North Philadelphia’s Fairhill community since 1993, Providence Center offers education programming for children, youth, and adults. Their mission is to educate people to have the power and spirit to transform their lives and community.
The Providence Center has several programs including an afterschool program for children K-6 led by teen leaders, ESL classes for adults and prayer groups and events for the community.
Providence community:
Providence Center is located in the heart of Fairhill, a vibrant community in North Philadelphia. The people we serve are primarily from Puerto Rico or immigrants from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, or Central America. Our community faces many challenges, including poverty rates that are the highest in Philadelphia. Over half of our community lives below the poverty line, and the median household income is under $15,000. In addition, Fairhill struggles with Philadelphia’s highest murder rate, more than five times the city’s average. At the same time, the spirit and resiliency of our neighbors inspires us, and they are working hard to build better lives for themselves and their families. Providence Center supports revitalization efforts in our community, and we accompany our students as they strive for futures full of possibility and grace.
Lutheran Children and Family Service of Eastern Pennsylvania commits itself to serve vulnerable children and families in community through culturally competent ministries of care, nurturing, shelter, advocacy, and counseling, including but not limited to foster care, adoption, family preservation, education, resettlement, housing and job development. Students can get involved with our refugee resettlement program, BOOST after school program, and our West Philadelphia Senior Community Center.
The Lutheran Children and Family Service Refugee Resettlement Program is a local affiliate of the National Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, which assists refugees and asylees through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of State. When a refugee family arrives to the area, Lutheran Children and Family Service is responsible for gathering available resources, finding housing and employment, and providing general cultural orientation. Our refugee resettlement services are designed to create a smooth transition to life in the local community and to promote economic self-sufficiency. Volunteers are needed to mentor refugee families, escort refugees to appointments, provide homework help for refugee youth, set up refugee homes, assist with ESL classes, tutor unaccompanied refugee minors, collect donations, and provide childcare at workshops.
BOOST (Best Out of School Time) is a program through Lutheran Children and Family Service that provides before and after school programs to over 900 youth at 11 schools in Southwest, West, North, and Northeast Philadelphia. Volunteers are needed to assist with homework and lead clubs and workshops for our students.
The West Philadelphia Senior Community Center (WPSCC) is a program through Lutheran Children and Family Service that offers dynamic and rewarding activities and events for older adults, ages 50 and above, who are residents of Philadelphia. WPSCC offers a computer lab with new computers and iPads for instruction and use, a fitness room with physical trainer and various exercise programs, as well as an array of daily classes and activities that enrich the mind, body and spirit. Volunteers are needed to teach classes in topics such as Spanish, quilting, woodworking, and scrapbooking.
Youth Action is a youth-led Philadelphia community development organization operated solely by high school and college students that works to empower young African Americans to become socially, economically, and civically aware. We believe that through organizing innovative youth captivating service events, we can challenge our peers to become agents of social change in their communities.
Intern with Youth Action
Youth Action is very excited to offer internship opportunities for undergraduate college students who are interested in learning more about the practices of non-profit administrations.
An internship with Youth Action offers students an incredible opportunity to contribute to the team’s civic engagement initiatives and mission objectives while gaining valuable experience in non-profit organizational development.
Specifically, we are seeking individuals for an internship in one or more of the following areas:
Finance (Fundraising, Grant writing, Sponsorships)
Internships may be completed during any time of the academic year, for various lengths of time. However, we do prefer students who can commit to two semesters. All applicants should have at least 18 weeks to spend on their internship.
Currently, all internship opportunities are unpaid. Therefore, hours are flexible and tasks are project-oriented. In other words, you will have the flexibility to create your own schedule of 6-8 hours a week to complete projects. All projects will be assigned with appropriate deadlines.
If you would like to find out more information about internship opportunities, please call 1(888) YOUTH-90 ext.906 or email intern@youthactionteam.org.
The Association of Women in Science (AWIFS) is an organization based in Philadelphia dedicated to raising awareness of STEM and forensic science research by providing community outreach and networking opportunities for female individuals. Additionally, AWIFS is committed to providing educational opportunities for youth who are interested pursuing forensic science as a career. AWIFS is lead by professionals, college students, and community leaders who believe in education and bringing drug awareness/prevention to urban environments.
From the AWIFS website: “Commitment to the inclusion, advancement, and recognition of women as members of the forensic science community with a focus on bringing women in science together to “Network & Inspire”.”
College student volunteers with interest and/or experience in forensics or criminal justice are especially welcome. Some volunteer responsibilities may include STEM outreach/awareness, preparing and demonstrating hands-on activities, lesson plans, and exhibits, facilitating lectures and discussions on the topic of forensic science, and instructing students on proper material usage.
For more information, contact AWIFS through email at info@awifs.org or through telephone at 1-888-494-2112
Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project (YASP) provides workshops for youth under 18 in the Philadelphia Prison system, as well as leadership development and support for youth when they leave the prison system. YASP also conducts workshops at schools and colleges to educate others about the flaws of the criminal justice system. By hiring formerly incarcerated youth into positions of leadership, YASP is able to empower individuals who were previously disempowered by the legal system.
YASP seeks out college students who are willing to share their knowledge and as well as learn from those they teach. College students will be asked to assume a large range of responsibilities, such as planning and facilitating workshops, academic tutoring, and assisting youth who are seeking employment. YASP provides ample opportunities for students to utilize their specific skill-set and area of expertise. Students with backgrounds in education and/or law are highly sought after, though all are encouraged to apply as an intern. Applications should be sent to Jamie Carroll at jamie@yasproject.com. Find out more about internships for College students here: http://www.yasproject.com/for-students.html
Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project is located at 2231 N. Broad Street, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA, 19132
Healthy NewsWorks promotes the accessibility of health awareness and information through educating young students as journalists for the community. Elementary and middle school students who participate in the programs offered are uniquely empowered to create effective change not just within their own lives, but in the lives of those who read the journals published by Healthy NewsWorks. Youth learn important skills in writing, reporting, interviewing, and critical thinking, while simultaneously educating themselves about healthy living.
There is a multitude of volunteer roles available at HealthyNewsWorks, some of which are more geared toward direct teaching experiences, such as assisting educators in the classroom and mentoring students as they navigating learning about journalism. For more information, check out the volunteer page at http://healthynewsworks.org/volunteer/
To volunteer for Healthy NewsWorks, contact director Marian Uhlman through email at muhlman@HealthyNewsWorks.org or through telephone at 610-449-8008
Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) is a community-based arts and gardening organization, with a primary focus on youth and Latino Culture. NSNP believes that positive change in the community can happen through focusing on the education and well-being of youth, who have the power to bring that change beyond the program to their peers, friends, and family. NSNP strives to maintain familial-like bonds between staff and community members, giving their program a uniquely intimate setting.
Click here to learn more about the different volunteer opportunities offered at the NSNP. To get started volunteering, email or call Raisa at raisa@myneighborhoodproject.org or 215-634-2227.
The Norris Square Neighborhood Project is located at 2141 North Howard Street Philadelphia PA