Teen Life Skills & Development InternAt — Girls Incorporated of Orange County

Teen Life Skills & Development Intern

About Girls Inc. of Orange County

Girls Inc. of Orange County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. We serve youth ages 5–18 through research-based programs that promote healthy relationships, self-esteem, academic achievement, leadership development, advocacy, STEM exploration, and overall wellness.

Position Overview

The Teen Advocacy & Life Skills Intern will support Girls Inc. staff in delivering engaging prevention education, advocacy, and life skills programming at partner school sites throughout Anaheim. This hands-on internship provides valuable experience in youth development, mentorship, facilitation, classroom management, and nonprofit programming.

Interns will work directly alongside program staff to create safe, supportive, and empowering environments where students can build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and develop positive relationships.

What You'll Gain

• Direct experience working with youth in educational settings
• Opportunities to develop facilitation and public speaking skills
• Experience in mentorship, youth engagement, and classroom management
• Exposure to nonprofit programming and community-based services
• Professional development through collaboration with experienced youth development staff

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Assist staff in facilitating life skills, advocacy, prevention education, and leadership development programs
• Co-facilitate classroom discussions, activities, and group projects
• Support classroom management and positive student engagement
• Build supportive mentoring relationships with program participants
• Monitor student participation and encourage engagement during program activities
• Track attendance, participation, and program-related data
• Support staff with data collection and entry as needed
• Support incentive and recognition systems, including badge and point tracking
• Assist with identifying student needs and connecting participants to appropriate staff support
• Support program preparation, set-up, and other administrative tasks as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in youth development, education, social work, psychology, public health, nonprofit management, or related fields
• Passion for empowering young people and creating positive learning environments
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, and community partners
• Reliable, professional, and willing to learn

This internship is ideal for students seeking meaningful experience in youth development while making a positive impact in the lives of young people throughout Orange County.

Training:

Throughout the intern's training, they will:
1. Attend an orientation overviewing volunteer handbook, facilitating skills, and other matters pertaining to target demographic issues.
2. Complete a Mandated Reporter Training
3. Receive position-specific training by facilitators according to assigned roles.

Learning Outcome:

1. Apply Positive Youth Development Principles in Practice
Interns will apply evidence-based youth development strategies to support the social, emotional, and leadership growth of adolescents in school-based settings.

2. Develop Facilitation, Mentorship, and Classroom Management Competencies
Interns will demonstrate effective communication, group facilitation, and classroom management techniques while supporting educational and life skills programming for diverse youth populations.

3. Strengthen Professional Skills within a Community-Based Nonprofit Environment
Interns will develop professional competencies including collaboration, ethical decision-making, cultural responsiveness, and effective communication while working alongside youth development professionals and community partners.