The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

SCOPE OF INTERN SERVICE:  

The Education & Youth Services (EYS) program is part of the IRC’s holistic and integrated approach to resettlement. EYS assist refugee youth and their families in navigating the U.S. education system in the Louisville area. The Summer 2026 Early Childhood Education Intern works in close coordination with the EYS Manager and School Impact Program Specialist in the planning and implementation of parent classes, pre-k applications, kindergarten support, and early education resource collection for refugee and immigrant clients. The Early Childhood Education Intern will also assist clients with accessing classes in the community and growing the program through community partnerships. 

The intern will play a key role in facilitating educational support services, helping newly resettled refugee students adjust to school environments, and enhancing their academic and social integration. This role offers interns hands-on experience in educational programming, client services, and the opportunity to contribute to the empowerment of refugee youth and their families. 

This is an unpaid internship position that requires a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week for at least three months.  

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

  • Learn how to connect refugee and immigrant clients to community resources for early childhood programs. 
  • Develop critical thinking skills, clients service skills, and cross-global education and social work skills.  
  • Learn about the IRC locally and globally, the available services to refugees and eligible clients in Louisville, KY. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Provide equal treatment to all client groups in accordance with the agency's commitment to the dignity of all persons. 
  • Assist IRC staff with pre-k and kindergarten enrollment. 
  • Contacting parents to confirm their availability to attend classes.  
  • Navigating client barriers to education, including transportation and language. 
  • Communicating with JCPS and early childhood education services to connect students and their families to appropriate services.  
  • Collect and interpret data to support educational initiatives and encourage student success.  
  • Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy, practice respect and consideration of clients’ varied backgrounds and experiences, respect client beliefs and values.  
  • Other support as needed. 
     

REQUIREMENTS 

  • Must be a current undergraduate student, graduate student, or less than 12 months past graduation. 
  • Access to a personal vehicle/reliable transportation; IRC Louisville cannot support securing transportation or housing for interns.   
  • Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or must have active and compliant visas and work authorization status in the United States (the IRC must not be represented as a sponsor or host in any application, filing, or other context for an intern).  
  • Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially. 
  • Strong intercultural communication skills, including demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers. 
  • Ability to work independently and as a part of a team. 
  • Adherence to IRC volunteer/intern and workplace policies. 
  • Fluency/proficiency in English, both spoken and written, are required; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group is desired but not required.  

TRAINING & GUIDANCE 

In-depth training will be provided for interns to understand IRC programming and the various needs of clients accessing IRC services. Interns will receive training on IRC’s federal R&P and APA service agreements and their programmatic requirements for resettlement services. Interns with client languages who could serve as an interpreter will receive guidance on policies when interpreting. Other activity specific training will be provided as needed. Flexibility, initiative, and a desire to collaborate are essential qualities for this intern opportunity. A high-level of confidentiality is required when working with IRC clients. 

FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS, & YOUTH PROGRAM LEADERS 

If you would like to discuss connecting your organization with the IRC in Louisville for internship opportunities, please email  Volunteer.Louisville@rescue.org with the subject line “INTERNSHIP." 

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED & SUPPORT 

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.