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Welcome to our Internship Program!

young african american man graduating.

Become an Intern

ASCENDtials has created an internship program to offer students the opportunity to expand their knowledge through practical experiences with nature. This provides students from all majors with the opportunity to once again generalize in knowledge of self, awareness of self, and their relationship with nature. It is important to ensure all aspects of development are addressed early enough to establish principles and practices that benefit and protect the environment and humanity. Now, more than ever, students are drawn away from their connection to the natural world and more towards technological advances. There should always exist a balance as we are beings made of atoms, like the natural world, and we require an understanding of this in order to remain in optimal health, with our mind, body and spirit. Learn more about our internships today! 

Our program is designed to attract learners interested in seeing the holistic view of education, from the perspective of nature. They will support research in their field of study, but from a wider view. There exist many gaps in our learning, and in some cases, we become blind to a point that we cannot see how parts connect to the whole. Our program allows “Oneness” in that there are activities that cater to our connection to the Earth, Fire, Water, and Air. We present these to show how we might adapt principles to protect and preserve the environment and humanity as we lead a life of purpose. Students can make an impact by focusing on one area or all through gaining experience through our regularly scheduled literacy workshops. To apply for an internship, complete our application or apply via your Handshake account below.

 

Join our Monthly Job Fair

ASCENDtials hosts monthly Job Fairs to give you more chances to participate! Our job fair will offer a wide range of internship/volunteer opportunities from various industries, including but not limited to the following roles; Copy Writers, Fundraising support, Event support, Grant Researcher/Writers, Program support, Publishing support, UX Designers, Graphic Designers, Web programmers and more!

The job fair will take place online, allowing attendees to participate in the event from the comfort of their own homes. 

To learn more about the monthly job fair, including the schedule, and how to register, please click on the provided link. We look forward to seeing you there.

Join the team and become one of our interns

Below are the available positions for interns:

The ASCENDtials Event Coordinator manages a wide array of activities, including workshops, Healing Sessions, camps, Book Clubs, yoga, and boat tours. Responsibilities include event planning, budget management, event logistics, attendee tracking, and strategic social media outreach through platforms like Buffer.

Responsibilities:

  • Scheduling, organizing, and implementing about nine events
    per month.
  • Managing event RSVPs, budgets, financial tracking, logistics,
    and follow-up.
  • Maintaining a current event calendar.
  • Supporting social media campaigns.
  • A minimum weekly commitment of 12-15 hours.

Job Requirements:

  • Proficiency in event planning, budgeting, and cost projection.
  • Strong computer proficiency, including databases, spreadsheets,
    and social media platforms.
  • Ability to make sound decisions and solve problems.
  • Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Proficiency in social media platforms and Buffer.

About ASCENDtials:

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Southern California that focuses on enhancing critical consciousness. Our programs empower the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community through education and training so that we can develop our sense of self, community, Oneness, and responsibility to care for the environment.

Our organization raises greater awareness about society's issues and shares insight into the tools needed to solve these issues.

We believe in the power and potential of youth and in developing the next generation of leaders. We believe the efforts of student volunteers will greatly benefit the community. We believe that writing is an expression of voice, power, and integrity.

Aim/Goal of the position:

This position will organize and host monthly Poetry & Writing Club workshops and develop a think tank of BIPOC writers whose efforts will ultimately create real social change among the public and government decision-makers. ASCENDtials is looking for interns of different ages and backgrounds to join the think tank. The interns will meet online or in person to discuss and write on social justice issues such as racism, poverty, women's rights, equal pay, and government representation. These articles will reach a wide range of audiences and will start to move structures and organizations toward more inclusion. At the same time, the writing process will serve as a source of healing for those involved and help foster a deeper connection with themselves.

 

Requirements:

  • Interest in affecting social change through poetry and writing.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills; ability to plan and implement events.

ASCENDtials is looking for interns from different backgrounds to join our book club program. Our organization is offering an internship where students will receive academic credit for their coursework. We are looking to establish ​​this program for students to participate in many opportunities and for them to receive credit. The ultimate goal of this program is to educate and inspire students to create real social change among the public and government decision-makers.

Interns will attend our online lecture series, where different authors will speak about their written work. These lectures will focus on social justice issues such as racism, poverty, women's rights, equal pay, and government representation. Interns will be expected to actively participate and engage with the material provided, such as conducting research, studying the author's written works, completing worksheets, and asking questions during the Q&A section.

We are looking for an organized and creative videographer to work with our creative team to plan, film, and edit video content according to client briefs. The videographer's responsibilities include ensuring that the necessary filming equipment is available for use, directing other camera operators on set, and editing film footage.

To be successful as a videographer you must be able to understand client briefs and work creatively to produce the desired product. A good videographer should stay up to date with industry trends and tools that will make projects more marketable.

Videographer Responsibilities:

  • Film videos on set or on location.
  • Ensure that equipment for a shoot is present and working.
  • Plan the shoot with the creative team and the client.
  • Edit footage in post-production.
  • Direct other camera operators so that the needed footage is acquired.

Videographer Requirements:

  • Excellent computer literacy.
  • Proficiency with editing software such as PhotoShop.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Relative fitness and stamina to work long hours.
  • Proficiency with camera equipment.

As the Program Lead, you will manage a team, design programs aligned

with our organization's mission and goals, set fundraising targets, identify

donors and funding sources, and collaborate with the PR Advisor and

Grants/Fundraising leads for outreach. You'll also oversee event planning

for grant applications, manage staff for smooth project operations, and

ensure budget adherence. We're looking for someone with strong

communication skills, the ability to plan all project aspects, and a

proactive approach to problem-solving. Your role is crucial in ensuring

project success and alignment with our mission.

 

Job Responsibilities

▪ Manage a team to coordinate programs aligned with the organization's

mission and goals.

▪ Set fundraising and development goals, identify potential

donors/partners, and secure funding.

▪ Plan and implement outreach strategies in collaboration with the PR

Advisor Lead and Grants/Fundraising Lead.

▪ Schedule and forecast special events to support grant applications

and proposals.

▪ Oversee day-to-day staff performance, ensuring project milestones

and budgets are met.

▪ Create project plans, budgets, timelines, and teams.

▪ Ensure high-quality program deliverables.▪ Anticipate and resolve program-related issues.

 

Job Requirements

✓ Nonprofit program experience.

✓ Team leadership and management experience.

✓ Proven experience in remote work.

✓ Strong ability to work and make independent decisions.

✓ Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

✓ Commitment to project follow-through.

The Fundraising Coordinator reports to the Director/Founder and
oversees all fund development activities. This role involves identifying
and researching potential donors, managing corporate partnerships,
preparing proposals, and nurturing donor relationships. Additionally, it
includes coordinating educational activities for community and
fundraising purposes.

Responsibilities:

  • Research and maintain donor profiles.
  • Manage donor and corporate sponsor stewardship.
  • Identify funding opportunities.
  • Maintain development databases.
  • Solicit sponsorships and donations.

Job Requirements:

  • Proficiency in conducting comprehensive research and utilizing
    analytical thinking to identify potential donors and funding
    opportunities.
  • A deep dedication to the organization's mission, vision, and values.
  • Collaborative mindset and an innovative approach to
    problem-solving, contributing to a dynamic and creative work
    environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • An understanding of the importance of handling confidential
    information with discretion and integrity.
  • High-level competency in Microsoft Office applications and
    experience in database management.

And below is the form for applying to an internship with ASCENDtials. If interested, please do not hesitate to contact us, or make an appointment for our job fair.

Log your Internship hours below!!!

FAQs for Interns

1. What are my hours?

  • You are expected to be available Monday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. PST.
  • You can take your lunch and breaks when you need them.
  • Your work will be a combination of online and in-person workshops. If your internship is ten hours per week, then a minimum of 3 hours per month will be in workshops. If you attend in-person workshops, you can attend up 10 hours a month of workshops, and 70 hours of other ongoing programming duties. All hours must be documented weekly through the timekeeping app.

2. Who do I contact when…?

  • I need to request time off?  
    • Notify your supervisor as soon as possible, at least a few days prior to the time you would like to take off. Please avoid notifying your supervisor with only one day’s notice. If this is unavoidable, please secure your own replacement substitute and inform your supervisor of the change
  • I’m having issues with a coworker?
    • Contact your lead or the Director
  • I don’t know what to do or how to do this type of task?
    • Contact your lead or the Director

3. Are these Paid Positions?

  • Unfortunately, we currently don’t provide paid positions. Our internship positions are not eligible for any compensation or benefits.

4. What is the social media policy?

  • Please do not spend time on social media during work hours.
  • Please refrain from posting about your internship and our organization on social media without prior approval.

5. Do we have events planned for outside of the office?

  •  We do have events outside of the office.
  • The workshops and other events in San Diego are sanctioned as part of your hours. You are encouraged to attend online sessions if you are unable to attend in person; these still count as part of your required intern hours. 

6. How often should I check in with my supervisor?

  • At least once a week. On your first day, you will be given a recurring meeting time with your team lead and the hiring manager.

7. What if I’m bored?

  • Ask coworkers if they need help on any projects.
  • Read the provided learning materials.
  • Ask your lead for something to do!

8. What if I’m overwhelmed?

  • Talk to your mentor to ensure you’re understanding the project expectations correctly.
  • Talk to your lead to reevaluate expectations or talk about your workload.

9. When does my internship end and what happens when it’s over?

  • Your internship ends in June or after the semester ends (typically six months). 
  • When your internship is over, you will complete an evaluation process with your lead and the hiring manager assigned to you. Your lead will be able to discuss the next steps with you. Once you have completed your internship. you are encouraged to apply for any open positions. 

10. What happens if I break a rule or mess up on a project?

  • Dont worry. Everyone makes mistakes. Interpret any course corrections as constructive criticism. Your lead may inform you of a mistake, but this is a learning opportunity for you and you should not feel as though you are in trouble.
  • In extreme circumstances, you may have a meeting with the hiring team to discuss your understanding of organizational policies.