Location: Springfield, MA
Position Type: Part-Time Internship
Schedule: 15 hours/week, Monday–Thursday, Mornings
Program Dates: July 6 – July 30, 2026
Required Training: Week of June 22, 2026, plus asynchronous course prior
Compensation: Paid internship
Additional Opportunities: Possible additional hours in research and organizational support
About Hope Literacy
Hope for Youth and Families is a nonprofit organization committed to addressing inequities in educational access and outcomes for underserved youth in Springfield, MA. Using research-based approaches grounded in the Science of Reading, Hope Literacy provides targeted, innovative instruction to help students accelerate their reading growth and build confidence as learners.
Position Overview
Hope Literacy is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Literacy Intern to support our summer reading program. This internship is ideal for college students or recent graduates interested in education, literacy, child development, or social justice. Interns will work closely with lead educators to support middle school readers through small-group instruction, individualized support, and student engagement activities.
This position offers hands-on experience in evidence-based literacy instruction, professional development, and youth mentoring within a collaborative and mission-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in required training on the Science of Reading and Hope Literacy’s curriculum via asynchronous work and in person during the week of June 22
- Review and prepare literacy curriculum materials in advance of sessions
- Support lead educators in delivering engaging, structured literacy instruction
- Work directly with students in small groups and one-on-one settings
- Help manage student behavior and promote a positive, supportive learning environment
- Document student observations and progress
- Communicate effectively with educators and program staff
- Attend ongoing professional development and regular check-ins with a supervisor
- Follow all Hope Literacy policies, procedures, and safety protocols
- Request support and guidance as needed
Optional / Additional Responsibilities (as available)
- Assist with program-related research, data organization, or administrative tasks
- Support curriculum development or instructional resource organization
Qualifications & Desired Skills
- Experience working with youth or young adults from diverse backgrounds (formal or informal)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Interest in literacy, education, or youth development
- Commitment to educational equity and closing opportunity gaps
- Willingness to learn and apply evidence-based instructional practices
- Ability to collaborate as part of a team and accept feedback
- Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply (especially Spanish speakers)
- Coursework in structured literacy/Science of Reading is highly desired
Why Join Hope Literacy
- Gain hands-on experience with the Science of Reading
- Work alongside passionate educators and mentors
- Make a tangible impact on students’ literacy growth in a short time
- Opportunity for additional hours in research and organizational work
- Supportive, values-driven nonprofit environment
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and brief cover letter explaining your interest in literacy, youth work, or education and how your experience aligns with this role to Sami Krzyzanowski, Director of Literacy, as sami@hyff.org
