Project Description

This short-term project will build on the problem solving and social justice advocacy skills that you are honing in your humanities coursework. It is a hands-on opportunity to engage directly with unhoused neighbors while contributing to a mission rooted in dignity and connection: ensuring that no one experiences homelessness alone and that no one feels helpless on this issue. Through direct outreach at shelters, libraries, and community spaces, you will build trust, share accessible information about available programs, and support participants in enrolling in services, including family reunification and phone-based social support programs. In addition, you will contribute to the growth of our local volunteer chapter by engaging with and supporting a community-based network of trained volunteers working to expand relational support across Santa Cruz County. 

Over four weeks, you will gain valuable field experience in homelessness services, community organizing, and nonprofit operations. You will develop core skills in relationship building, effective outreach, data management, project coordination, and cross-sector collaboration. You will work in partnership with Miracle Messages chapter members, gaining insight into grassroots organizing while helping to strengthen local chapter infrastructure and sustainability. 

Activities will include:

• Conducting outreach to people experiencing homelessness (2-3 hours per week)

• Supporting program enrollment

• Documenting participant information

• Tracking referrals and outcomes

• Providing administrative support for our reunion and Miracle Friends programs, such as data entry, scheduling and correspondence

• Contributing to program evaluation efforts

With comprehensive training, ongoing supervision, and field-based mentorship, you will also build professional communication and problem-solving skills while navigating complex systems and stakeholder dynamics. By the end of the project, you will have successfully completed and stewarded at least eight referrals into Miracle Messages programs with staff support, while developing leadership skills essential for careers in social services, public health, nonprofit management, and community advocacy.

Project Description

Applications Closed: Project 1: Program Storytelling & Field Documentation

This short-term project will build on the communication, research, and analysis skills that you are honing in your humanities coursework. For this project, you will be embedded in school communities and focus on capturing authentic, on-the-ground program experiences.

You will:

• Visit 2-3 school sites regularly to observe after school programming

  • Note: You will work with the CYC team to identify the 2-3 school sites that you will visit based on your location and method of transportation.

• Conduct interviews with staff, youth, and families

• Capture photos, video, and audio of program activities (“in-action” storytelling)

• Organize and upload all media into Google Drive with clear naming/filing systems

• Ensure proper media consent and documentation standards

This project is an especially good fit if you:

• Are interested in education, youth development, or community-based work

• Are comfortable working in school environments with diverse communities

• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Are organized and detail-oriented for managing digital files

Applications Open: Project 2: Marketing, Content Strategy & Fund Development

This short-term project will build on the communication and problem-solving skills that you are honing in your humanities coursework. For this project, you will transform raw content into materials for a strategic marketing and fundraising campaign that builds momentum throughout the school year.

You will:

• Review and curate content collected from school sites

• Familiarize yourself with CYC’s brand guidelines

• Develop 1-2 blog posts highlighting after school programs

• Create a social media campaign (multi-platform storytelling series)

If time allows, you may also contribute to newsletter content, website updates, or a fundraising campaign narrative, dependent on your interest and CYC needs. At the end of this project, you will have a portfolio of professional content.

This project is an especially good fit if you:

• Are interested in marketing, communications, nonprofit work, or fundraising/development

• Have strong writing and editing skills

• Have experience (including personal or through coursework) with social media or digital content creation

• Are a creative thinker with interest in storytelling and audience engagement

Project Description

This short-term project will build on the research and analysis skills that you are honing in your humanities coursework. You will receive onboarding training about the history and vision of AktiveShare and learn about content creation, market research, and audience engagement. You will also learn about the strategies, opportunities, and challenges that startups navigate.

Over the course of the week, you will learn about AktiveShare’s goals and conduct online research related to audience and social media. You will work with David to identify productive market research directions, and you’ll have the opportunity to suggest avenues for finding, learning about, and engaging with potential audiences.