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Metanoia Cdf Freedom Schools® Literacy, Leadership & Advocacy -summer Intern

Full Time • North Charleston

Why work for Metanoia?   Metanoia arrives at strong community participation by obeying the ‘Iron Rule’ of community organizing – to never do for people what they can do for themselves.  And by always requiring an exchange for any opportunities we present to the community.  For example, our after-school programs are not free to parents but charge four hours-worth of community participation a month.  By creating systems of exchange, we create a sense of pride and ownership that local residents feel toward Metanoia.  The highest compliment that is paid to us is when residents refer to Metanoia as “us” or “we” rather than “them.” To learn more about our organization please visit our website at metanoiasc.org. 

  • Company Description 

    Metanoia is an established leader in asset-based community development in the Charleston region. We seek to support the development of a community that enjoys a sense of belonging, where we uphold each other, and where we find comfort in shared life experiences. We do this by seeking out and honing the unique assets that exist within the community. We listen to each other’s needs, helping to shape next-generation leaders, building affordable housing, and facilitating greater job opportunities.

    Why work for Metanoia?   We believe everyone has the inherent right to live well, in the places they love and call home. But like too many other historically marginalized communities, the assets within it — including its people, places and partnerships — are often undervalued or even unrecognized. Over time, this can create a sense of diminished possibilities. Metanoia is here to help reverse this trend by seeking out the unique assets that exist within the community and building on those strengths. When we invest in each other in this way, we can open hearts and minds to all that’s possible, inspiring a belief that we can all live in this place, and live well.

  • Job Summary

    The Freedom School Literacy, Leadership & Advocacy Intern serves as Servant Leader Intern (SLI) within the Freedom School model developed by the Children's Defense Fund. This position provides college-aged leaders with the opportunity to mentor and support young scholars while strengthening literacy skills through the Freedom School curriculum. Interns play an important role in cultivating youth voice, civic awareness, and leadership while helping create a positive, culturally responsive learning environment that empowers children and families. 

    Servant Leader Interns (SLIs) play a vital role within an intergenerational model that ignites and inspires leadership, literacy, and social action among scholars ages 5–14. This role as the Servant Leader Intern (SLI), interns lead and facilitate the Integrated Reading Curriculum for a class of up to 10 students during a six-week summer program. Instruction aligns with nationally recognized standards from the Children's Defense Fund and is implemented in partnership with Metanoia Community Development Corporation, a Parent & Family Engagement Excellence Award–winning, community-driven organization committed to strengthening children, families, and communities. 

    Servant Leader Interns (SLIs) will have the opportunity to further their professional development and expand their networking opportunities by participating in the Ella Baker Child Policy Training Institute hosted by the Children's Defense Fund in Knoxville. This leadership and professional development opportunity is designed to equip interns with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to support continued direct service, advocacy, and leadership on behalf of children and families.

    More about Metanoia Freedom School. We are proud to offer this outstanding, nationally recognized program for the 19th year to scholars who attend Chicora Elementary and live in Chicora or surrounding neighborhoods.

  • Nature and Scope
    Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. 

    The CDF Freedom Schools® program provides summer and after-school enrichment through a research-based and multicultural curriculum that supports children and families through comprehensive, holistic development. It fosters environments where young people believe in their ability to make a difference in themselves, their families, schools, communities, country, and world with hope, education, and action.

    To learn more about Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools (CDF) and Metanoia's Freedom School program please follow the links for more information.

  • Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills or Abilities

    • Must have completed at least one year of College

    • Engage a maximum of 10 scholars in the Integrated Reading Curriculum for 6 weeks, according to the standards developed by the Children's Defense Fund and Metanoia Freedom School.

    • Ability to attend all required training, including 6-day professional development training (Ella Baker Policy Training Institute) in Knoxville, Tennessee on June 2, 2026 – June 7, 2026.

    • Serve as a positive role model for all scholars.

    • Set up, manage, and break down classroom space, according to the standards outlined by CDF and Metanoia.

    • Secure and organize the appropriate materials for classroom instruction and activities.

    • Supervise and support the safety of scholars.

    • Collaborate with team members to establish and maintain a structured and supportive learning environment.

    • Serve as a Harambee! Leader, fostering enthusiasm and engagement throughout the program. 

    • Facilitate and/or support implementation of afternoon activities, outdoor time, special events, and field trips. 

    Attend all required training, including the 6-day professional development training (Ella Baker Policy Training Institute) in Knoxville, Tennessee:

    • May 26, 2026 - May 29, 2026 Pre-Training - In-Person (North Charleston, SC)

    • June 2, 2026 - June 7, 2026 - National Training - In-Person Training (Travel to Knoxville, Tennessee)

    • June 9, 2026 - June 12, 2026 - Post Training - In-Person Training (North Charleston, SC)

  • Benefits

    • Paid Holidays 

    Seasonal, Full-time

    Compensation: $17.50 per hour

    We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

    Metanoia is an established leader in asset-based community development in the Charleston region. We pursue an innovative model that supports communities in discovering and growing the assets of distressed neighborhoods, so that community health is restored from the inside out. We support a movement that champions thriving schools and businesses, enhancing core economic and social sustainability.

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