Funded by Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship: Summer Program Associate at Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)

Organization Name: Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship/NFTE

Intern Role/Title: NFTE Mid-Atlantic, Summer Program Associate

Organization Website: www.nfte.com

Address: 120 Wall Street 18th floor, New York NY 10005

On-site/Hybrid Format? Hybrid

Duration and Compensation: 8 weeks FT/$19 hour

About the Organization: NFTE was founded in 1987 on the belief that entrepreneurship education could ignite passion and open doors for youth. This belief is as relevant today as it has ever been, as is the need to break down barriers to opportunity, promote inclusive economic growth, and build a more equitable world. NFTE is equipping youth to become the future-ready workforce and nurturing the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs. And as the organization continues to grow, adapt, and expand, NFTE remains focused on several core components:

·        Provide high-quality entrepreneurship education to learners in under-resourced communities

·        Teach youth how to develop an entrepreneurial mindset to aid them in college, work, & life

·        Help learners launch active businesses

·        Play a meaningful role in improving education and reducing societal inequality

Every year, NFTE teachers in thousands of classrooms across the world instill students with the knowledge and skills to solve problems –their own, their communities', and the world's. Empathy, creativity, and hard work combine alongside emerging business acumen as students design and start businesses. From middle schoolers filled with ideas for a better tomorrow to alumni who have launched businesses, built brands, and created jobs in their communities, our students continue to show us their massive potential.

Position Overview: The Summer Program Associate will support the NFTE Mid-Atlantic region program office with summer programming and strategic planning for upcoming fiscal years, working closely with the region's two Lead Program Associates, the Regional Director and select members of NFTE’s home office departments. The Summer Program Associate’s support will help strengthen three key areas of work for the region: (1) conducting summer programs and supporting competition finals, (2) planning and researching opportunities for upcoming school years, and (3) gathering narratives from the past school year to support storytelling and marketing initiatives.

Key responsibilities will include:

·        Assist with the NFTE Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenges (June) and BizCamps in both the New York and Philadelphia metro areas (July into August), helping with recruitment, preparation, delivery, and follow-up for the summer programs.

·        Support efforts to conduct market research for targeted sub-regions in the area to explore new partnership opportunities for the upcoming 22-23 school year and contribute to strategic planning using that research.

·        Help to plan social media and outreach campaigns for fiscal year 2023. The intern will review NFTE's social media channels in the region and those of NFTE competitors, work with New York Metro's Alumni Corps Leadership Team to compile stories from alumni, teachers, and volunteers that can be highlighted from the 21-22 school year, and draft communications to go out in the upcoming year.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

·        Assist in the management of three levels of business plan competitions in June; Prep for the events including physical preparations and working online with our database.

·        Recruit and prep NFTE volunteers that will take part in Bizcamps as guest speakers, career panelists and business plan coaches.

·        Monitor online and/or in-person sessions (as needed) and support NFTE teachers and their prep for instructional sessions.

·        Create surveys for post-program feedback.

·        Conduct market research for targeted sub-regions inside New York Metro and Philadelphia region to explore partnership opportunities for the 2021-2022 school year and beyond.

·        Support the development of a regional strategic plan and work with NFTE stakeholders and regional advisory board members to gather relevant contributions and feedback in the process.

·        Investigate program KPI reports from past school years to identify action plans for the upcoming school year to grow program fidelity and strengthen NFTE's impact on learners.

·        Assess current New York Metro and Philadelphia social media channels for user numbers and make recommendations to increase users and traffic for the 21-22 School year.

·        Work with the Alumni Corps Leadership Team to compile stories that can be highlighted and draft communications.

·        Support ongoing policy initiatives with local, state and federal partners to raise awareness of entrepreneurship education and promote equity in education and youth development spaces.

·        Prior experience working with students or mentoring in a school or afterschool environment

·        Excellent oral and written communication skills

·        Strong comfort level with various technologies and/or common platforms

·        Ability to interact effectively with varied constituents

·        Demonstrated ability to think creatively and strategically

·        Strong organizational and time management skills

·        Detail orientated and a strong ability to accurately follow directions and respond to coaching

·        Willingness to learn from others around them and a team-first attitude

The Ideal Candidate is: The ideal candidate is flexible, takes a hands-on approach, and has a can-do attitude. They are able to work independently as well as collaboratively, display leadership and organizational skills, and are able to manage multiple projects. This individual has high standards of excellence and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done and has a general familiarity with some business and/or educational concepts. Importantly, they possess a strong passion for increasing opportunities for students from underserved communities and relish the opportunity to work with others and make a difference.

NFTE's hope is that the Summer Program Associate remains a close member of the NFTE community even after their experience with the mission this summer comes to an end. In addition, NFTE team members are always excited to help open doors and networks for our interns/fellows and share recommendations and/or letters of reference for those that excel in their time with the organization.