National Park Service – Jefferson National Expansion Memorial: Summer Education College Interns Grant

Funding Opportunity Number: FY2015-JEFF-0001
Project title: Summer Education College Interns – JEFF

Park: Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
11 N. 4th Street St. Louis, Missouri 63102

Proposed Project Date: June 1-August 7, 2015 (10 weeks each)
Estimated funding available: $12,970

Number of Positions Available: 2 college student interns

Summary:
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial has an opportunity for two college students to assist with developing and presenting activity-based summer education and family programming at the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse. Student interns will work with interpretative rangers and education specialists who will provide them with valuable training.

Students will have an exciting opportunity to participate in program development during a time of change in the park. While the park is undergoing major construction and redesign, much of the public programming will take place at the Old Courthouse. The museum under the Arch is closed and the new one will not open until 2017. During this time of transition, the Old Courthouse will have new temporary exhibits on westward expansion in addition to exhibits related to historic trials such as Dred Scott and Virginia Minor.

Students will be responsible for developing programs that are relevant and enjoyable to our student population. These will include: Junior Ranger programs, interpretive family programming related to the park themes and resource stewardship, outreach community programs, and educator workshops.

In order for this partnership to be effective, the NPS seeks an organizational partner with expertise in youth education programs, to recruit two college interns with appropriate skills and educational experiences. JEFF will provide NPS and park specific training.
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The long-term goals of the project are to:
1) introduce youth to education related jobs and, for some, mentor them in that direction,
2) allow youth to actively participate in developing education programs that engage children and families,
3) provide an opportunity to gain experience in partnership, outreach, and collaboration, and
4) assist in fostering a sense of stewardship of the park and its resources.

JEFF will work directly with youth service-providers to identify candidates best able to benefit from this experience.

Background:
The National Park Service’s (NPS) Call to Action (C2A) strongly encourages parks to facilitate the involvement of youth in experiencing and caring for parks as the next generation of NPS employees and citizens that will steward these national places. In addition, C2A recognizes the potential of parks to serve as centers for education, job-training, and other formative experiences for the citizenry. Parks also need the care that youth can provide.

The position is located at Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, MO.

Possible Projects and Work Activities for 2015:

The roles, responsibilities, and timeline for such a project are as follows.

April 2015: Organizational partner will work with JEFF staff to identify, recruit, interview, and hire student interns. Arrange housing for interns.

June – August: Interns work in park to develop and present programming.

During the 10 week period each intern would be expected to provide 40 hours of labor per week for a total of 400 hours of service. (800 total hours of service for project.)

Skills desired:
∙ Experience working with youth of a variety of ages
∙ Knowledge of child developmental stages and learning styles
∙ Knowledge of 19th century American history, particularly westward expansion
∙ Ability to use computer software programs
∙ Ability to lead, coordinate and work with others

Educational background desired:
∙ Coursework or experience in education
∙ Coursework or experience in history/social studies

Materials Requested for Statement of Information/Qualifications:
Interested organizations submit a Statement of Information (three-page maximum) including a summary of how you would implement and manage this project in conjunction with JEFF staff. Include your name, organization, and contact information, a brief description of the organization and mission, as well as a description of relevant qualifications and experience with recruiting and placement of youth interns, past projects, and staff, faculty, or students who would be available to work on the project. Include a bid with the Statement of Information. The Statement of Information and bid will be reviewed by the NPS in order determine the organization best suited to provide services for this specific project. Submit electronic Statement of Interest to julie_hendricks@nps.gov by 5:00 CDT Friday, April 17, 2015.

Note: This Request for Information seeks responses from organizations qualified to provide individual and/or crews of youth and young adults for internship opportunities with the National Park Service that provide stewardship and service-learning opportunities through education, history, and community involvement. Individuals interested in serving as an intern should contact the park directly.
For general information on Youth Program opportunities visit: http://www.nps.gov/gettinginvolved/youthprograms/index.htm.