At-Risk Youth Mentor

  Hawaii (USA)

Hilo

Term: Throughout the year 

Description: As an At-Risk Youth Mentor, interns will have an intimate and exceptional perspective into local culture. There are two Residential Living programs; one is an Emergency Shelter that accepts youth in need 24 hours a day. The other, an independent living home in which adolescents learn to live responsibly. A workforce program wherein at-risk teens are given the opportunity to explore job possibilities, apply and work with guidance is also available. Additionally, there are after school and outreach programs that offer activities and outings throughout the week, including tutoring programs and field trips.

Interns have the opportunity to choose based on their interests and the needs. Each intern has a unique background and a variety of aptitudes that will benefit different programs. The internship is designed to be a learning experience for both the intern as well as the adolescents with whom they work.

Highlights: Hilo is the gateway to adventures. Puna is located south of the city and is the home of thermal hot springs and abundant marine life. A short distance up the mountain is the world famous Volcanoes National Park and the spectacular Kilauea lava flow. North of Hilo, the scenic Hamakua Coast leads to Waipio Valley and the ranchlands of Waimea.

Qualifications: Skills and Personal Qualities:

1. Willingness to accept and implement philosophy of giving.
2. Ability and skill in communicating with people or different cultures.
3. Ability to write and speak comprehensibly.
4. Ability and skill in relating to a wide range of people and situations: youth, parent, agency workers, police, school personnel, supervisors, etc.
5. Ability and skill to work within an interdisciplinary team concept and participate in staff training and growth groups
6. Personal attributes: Good/sound judgment, dependability, initiate understanding, firmness, caring, organization, high energy level and ability to work under conditions of stress and change without verbal or active expression.
7. Be available to work days, evenings, weekends, holidays and maintain a flexible work schedule.
8. Be willing to take on job responsibilities outside job description, if need arises.

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to Hawaii (USA) Independently

Institute for Cultural Ecology's Mission Statement: The Institute for Cultural Ecology was founded on the conviction that visits to exotic destinations imply a commitment to cultural sensitivity and environmental stewardship. Our programs match the interests, academic goals, and passions of the participant to select host organizations and researchers. Once you connect with a place and its people, they become a part of you. Forever.