Youth Engagement Intern

SMYAL is seeking a motivated youth leader passionate about supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. All year-long Youth Interns are between 18 and 24 years old. Interns are provided with access to professional development opportunities while assisting the SMYAL team with crucial administrative and programmatic tasks, as well as having the opportunity to contribute to SMYAL’s decision making and growth.  The intern will have the opportunity to strengthen other skills they have previously specified as an area of interest, such as activism, social media management, fundraising, etc.

The Youth Engagement Intern assists the Youth Engagement Manager with the planning and implementation of the Youth Engagement program. The program is designed for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14-24. This will be a 12 month, paid, part-time internship for up to 20 hours per week, with some nights and weekends required. The Intern must be available during Youth Engagement programming times: currently virtual Wednesdays 5-6:30pm EST and in-person 2 Saturdays a month from 4:00pm-7:00pm (subject to change). The remaining hours will be determined together between the Intern and Manager. The Intern must also be available for weekly staff and team meetings, and weekly check-in meetings with the Manager. This position works both virtually and in-person at our main offices, located in Washington, DC, with an anticipated start in late January 2026. 

Internship Responsibilities: 

• Assist the Youth Development & Community Engagement team in the daily operations of our community engagement events, and after-school and Summer programming.


• Co-create, plan, and facilitate youth programming with Youth Engagement Manager


• With the help of the Youth Engagement Manager, increase peer education by developing culturally relevant workshops. (Interns will be required to develop and give at least 4 workshops during their time at SMYAL.)


• With the help of the Youth Engagement Manager, support in person and digital outreach and recruitment of youth for SMYAL programs and events.


• Develop and strengthen other skills they have previously specified as an area of interest, such as activism, social media management, development, etc.


• In July and August, help facilitate our annual summer camp for youth ages 6-13, and assist staff in planning and execution as needed. 


• Participate in our annual Youth Pride event, and assist staff with planning and execution as needed


• Attend and help facilitate our virtual Discord discussions, twice a month.


• Support the creation and monthly outreach of a programmatic newsletter 


• Support development and co-facilitate Teen & Young Adults Book Club 


• Data entry and other administrative tasks as needed


• Meet regularly with Youth Engagement Manager, and Youth Development & Community Engagement team, providing progress reports


• Attend SMYAL’s youth and donor events upon request.


• Other duties as assigned

• Meaningful engagement opportunities with LGBTQ+ youth, as well as practice with youth facilitation and activity planning


• Training in leadership skills, advocacy, and positive youth development


• Opportunities to provide input into SMYAL’s decision making


• Access to lectures, webinars, summits, and / or conferences


• Professional networking opportunities in the nonprofit sphere

Desired Qualifications:

Specific prior experience is not required to apply

• Youth Interns must be between 18 and 24 years old


• Prior experience working with youth ages 13-24 (tutoring, mentoring, sports, arts programs, camp, babysitting, etc.)


• Interest in, or prior experience, working or volunteering in non-profit and/or educational settings


• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to racial and gender equity, accessibility, as well as community safety, and accountability


• Excited to share personal hobbies and talents with youth (art, music, books, theater, games, etc.)


• Strong verbal and written communication skills; Comfort facilitating group discussions


• Ability to navigate multiple projects/responsibilities and deadlines


• Excited to be part of a team and work collaboratively


• Knowledge about queer and trans youth communities, intersectional frameworks, and knowledgemof youth development framework highly desired


• Must be sensitive to issues of identity, including race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Must demonstrate a commitment to advancing racial justice and gender equity.


• Queer and trans individuals, women, people of color, and people of all abilities are strongly encouraged to apply

Applicants may submit a resume and cover letter via SMYAL’s online platform. Resumes will be reviewed as they are received.
Please apply no later than January 18th, 2026. Pay is $19 per hour. No phone calls, please. This position works both virtually and in person at our main offices, located in Washington, DC,
with an anticipated start in late January or early February 2026.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. SMYAL believes in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as bringing your authentic self to the workplace. So if you are excited about this position but your past experiences do not align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may be just the right person for this or other positions.

SMYAL supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains and advocates for programs, policies and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood.