ELEVATE Summer Fellowship (Remote-Paid)

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ELEVATE Summer Fellowship Program

The ELEVATE Summer Fellowship Program, hosted by the Chicago Education Advocacy Cooperative (ChiEAC), is a transformative, hands-on leadership opportunity designed specifically for college students who are ready to grow, lead, and contribute to real community change. This is not your typical internship or volunteer experience. It is a space where your ideas are welcomed, your work is valued, and your leadership is cultivated.

Over the course of six weeks, ELEVATE Fellows take on meaningful roles that go beyond observation or assistance.You will be given the freedom to lead, problem solve, collaborate, and explore your interests while contributing to projects that directly serve under-resourced communities in Chicago.

Choose Your Project. Own Your Impact.

One of the most exciting features of the ELEVATE Fellowship is the opportunity to select from eight distinct projects, each designed to help you explore your strengths and develop new skills. Whether you are drawn to nonprofit management, creative design, data collection, cultural programming, or environmental sustainability, there is a role for you.

These projects are not simulations. You will be responsible for carrying out meaningful work that ChiEAC depends on to serve youth and families throughout the city. Fellows are treated as respected contributors. You will receive ongoing mentorship, space to take creative risks, and time for reflection and growth.

Here are the eight project tracks you can choose from:

Clothing Closet Coordinator

As the Clothing Closet Coordinator, you will take the lead in organizing and distributing donated clothing to youth and families in need. You will sort, inventory, and manage seasonal items while also coordinating pop-up donation events in collaboration with local partners. This project is a great fit for students interested in nonprofit logistics, community service, retail management, or fashion sustainability. You will walk away with real experience in operations and community outreach.

Book Drive Organizer

In this role, you will organize book donations to help promote literacy in underserved communities. Responsibilities include managing donation sites, sorting books by age and genre, and assisting with community literacy events. This is ideal for students who care deeply about education, love reading, or are interested in event coordination and youth development. You will help spark a love of learning in young readers and support equitable access to literacy.

Cultural Exchange Facilitator

As a Cultural Exchange Facilitator, you will help build inclusive, welcoming spaces where newly arrived families and local youth can connect and learn from one another. You will help plan and host events that may feature storytelling, shared meals, language exchanges, and cross-cultural games. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in global studies, education, languages, or immigration and refugee issues. You will gain real experience in intercultural communication and community building.

Green Space Coordinator

If you enjoy working outdoors and have a passion for environmental justice, this role offers hands-on experience in maintaining ChiEAC’s community gardens and outdoor wellness spaces. You will plant, weed, water, and care for garden areas used by families and youth. You may also help plan educational events that teach sustainability practices. This project is ideal for students interested in environmental science, health and wellness, or public service. You will leave with a deeper understanding of ecological stewardship and urban sustainability.

Wellness Kit Coordinator

This project allows you to make a direct impact on family wellness. You will assemble and distribute wellness kits that include hygiene products, snacks, school supplies, and comfort items. You will organize supplies, manage inventory, and support distribution at community events. This project is well suited for students interested in healthcare, public health, social work, or service logistics. It offers an opportunity to support community wellness while building planning and coordination skills.

Grant Support Aide

If you are interested in writing, policy, or nonprofit management, this behind-the-scenes role gives you insight into how organizations like ChiEAC secure funding to sustain their programs. As a Grant Support Aide, you will assist with researching funding opportunities, reviewing funder criteria, organizing materials, and helping to prepare components of grant proposals. This is a valuable opportunity to develop professional writing, research, and strategy skills in a real nonprofit setting.

Creative Media Intern

Use your creative skills to tell powerful stories and help spread awareness of ChiEAC’s mission. You will design visual and digital content for social media, flyers, video reels, and community campaigns. Fellows in this role will work on projects that elevate the voices of those we serve while strengthening the organization’s outreach. This project is ideal for students studying communications, digital arts, film, graphic design, or marketing. You will finish the summer with portfolio-ready work and real experience in mission-driven media production.

Youth Program Survey Collector

This project puts you at the intersection of community research and program evaluation. As a Youth Program Survey Collector, you will help gather feedback from students and families about ChiEAC programs. You will assist with survey distribution, data entry, and identifying key trends through analysis. This role is ideal for students interested in sociology, psychology, education, or research. It offers a meaningful way to shape programming through community voice and data-informed decision making.

Program Benefits

Every ELEVATE Fellow receives the following:

• A Certificate of Completion

• Verified community service hours

• A personalized Letter of Recommendation for future academic or career use

• A $250 stipend

• A share of 6.7 percent of all funds raised during the program, divided evenly among the eight fellows

This is a powerful opportunity to build your resume, deepen your civic engagement, and walk away with tangible accomplishments. Fellows are also invited to join future ChiEAC projects and initiatives as volunteers, interns, or collaborators.

How to Apply

To apply for the ELEVATE Summer Fellowship Program, please submit the following materials:

1. A one-page resume

2. A one-page cover letter explaining your interest in the fellowship and identifying your preferred project (you may list a second-choice role if desired)

Your cover letter should feel personal and conversational. We want to hear your voice and learn what excites you. Tell us why this project speaks to your passions, how it connects to your experiences or future goals, and what you hope to learn.

If you are applying for the Creative Media Intern role, you are encouraged to include a link to your digital portfolio. You may also share your LinkedIn profile if available.

Email your materials directly to:

Dr. Benjamin Mercer Drury
benjamin@chieac.org
Subject line: ELEVATE Fellowship Application - [Your Full Name]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and selected candidates will be contacted for a brief interview.