Future charitable sector leaders

Summer Internship Program teaches young people about charities, expands knowledge and experience.

Young people are learning about the nonprofit sector, helping others by contributing their skills and abilities, and earning an income through The Winnipeg Foundation’s Summer Internship Program (SIP).

SIP is a paid, eight-week internship pairing youth with mentors at local registered charities. The experience opens doors to knowledge-sharing, skill building, and new partnerships within the sector. To earn a SIP placement, the applicants must have previously participated in Youth in Philanthropy (YiP), a Foundation initiative that exposes high school-aged youth to philanthropy and grant-making.

“I was extensively involved with the Youth Philanthropy program at my school and it was something that I really enjoyed,” says Rachel Bernhardt, a 2018 SIP participant who attended Balmoral Hall. “I loved being a part of it and I felt like the Summer Internship Program was a good extension.”

Since 2005, SIP has shown promising growth, with some years having up to 12 placements in the charitable sector. Since 2015, 120 interns have been placed at 69 charities. Every placement is carefully matched to ensure a rewarding experience.

“One thing we look for is that the student will have a meaningful project to work on at the charity, where they can take responsibility for it,” says Brigette DePape, Youth Engagement Coordinator with The Winnipeg Foundation. “Part of what we’re trying to do is build the next generation of youth leaders in the philanthropic sector.”

Learn more: wpgfdn.org/YoungWinnipegConnect

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2018 summer internship program participants

In 2018, The Foundation placed four interns at charities throughout our city. They shared something about their SIP experience – and participated in our new BeCause campaign!

Name: Cherice Liebrecht
Placement: Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre

Ma Mawi is an Indigenous-led community organization that seeks Indigenous solutions to supporting and rebuilding families. It offers numerous programs at its multiple North End locations.

BeCause: Because the most important events happen not in grand congresses, but rather in the home.

“It’s a great opportunity for youth to get to know their community in a more productive and beneficial relationship. As well as get to know, more directly, the issues that people face that we may be blind to see.”

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Name: C.J. Moreno
Placement: Art City

Located in the West Broadway neighbourhood and offering programming across Winnipeg, Art City provides people of all ages with innovative and professional art programming, free of charge.

BeCause: Because art provides a way for children to connect with others and the creative freedom to imagine a bright future.

“Most of the kids I worked with were from impoverished areas and I thought it was going to be kind of depressing, but they were so happy and full of energy. At Art City, you get a sense of community.”

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Name: Jennifer Lansang
Placement: Mosaic Newcomer Family Resource Network

Mosaic is a neighbourhood language learning program and family resource network. It provides English classes and quality childcare, along with parenting and settlement support for newcomer parents.

BeCause: Because I want to inspire youth by being a positive role model.

“I didn’t know how much I could teach the kids. I felt like I was such a big role model to them, as a sister, as a teacher, as one of the adults in the room.”

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Name: Rachel Bernhardt
Placement: Inclusion Winnipeg

Inclusion Winnipeg works to make life better for children and adults living with intellectual disabilities. It builds connections, assists families to navigate systems, and advances human rights.

BeCause: Because building an inclusive community ultimately creates a robust community that can overcome any obstacle.

“The community, especially the community with intellectual disabilities, is a strong one. They’re really pushing towards an inclusive community. When they put all their resources and their skills together, they will be able to achieve that.”