Literacy Link Education & Community Engagement Intern - SoHE Majors only

About this Job:

We are looking for a dynamic, dedicated student to work with our Justice-Involved Families State Specialist and Literacy Link Educators to support statewide in-custody and community-based parenting education programming. This Internship will provide experience in supporting the logistics of a statewide Extension outreach program, communication and collaboration, facilitation, and research and data analysis.

The Literacy Link is a program designed to bring literacy and learning opportunities to young children with parents or caregivers in local correctional systems. We partner with jails, criminal justice organizations, libraries and community-based reentry organizations to foster healthy family relationships through positive, literacy-focused interactions. Our strategies (Making Reading Memories, Family Friendly Spaces/Visits, TeleStory, Family Support) are structured to promote language and literacy skills in children by creating literacy-rich experiences that strengthen the bonds between children, their caregivers and parents that are incarcerated. 

The Literacy Link is part of the Division of Extensions Human Development and Relationships Institute (HDRI). HDRI aims to provide the tools Wisconsinites need to thrive as well-rounded, capable individuals and families. We promote the development of resilient individuals, families, and communities across Wisconsin at every stage of life through meaningful collaborations and research-based education. Our programs empower families to become more financially aware, promote aging-friendly environments, coach effective parents, and help families to thrive.

Eligibility and Qualifications:

1. Student in the School of Human Ecology (SoHE) and enrolled in one of the 7 SoHE majors. 
2. Have at least junior standing (54 credits completed prior to the internship). 
3. Have completed the prerequisite course, INTER-HE 202, and additional coursework identified below if applicable. 
_____a. Community & Organizational Development: N/A 
_____b. Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies: Cnsr Sci 257 
_____c. Human Development & Family Studies: N/A 
_____d. Interior Architecture: DS 322 
_____e. Personal Finance: Cnsr Sci 275 
_____f. Textiles & Fashion Design: N/A 
_____g.Design, Innovation & Society: N/A 
4. Strong organizational and time-management skills. 
5. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities. 
6. Comfortable interacting professionally with educators, caregivers, community partners, and correctional facility staff. 
7. Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and working with diverse populations.
8. Employment will require a criminal background check.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Administrative and Logistical Support 
____a. Provide technical support for remote programming. 
____b. Coordinate program logistics, including scheduling workshops, preparing materials, distributing/mailing materials and tracking participation. 
____c. Monitoring/Maintaining program resources and inventory. 

2. Professional Communication and Collaboration 
____a. Communicate with county-based educators and jail facilities for program coordination. 
____b. Work directly with incarcerated parents and caregivers to foster engagement and participation in programs. 
____c. Provide administrative support to Literacy Link team during in-person/remote meetings 

3. Program Facilitation and Development 
____a. Support family friendly visits grant project; organizing activities (e.g., crafts, photo booths, seasonal projects) to strengthen parent-child bonds. 
____b. Assist in updating and enhancing existing curricula/materials, such as Read and Connect, Making Reading Memories, and developing complementary digital tools for use in jail facilities. 

4. Leadership and Independent Work 
____a. Demonstrate initiative by identifying opportunities for new projects or program improvements within Literacy Link and UW-Madison, Division of Extension. 

5. Research and Data Analysis 
____a. Conduct qualitative and quantitative research, including program evaluations from the Read and Connect and Making Reading Memories programs 
____b. Support additional Extension events in data collection and processing