
Explorers
Explorers
Who are Explorers?
Explorers are multilingual and multiethnic youth ages 15-24 who participate in a mentoring program and are provided a paid internship to “explore” the pathway to becoming a teacher in Providence Public Schools.
Providing the Opportunity
Did you know that one barrier to pursuing a degree in education, or youth development, as a low-income student is the practical experience? Many young people struggle with finding the time to do unpaid practicums and internships when they have to work to pay for college and support their families. With support from the Governor’s Workforce Board, Department of Labor and Training, the City of Providence and Real Skills For Youth funding, Inspiring Minds supports 52 youth and young adults annually on their career path.
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Eligibility
School Year 2023-2024
The Explorers program has three components: work readiness skills training, group mentoring, and a work-based learning experience.
Explorers support Pre-K to grade 5 students in a Providence Public School. They are matched with students in small groups to develop a trusting relationship and to engage in structured activities, often around a classroom or homework-related topic. In addition to 80 hours of paid service learning, Explorers are paid to attend five individual mentoring sessions with the program director and attend a minimum of 20 hours of paid professional development annually.
Explorers must be 18 years old, identify as BIPOC or fluently speak a language that is spoken by students in Providence Public Schools. Explorers must submit to a state background check and be able to commit to a minimum of three hours per week from September 2023 to June 2024. Explorers must reside in Rhode Island and strongly commit to equitable education.
The program’s goal is to encourage multilingual and multiethnic youth to work in Providence Public Schools and to add another entry point to the education career pathway that will support an increase in the number of Providence Public School staff that is reflective of the Providence student demographics.
We hire Explorers directly at Inspiring Minds but also have slots for university undergraduates who are eligible for Off-Campus Federal Work-Study through their perspective college or university. There is space for 40 Explorers in our 2023-2024 school year program.
Ready to apply? Click the “Become an Explorer” tab to be directed to our application. You can also contact Essence Harrison, the Workforce Program Director and Supervisor of the Explorers Internship Program. Her work email is eharrison@inspiringmindsri.org.
For more information, please contact us here!