People and Culture Intern

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ABOUT OUR INTERNSHIP:

The People & Culture Internship provides a structured, hands-on learning experience designed to give the intern insight into YMCA human resources operations, employee experience, and the strategic role People & Culture plays in supporting staff and community impact. This internship is an educational experience intended to help students develop professional skills aligned with their field of study or career interests, including human resources, business administration, organizational development, or related fields.

Interns will work closely with YMCA People & Culture professionals to support recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, training support, HR operations, and special projects that advance the Y’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

• WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:
• Professional mentorship and exposure to HR best practices.
• Hands-on experience across the full suite of People & Culture functions.
• A deeper understanding of HR operations within a community-focused nonprofit.
• Opportunities to assist with real HR projects that support workforce effectiveness.
• Experience working in a mission-driven, values-based organization.
• A culminating HR project or presentation to demonstrate learning and impact.

KEY PROJECTS AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Gain real-world experience in recruiting, onboarding, employee engagement, and HR operations.
• Develop skills in HRIS, data tracking, communication, and project coordination.
• Understand how the YMCA’s People & Culture team supports a diverse workforce across multiple program areas and locations.
• Build confidence in communication, teamwork, organization, and customer-service–focused HR support.
• Participate in meaningful project work aligned to the intern’s area of academic interest—such as HR analytics, training development support, policy research, DEI initiatives, or culture-building activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a college or university program (or equivalent relevant experience).
• Interest in human resources, nonprofit leadership, business, psychology, organizational development, or related fields.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable, self-motivated, and eager to learn in a team setting.
• Ability to support administrative tasks, planning, coordination, or delivery of People & Culture programs and services.
• Ability to assist with special projects, research, onboarding activities, or staff engagement initiatives.
• Desire to collaborate with YMCA staff and contribute to a positive team environment.
• Ability to complete assigned projects or reports related to the internship focus area.
• Demonstrates professionalism, dependability, discretion, and initiative.
• Adheres to all YMCA policies, safety standards, and code of conduct.

To ensure the safety of the children, families, and communities we serve, all YMCA interns are required to complete and pass applicable screenings before beginning their internship. These may include a criminal background check, CPS check, sex offender registry check, drug/alcohol screening, and/or driver’s license record check if driving is required.

Participation in the internship is dependent on meeting these safety requirements and maintaining compliance with YMCA policies and standards for the duration of the internship.

Note: This internship is offered for educational enrichment. Participation does not create an employment relationship with the YMCA of South Hampton Roads.