Multilingual Multicultural Center Internship
Mission
The Portland Public Schools’ Multilingual & Multicultural Center builds relationships among families, educators, and the community to promote the healthy development and academic achievement of every multilingual learner.
History
Portland Public Schools' education program for English Language Learners began in 1980 with approximately fifty K-12 students from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The first program was partially funded through a federal grant which allowed the district to design an effective educational program and develop teaching and learning materials appropriate to the needs of the students.
Over the years, Portland Public Schools' multilingual student population has grown exponentially and become increasingly more diverse. Currently, the district has over 2,300 students who come from homes where over 60 different languages are spoken. These students represent about 34% of Portland Public Schools’ total enrollment. Over 1,600 students are identified as English Language Learners.
Today, the Multilingual and Multicultural Center is a multi-faceted organization supporting multilingual students and families throughout the school system.
Position Responsibilities:
- Greet and welcome families and members of the public into the building
- Direct visitors to the appropriate staff and office
- Assist multilingual families with initial school registration appointment
- Provide families with information on school and community resources as needed
- Answer, screen, and forward incoming calls
- Attend meetings, professional development or events offered to multilingual staff as needed
Training and guidance will be provided.
Job Requirements:
- Available to work daytime hours on a consistent basis
- Currently enrolled in a degree program such as Social Work, Education, Linguistics, Spanish, French or Portuguese minors, or any other student interested in non-profit work or community service
- Interested in working with people from diverse backgrounds
- Eagerness to learn and be adaptable
- Believes in commitment to service in the community
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Ability to multitask
- Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Bilingual/multilingual preferred (Language Preferences: English (Spanish, French, or Portuguese a plus but not required)
Availability: 12-15 hrs per week between 8am-4pm M-F
Job Type: Internship, Part-Time
Duration: Sept 2024 - Dec. 2024, with an option to extend into the Spring 2025 Semester
Work Location: In Person
We are able to work with students who are pursuing this internship for academic credit.
Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis.