Summer Staff / Internships
Join other college students from around the country for an unforgettable summer ministry experience. You’ll be trained by our staff for effective urban ministry. You’ll live in the community and learn first hand some of the challenges inner city kids face.
We have 5-week and 10-week summer opportunities.
Summer Staff FAQ's
Where will I be living?
ICI will provide a furnished apartment in the neighborhood you will be serving. Housing may be in a rented unit or with full time staff. Depending on the size of the apartment, you will probably be living with 2 or 3 others.
Who pays for the rent, utilities and phone?
ICI pays the rent and utilities out of the funds you raise. We do not provide a phone; but suggest you bring a cell phone. If you choose to set up a land line, you will need to pay all fees and all bills will come in your name.
Will I earn any money during the summer?
Along with your rent and utilities, ICI gives you an expense per-diem of $15.00/day. A weekly per-diem will be distributed for you to use toward living expenses including food, laundry, transportation, etc. You are welcome to save the remainder to take with you at the end of the summer.
May I bring my car?
Yes, street parking is available.
How much time off can I take in the summer?
The summer is short and intense. Do not plan to take any time off beyond your regularly scheduled days. An exception may be possible for major family events, (weddings, graduations, etc.). Prior approval from your supervisor is required for such occasions.
What will I be doing?
You will be working along side one of our full time staff. You will have the opportunity to accomplish nearly everything our career missionaries do every day. This may include helping to plan/set up/lead our summer day camp and clubs, participating on camping trips, visitation to the kid’s homes, leading Bible studies, and build relationships with the kids. You will experience hands-on ministry.
Can I pick the age group I want to work with?
Not exactly. We will do our best to assign 10-week missionaries to their preferred age group. But sometimes we have to place you where the need is greatest. 5-week missionaries will be working on a rotation with ages, clubs, day-camp and events.
Will I receive training?
Absolutely! During Orientation Week you will be introduced to the city and our neighborhood. You will learn about safety issues, public transportation, become familiarized with child abuse laws, discipline strategies, and many other important things that will make your ministry safe, productive and rewarding.
Is it safe?
Safety and street smarts are among the foremost things we consider and take significant time during orientation week to teach you. We have never had anyone on staff seriously hurt in 35 years of ministry. The key is, you are not likely to become a target if you follow the common sense principles we teach you.
Will I have access to email?
Yes, the center will have a computer where you can retrieve and send emails.
Is health insurance available through ICI?
No, we do not provide health insurance. However, if you are not covered through your parents or under a school policy, you can apply for coverage through UNICARE. Their website is www.unicare.com.
How much money do I need to raise for the summer?
10-week staff must raise $2,750. 5-week staff must raise $1,400. You must have all money pledged by the time you arrive, with 50% in your account and the remaining 50% received by August 31th. Checks should be made out to Inner City Impact, with a notation stating: for the ministry of (your name).
Can I check to see how much support has come in?
Yes, call 1-800-342-CITY (2489)
What happens to the money if I am unable to complete my tour of ministry?
Inner City Impact has established guidelines governed by the IRS. The IRS states, “All support raised becomes the property of Inner City Impact; donations may not be returned to the donors.” In accordance with IRS regulations, the remainder of your support will be applied to other missionary staff.
What if I cannot come by the first day of orientation or need to leave early?
Please call Jackie at 1-800-342-CITY (2489)
What is ICI’s mission statement?
To present the living Christ, primarily to unchurched inner city children and youth, discipling and integrating them into a local church.
What methods does ICI use to reach inner city kids?
Primarily, After-school clubs, Summer Day Camp, Camping, Sports Leagues and Leadership Development.
Initially, we develop relationships with young people through our after school clubs and sports leagues. Kids get to enjoy games and Bible studies and sports while developing life-changing relationships with mature believers who love them.
Day camp, for kindergarten through 5th grade, provides a great opportunity for children to experience ICI for the first time. Our prayer is that these children will continue to come to ICI long after day camp ends.
The camping program provides children the opportunity to experience nature, in many cases, for the first time in their lives. Activities include hiking, canoeing, fishing, tubing, tent camping, etc. Camping provides the unique opportunity to take a child out of their normal environment with the result that they are more receptive to opening their heart to Christ. Camp is our most effective evangelistic tool.
We accomplish a lot of our best discipleship and church integration through our Leadership Development program. This program includes: mentoring; part-time, paid, high school internships; college scholarships; leadership tutoring; camp counseling and other ministry tasks.
What if I still have unanswered questions?
Phone Jackie at 1-800-342-CITY (2489) or email her at jwallen@innercityimpact.org
Success Stories
Lutisha Lee
Lutisha heard about ICI from the neighborhood kids. She wanted to go, but her protective inner city mom was apprehensive. The ICI staff person reached out to her mom and invited both of them to club. The rest is history. The entire family started attending and volunteering at ICI. Lutisha graduated top in her high school class. After earning her college degree, she now works in the finance department at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
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