Convergence Summer Internship

Convergence Summer Internship

A key component of the Convergence experience for youth is the opportunity to interact with college and seminary students who share a passion for faith and science. At the same time, college and seminary students will gain valuable leadership experience from working with high school students who are eager to learn and explore.

During Convergence, youth will join together to hear speakers who are both inspirational and intellectually challenging. There will also be active opportunities for learning (serving at Shalom Farms, rafting on the James River) and for team-building (mixers and recreational play.) Youth will gather in small groups to reflect on what they have heard and experienced and to make their own connections about vocation and future interests they may pursue. Additionally, youth will work in groups to create both a liturgy (that can be used in various worship settings) and lesson plans (that can be used by churches and youth ministry professionals) focused on the faith/science topics they have explored throughout their time together. Interns will be present for and guiding the youth throughout all of the Institute experiences.

Applications to serve as a summer intern are now being accepted. Once ten interns have been accepted, a waitlist will be formed. Accepted applicants will be required to complete a half-day training event and a background check. Interns must be available for the full Youth Theology Institute program June 22-July 2. The stipend for each intern will be $1,100.00

Who can apply? The internships are open to Randolph-Macon College and Union Presbyterian Seminary students. Applicants should have an interest both in Christian faith / theology and in the sciences along with the ability to engage both topics with deep respect and critical thinking. Additionally, a strong academic record, experience working with youth, and active participation in a faith community are desired traits of a Convergence intern.

To apply, complete this application then upload it using the link at the top right corner of the convergence.rmc.edu website.

Name:

Address:

Email:

Phone:

School Affiliation: ____R-MC or UPSem ____

What Christian denomination or faith group do you identify with?______

Please indicate your reasons for applying to serve as a Convergence intern. Mark as many as apply and please add additional reasons for your interest. Please do not mark reasons that do not apply to you. We hope to build a diverse and multi-faceted team and want to know your unique gifts and interests.

___ I enjoy working with youth

___ I want to help youth explore their faith more deeply

___ I want to help youth explore topics in the field of science more deeply.

___ I am interested in the inter-relation of faith and science

___ I am preparing for a vocation in ministry

___ I am preparing for a vocation in the sciences

___ I am preparing for a vocation that involves working with youth

___ I want to meet the workshop leaders and network with them

___ I hope to lead small group gatherings where youth discuss what they are

learning

___ I hope to lead devotional/worship experiences for the youth

___ I hope to assist the youth in creating a lesson plan or other resources that

can be used by church youth groups

___ I hope to assist the youth in creating a liturgy (prayers, responsive readings,

etc.) that can be used in worship settings

___ I hope to lead active learning experiences (rafting, farming, creek clean-up)

with the youth

___ I hope to encourage youth in their own vocational discernment

___ Other:

___ Other:

___ Other:

Please list any examples of your leadership experience with high school age youth:

Please list any examples of academic course work, volunteer work, hobbies, or other activities that demonstrate your interest in science:

Please provide two references. At least one should be a leader in your faith community.

Name:

Title/Role/Position:

Telephone:

Email:

Name:

Title/Role/Position:

Telephone:

Email:

Convergence explores the constructive dialogue between faith and science, approaching both with deep respect and critical thinking. Intern applicants are committing that they will, in their words and actions, uphold this mission. By initialing here, you affirm that you support the goals and approach of this high school youth theology institute. ______

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