Internships & Community Engagement
Potential Community Agencies
Partners for Service Learning and Internships, 2024-2025
Social Services - Children and Families
Contact Information:
Chad Mitchell
813-928-4427
Goal/Mission:
To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. To provide children facing adversity with strong professionally supported relationships to help make their lives better.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
- Always in need of volunteers
- Tutoring in a variety of areas
- Mentorship
- Requires commitment of 2-3 times/week
Contact Information:
Diane Diaz
813-558-5212
Goal/Mission:
University Area Community Development Corporation, Inc. (University Area CDC) is a 501(c) (3) public/private partnership whose mission is children and family development, crime prevention, and commerce growth. Its primary focus is the redevelopment and sustainability of the at-risk areas surrounding the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida. For over 20 years, University Area CDC has championed positive change in the economic, educational and social levels of the community through youth programs, adult education, affordable housing, workforce and resource assistance, and community engagement.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
- Research/Survey.
- Open to students/classes proposing a student that can be based at the UACDC involving door to door canvassing.
- Numerous projects: Computer Lab, Get Moving (nutrition), Steps for success (job training), Educational Programming (GED, ESOL, and Headstart), Prodigy (is present but not likely an option).
Contact Information:
Karrie Roller, VP, Case Management
813-209-1058
Goal/Mission:
We care for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in our community through services that alleviate suffering, promote dignity, and instill self-sufficiency.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
- Intake interviews with potential clients.
- Assistance with annual census of the homeless population.
- Assist residents of Hope (short-term) and Up-Lift (long-term).
- Leaders in education programs -- Head Start, Promiseland, and teen learning.
Contact Information:
Lena Young-Green
813-559-1768
Goal/Mission:
Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association is a community based, resident-driven organization that connects youth and families to community resources, provides youth opportunities to build leadership and civic engagement, and secures resources to respond to identified needs.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
Volunteer in after school, gardening projects, tutoring and technology, Black on Black Rhyme. Prefer faculty to visit and speak with them directly before forming projects.
Contact Information:
Allison Graham
813-739-0410
Goal/Mission:
Pace provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training, and advocacy.
Contact Information:
Tabitha Lambert (Hillsborough)
For other counties besides Hillsborough, .
Goal/Mission:
Volunteer Child Advocates speak on behalf of children who have experienced abuse, abandonment and neglect. Our goal is to help children find their way to a safe, loving and permanent home.
Contact Information:
Goal/Mission:
The mission of the Department of Children and Families is to work in partnership with local communities to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency.
Contact Information:
Patrick Wright
941-893-7007
Goal/Mission:
The Payton Wright Foundation Financially assists families who have children being treated for cancer of the brain and spinal cord.
Social Services - Adults
Contact Information:
Kimberley Trusty-Doughty, MHS
813-853-1067
Veronica Maxwell, M.Ed.
813-853-2017
Goal/Mission:
Aging Services offers numerous services designed to enhance the lives of older adults age 50 and over, from active adult programming and in-home services to hot meals and referral services.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
1. Case management
2. Customer care and client intake
3. Senior centers and dining centers
Contact Information:
Colleen Turner
941-833-6502
Goal/Mission:
We are dedicated to improving the wellbeing, financial security and critical needs of the Charlotte County community through collaborative partnerships and direct services. The department is made up of four divisions: Intake Services, Veteran Services, Aging & Adult Services and Neighborhood Services.
Contact Information:
Casey Collier
941-366-5333, ext 1115
Goal/Mission:
To inspire those with mental health and addiction disorders and to transform their lives. We are dedicated to maintaining a standard of excellence in a comprehensive continuum of care to the community we serve. Our pledge to our clients and their families is to provide a path to wellness with respect and compassion, helping them to take the first step toward a better tomorrow.
Contact Information:
Goal/Mission:
We are a non-profit organization whose mission is to cultivate human potential and resiliency locally and globally through education, mentoring and coaching centered on an understanding of the mind that SPARKs innate mental health.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
Youth leadership program, mentoring programs
Gerontological Society of America
Contact Information:
Goal/Mission:
GSA is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. GSA’s principal mission is to promote the study of aging and disseminate information to scientists, decision makers, and the general public.
We foster interdisciplinary collaboration among behavioral and social scientists, physicians, nurses, biologists, psychologists, social workers, educators, economists, policy experts, practice leaders, those who study the humanities and the arts, and many other scholars and researchers in aging. We believe the intersection of research from diverse areas is the best way to foster ingenuity, achieve the greatest impact, and promote optimal experiences of aging.
Social Services - Spanish-Speaking
Contact Information:
Cintia Elenstar
941-237-0607
Goal/Mission:
UnidosNow’s mission is to elevate the quality of life of the growing Hispanic/Latino community in the Manatee and Sarasota region through education, integration and civic engagement.
Contact Information:
Zoraya Benitez
813-936-7700
Goal/Mission:
Increase access and opportunities for Latinos and influence the systems that serve them.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
1. Provide services that build the capacity of parents to engage in their children’s
education.
2. Provide information and referral services to families and individuals seeking resources
to address health, housing, education, and economic adversities.
3. Provide education programs (in Spanish) to improve knowledge and behaviors around
health-conscious shopping and food choices among Latinos.
4. Provide access to affordable immigration legal services.
Anti-Trafficking
Contact Information:
Greg Musselman
813-676-9401
Goal/Mission:
LSF is a non-profit organization transforming lives by ensuring safe children, strong families, and vibrant communities. Founded in 1982, LSF currently touches the lives of 1 in 50 Floridians every year through various programs, including early education, youth shelters, foster care, refugee and resettlement services, substance abuse mental health services, and adult guardianship. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, LSF has more than 60 programs throughout Florida and approximately 1,200 dedicated employees.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
1. Orientation and language practice for refugees and HT survivors.
2. Research possibilities with victims of labor trafficking.
3. Managing donated furniture and other items.
Contact Information:
Joanna Winters
813-254-5139
Goal/Mission:
The FREE Network supports the provision of a comprehensive continuum of anti-human trafficking services including prevention, education, and rehabilitation to a wide range of victims, at risk individuals and the community as a whole. The end goal of The FREE Network is to utilize community partnerships, public engagement and legislative support to eliminate human trafficking.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
1. Assist with community presentations on human trafficking.
2. Develop media presence and manage social media pages.
3. Work with USF student organizations to coordinate volunteers.
Contact Information:
Beth Latta
941-228-9277
Goal/Mission:
Selah Freedom is a nonprofit anti-human trafficking organization, based in Florida and the Midwest, with the mission to end sex trafficking and bring freedom to the exploited through five strong programs: Awareness, Prevention, Outreach, Residential and Consulting.​
Environment
Contact Information:
Goal/MIssion:
Solar United Neighbors Action is a national 501(c)4 nonprofit. SUN Action represents solar homeowners and everyone who wants to benefit from solar energy. We are fighting for a clean, resilient, and equitable energy system. We do this by putting rooftop solar at the cornerstone. Our grassroots network of solar supporters communicates with lawmakers to implement the policies that will make this vision a reality.
Contact Information:
ManateeAudubon@gmail.com
386-279-3789
Goal/Mission:
Our mission is to protect, preserve, and restore the natural environment by creating an awareness and appreciation of birds, wildlife, and our native habitat in Manatee County and the surrounding areas.
Healthcare
Contact Information:
Goal/Mission:
At AdventHealth Tampa, uncommon compassion meets unparalleled expertise to help you feel whole in more ways than one. Discover how we put innovation, expertise and research to work for your whole health.
Contact Information:
Goal/Mission:
For 125 years, we’ve pursued our Purpose of advancing the world of health™. We relentlessly commit to a promising future by developing innovative technologies, services and solutions, helping the healthcare community improve safety and increase efficiency.
Contact Information:
Goal/Mission:
Centerstone is a not-for-profit health system providing mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Services are available nationally through the operation of outpatient clinics, residential programs, the use of telehealth and an inpatient hospital.
Contact Information:
Deborah Kuhlman
727-543-1499
Goal/Mission:
Our goal at Gulfside is to make every day count for patients and their loved ones as they navigate through post-hospitalization recovery, chronic disease or end-of-life illness. Our compassionate, clinical experts provide a team-oriented approach of medical care, pain management, psychosocial and spiritual support. The combined services are individually tailored to a person’s needs and wishes. Thus, our trained professionals provide holistic care and support to patients and their network of loved ones.
Contact Information:
Maria Paliotta
941-894-1770
Tidewell Hospice is a member of Empath Health, a nonprofit integrated network of care supporting those living with chronic or advanced illness and the largest nonprofit homecare and hospice provider in the country. Since 1980, Tidewell has added services based on the needs of the community and now serves more than 1,100 hospice patients in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.
Language and Literacy
Contact Information:
Goal/Mission:
ReDefiners is a non-profit organization that prides itself on being a pioneer in early language education programming in Hillsborough County. The organization is made up of qualified teachers, international student volunteers and business professionals who are passionate about language and cultural education.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
- Volunteer to be assistants in the language classrooms.
- Assist with community outreach and developing ESL programs in Tampa.
- Research: Collect data about the learning gains of ReDefiners students.
Contact Information:
Bill Harris
813-274-6618
Goal/Mission:
Provides services to improve literacy and raise awareness about the services available at the library. Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library (THPL) promotes lifelong learning, an informed citizenry, individual intellectual freedom, enhanced quality of life and broadened horizons for all residents of Hillsborough County.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
- Assist with the English language courses for non-English speakers.
- Develop programs/presentations that might be of interest to the community.
- Coordinate/organize library events.
- Volunteer to assist with monthly library programming.
- Volunteers to read to toddler class.
Prefer students who can commit to consistent hours, especially if volunteering to participate in an established program.
Sports
Contact Information:
Celeste Roberts
813-703-1324, ext. 104
Dejuana Waters Herald
813-703-1324, ext. 110
Goal/Mission:
We are a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization and our full focus is on creating academic and leadership success through the power of sports.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
They offer training for mentors, which is a unique opportunity for students to have “formal” training for future jobs.
Contact Information:
Faith Turner, Mentor Coordinator
813-620-4029
Goal/Mission:
Tampa Bay Academy of Hope provides mentoring programs and tutoring services to all. We have a simple mission: Keep our youth in school and out of the prison pipeline and help them become productive and successful citizens.
Special Programs/Opportunities for Sociology:
- Mentoring programs
- Basic Skills and Career Services
- Helping Offenders Prepare for Employment (HOPE)
Law Enforcement/Judicial
Contact Information:
Goal/Mission:
The Student Intern Program provides unpaid academic study-related work assignments that allow students to explore career options in addition to developing personal and professional skills. Working in any of the five districts or specialty areas, this internship can prepare students for a career with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
Most assignments are ride-a-longs with deputies in the Districts but student interns may also be used in a support role in any of the various assignments. The internship coordinator/supervisor, the faculty mentor, and the student intern should work out the details of the assignments and their learning objectives in advance of enrolling.
.
Contact Information:
Kathryn (Kate) McKnight, Internship Coordinator
727-844-7791, ext. 7267
Contact Information:
Goal/Mission:
Our vision is a professional agency guided by our values and united with the community to make Sarasota County a safe place to live, work and visit. Our mission is to provide effective and efficient service in partnership with our community.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
Corrections, Animal Services
Contact Information:
Goal/Mission:
The mission of the Tampa Police Department is to reduce crime and enhance the quality of life through a cooperative partnership with all citizens.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
Crime reduction, community engagement, quality assurance, wellness, ride-alongs
Contact Information:
Goal/Mission:
The Middle District of Florida is one of the country's 94 United States District Courts. These courts are an integral part of the country's justice system, serving to resolve both civil and criminal matters.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa
Communications
Contact Information:
Goal/Mission:
As a full service advertising agency, Evolve & Co leads the charge in creating meaningful and strategic campaigns clients can trust. Our formula combines all facets of brand communication, giving us the edge to drive ROI and build long lasting client relationships.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
Social media management, public/media relations, branding/design, website design/development, photography/videography, event management
Contact Information:
Jessica Sturges
813-254-2252, ext. 702
Goal/Mission:
The Tampa Bay Arts & Education Network presents exceptional artistic, cultural and educational programs, encouraging the pursuit of intellectual achievement and the joy of learning by programming (2) 24/7 local cable television channels, producing relevant original content, operating websites to promote the programs and expand access to content and organizing a variety of educational events in support of the these endeavors.
Special Programs/Opportunities for Sociology:
Interns will gain experience in video production and editing as well as the distribution and marketing of videos. Interns will gain training in Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Final Cut Pro X which are necessary to produce promotional videos, public service announcements, and community impact films.
Contact Information:
Jon Dougherty
919-412-0946
Goal/Mission:
Provides audio/visual broadcasting services to USF athletics.
Education
Contact Information:
Click the link for a list of all the Florida school districts, then find the link for the county you are interested in working in and click on the List Schools link for that county to find local schools. A list of schools will come up, some with websites you can visit, but all have a phone number you can use to contact them and ask about internship opportunities.
Henson Fund Literacy Tutor
Contact Information:
Cheryl Ellerborckat or Chelsea Rivera
Goal/Mission:
Provides mentors to help local elementary and middle school students build their literacy skills! In your role as a mentor, you will provide mentoring support in one-on-one and small group settings during school hours. Extensive professional learning will be provided. Open to all USF students. Come be a part of our amazing team!.
Contact Information:
Becky Gilmore
813-609-4866
Goal/Mission:
LEAP Tampa Bay is a network of over 50 community partners committed to changing lives by connecting residents to education and training beyond high school. Our ultimate goal is to have 60% of adults hold a college degree or certificate by the year 2025 so they can improve their lives and be ready for the workforce opportunities available in Tampa Bay's thriving local economy.
Special Programs/Opportunities:
- Builds partnerships between public schools and local colleges.
- Helps build pathways to college admission and completion through FUSE programs.
- Helps students complete FAFSA applications.
- Helps connect students with employment opportunities in the Tampa Bay region.
- Helps students develop the skills necessary to enter the labor force.
Contact Information:
Debra Giacolone
941-927-9000
Goal/Mission:
Sarasota County Schools is an A-rated school district and serves as a catalyst to promote academic and personal growth for our students. Every day, we strive to fulfill our promise of a caring and committed culture in our schools and community.
Contact Information:
Harold Medina
941-751-6550, ext. 233
Goal/Mission:
The Title I, Part C / Migrant Education Program (MEP) funds supplemental educational programs for migrant children (ages 0-21). Migrant students have the same risk factors as other students. These students also face further challenges because of their frequent moves. The goal of the Migrant Education Program is to ensure that all migrant students reach challenging academic standards and graduate with a high school diploma (or complete a GED) that prepares them for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment.
Contact Information:
Frank Biafora, Jr.
Mara Utterback
727-873-2007
Goal/Mission:
The Florida Humanities Council, located on the USF St. Petersburg campus, works to preserve, promote and share the history, literature, culture, and personal stories that offer Floridians a better understanding of themselves, their communities, and their state.
Legal Services
Contact Information:
Brian Chambers
941-861-4400
Goal/Mission:
The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Office of the State Attorney is committed to ensuring that our community is protected by pursuing vigorous and fair prosecution of criminal offenders, by seeking justice, safeguarding the innocent and advocating for the rights of all victims. We will seek truth and justice in a professional manner, while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Contact Information:
Rebecca Hendricks
800-230-5920. ext. 300
Goal/Mission:
Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. (GLS) is a regional 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing free, comprehensive civil legal aid through counsel, advice, representation, advocacy, and education for vulnerable individuals and families in the Greater Tampa Bay area.
Government
City of Tampa
Contact Information:
(Search for "intern" on the City of Tampa's website to find current openings.)
Goal/Mission:
The City of Tampa internship provides students at the junior, senior or graduate level with exposure to a professional municipal government environment to gain knowledge and develop skills. The student would be assigned to a specific department based on their major with an emphasis on the government’s obligation to the public and the role the department plays in providing internal support or external services. Students should be prepared to dedicate up to 25 hours per week during a semester for maximum benefit.
Accessibility Services
Contact Information:
Becki Forsell
813-420-7708
Goal/Mission:
Seeks to positively engage living with a disability through opportunities, events, and education that enrich and empower people living, working, and playing in our inclusive communities.
Special Programs/Opportunities for Sociology:
Promotes volunteerism, conducts seminars, and provides activities and outings for people wth disabilities.