Capstones Facilitator (Paid Practicum – Public Health Focus)

Job Description

Cleveland Freedom Project | 6-Week Summer Program

Location: Cleveland, OH
Duration: 6 Weeks (Summer Program)

Start & End Date: June 1 - July 31, 2026
Program Delivery Dates: June 16 - July 24, 2026

Compensation: Paid Stipend + Practicum Support

About the Role

The Capstones Facilitator supports youth participants in a dynamic, hands-on summer program focused on public health, leadership, and community impact. This role is ideal for students seeking practicum, field placement, or capstone experience.

Facilitators act as coaches and mentors—not lecturers— guiding youth through a capstone process where they:

Identify a real community issue
Conduct research and root-cause analysis
Design practical, community-informed solutions
Present their work in a final capstone competition

Key Responsibilities

Youth Facilitation & Engagement

Guide youth in exploring public health issues (e.g., mental health, food access, violence prevention, digital safety)
Foster collaboration, leadership, and inclusive participation
Create a safe, engaging learning environment

Research & Critical Thinking

Support youth in developing research questions and conducting basic research
Introduce concepts like root causes, social determinants of health, and systems thinking

Coaching & Capstone Development

Help youth develop:
- Problem statements
- Evidence-based solutions
- Feasible and sustainable proposals
Coach teams on storytelling, presentations, and public speaking

Competition Preparation

Lead practice sessions and provide feedback
Prepare youth to confidently present and respond to judges

Program Outcomes

90% of youth actively participate in capstone sessions
100% of youth teams complete and present capstone projects
Increased understanding of public health issues and root causes
Youth develop realistic, community-informed solutions
Improved confidence in public speaking and presentation skills
Stronger youth leadership, voice, and teamwork

What You’ll Gain

Hands-on experience in youth-led, community-based learning
Application of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and trauma-informed practices
Coaching and mentorship experience
Practicum/field placement documentation and supervision

Ideal Candidate

3rd–4th year undergraduate student (or equivalent experience)
Background or interest in public health, education, or social sciences
Strong communication and facilitation skills
Passion for youth development, equity, and community impact

Support Provided

Dedicated site supervisor
Ongoing coaching and feedback
Practicum verification and evaluation

How to Apply

Please send your resume to info@clevelandfreedomproject.org. Cover letter encouraged.