Internships & Employment

Learn, grow, and contribute to a mission centered on supporting LGBTQ+ youth.

Youth Outlook offers opportunities to join a collaborative, values-driven organization committed to building affirming spaces, strengthening communities, and creating lasting impact across Illinois.

Internships

Social Work Internships

Youth Outlook offers internship placements for BSW students and non-clinical MSW students seeking hands-on experience supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families. Interns gain practical skills in group facilitation, advocacy, and community-based programming within affirming, youth-driven spaces.

Best suited for individuals with evening availability, as most programs take place Monday-Friday between 6:00–9:00 PM.
Must be available to participate in a minimum of two to three evening groups per week at Youth Outlook Drop-In Centers, located throughout northern and central Illinois and virtually.
Youth Outlook must be a registered preceptor with your academic program in order for internship hours to count toward course credit.
Applicants who do not require academic credit may still apply; however, they will be classified as volunteers under federal and state labor laws.
Internship applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with opportunities available for summer block placements or full-year experiences.

Interested?

Please complete the volunteer application and submit a resume/CV and letter of interest to:

Carolyn Wahlskog, LCSW
Director of Programs & Operations
carolyn.wahlskog@youth-outlook.org

Administrative Internships

Youth Outlook also offers internships in a variety of administrative and nonprofit support areas, including:

Human Resources and Volunteer Management
Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations
Fundraising and Development
Nonprofit Administration

These internships offer flexible days and hours, allowing placements to align with both student schedules and organizational needs.

As with all internships, Youth Outlook must be a registered preceptor with your academic program for students seeking course credit. Applicants not requiring credit may apply and will be classified as volunteers under applicable labor laws.

Interested?

Please complete the volunteer application and submit a resume/CV and letter of interest to:

Lisa Hilgenberg-Buhle, MS, CAVS
Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives
lisa@youth-outlook.org

Employment Opportunities

Youth Outlook is a dedicated, mission-driven team serving communities across northern and central Illinois. Our organization has long operated with a virtual administrative structure, allowing us to remain accessible and responsive while maintaining strong local connections through program staff who live and work in the communities we serve.

Current Openings:

Assistant Program Leader, Sterling Drop-In Center (part-time)

** Send applications to bri.cada@youth-outlook.org **

Our Mission

Our Values

Our Services