Call for Applications: Humanities EXCEL Fellowship with Santa Cruz Public Libraries – Researching Short Stories for Jail Reach Program, 2024-2025
We encourage work-study and non-work-study students to apply. This role requires work authorization.
Application Deadline: October 13, 2024
The Humanities Division and The Humanities Institute are excited to announce an experiential learning opportunity for undergraduates at UC Santa Cruz to work with Santa Cruz Public Libraries.
The Humanities Experiential Career Exploration and Learning (EXCEL) Program connects Humanities majors and minors to organizations in the community for paid internships. In this cohort program, EXCEL Fellows gain practical experience and professional training while learning about positions outside of the university that build on their studies in the humanities. At the same time, community partner organizations benefit from students’ assistance and academic expertise. EXCEL Fellowships carry on the success of THI’s Public Fellows program, and they foster positive collaborations between the campus and community, demonstrating the value of a Humanities degree for a range of careers.
About Santa Cruz Public Libraries
The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) system delivers information, education, enrichment, and inspiration through a network of 10 neighborhood library branches, a web-based digital library, a Bookmobile, and community-based programs. SCPL serves children, teens, and adults with innovative programming, professional services, and community facilities that spark imagination and support discovery. Residents can explore various interests, from academic research, book clubs, and literacy programs to digital photography, locally produced music, and local history. Branch locations include Aptos, Boulder Creek, Branciforte, Capitola, Downtown Santa Cruz, Felton, Garfield Park, La Selva Beach, Live Oak, and Scotts Valley.
Internship Term: November 2024 – June 2025
Hours: 10-15 hours/week
Compensation: $20/hour
Location: This is a HYBRID position. Work will be conducted:
- Virtually (75%): remote asynchronous work & Zoom/Google Meet
- In Person (25%): SCPL Headquarters in downtown Santa Cruz, Downtown Santa Cruz Library.
- Most research will be done independently. Some meetings would be best done in person.
Reports to: Jesse Silva, SCPL Outreach Librarian
Position Description: People & Stories Fellow
Working with the SCPL Jail Services team, the intern will work to build up the collection of short stories used for the library’s People & Stories program. People & Stories brings relevant literature to historically marginalized audiences, inviting participants to explore and discuss stories from cultures and/or experiences that are historically under-represented in western literature. The intern will read and review short stories that may be appropriate for People & Stories and provide a brief report on selected stories. Additionally, they’ll provide supplemental materials for the selected stories, such as, vocabulary, author biographies, and other information relevant to the story. Along the way, the intern will cultivate empathy and compassion for people who are incarcerated, and help develop a bibliography of diverse stories.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS
- Research (50%):
- Using SCPL collections and online resources, identify short stories to be used in the LIbrary’s People & Stories program
- Storytelling / Communication [40%]:
- Provide a brief written report of short stories, related vocabulary, and supplemental materials.
- Assist the project leads with synthesizing the information and creating story packets to be used inside the County Jails and Juvenile Hall. Sample packet
- Community Engagement [10%]:
- Support SCPL tabling initiatives during Women’s History Month, talking with community members about research findings, and using the public-facing infographic to share main points.
Qualifications: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- You are a declared major or minor in a department in the Humanities Division, and you are in good academic standing. If you are currently proposed, you can declare by the end of the academic year in June 2025. [required]
- You have work authorization. [required]
- You are organized and responsible when it comes to assignments and deadlines.
- You are a proactive communicator.
- You are willing to complete a LiveScan Background Check to become a SCPL Volunteer, which is needed for this role.
What to expect of the site supervisor
- Responsive communication via email and phone
- Weekly check-ins
- Meet in person every two weeks
- In-person tour of SCPL Jail Reach operations and Downtown Santa Cruz Library
- Will provide a comprehensive overview of SCPL online resources related to this project
- Will provide library account, if needed, and assistance finding collections of short stories in the library’s collections.
- People & Stories facilitation training and practice
What You’ll Gain From This Experience
- Learning best practices in the facilitation of group discussions.
- Gain a deeper understanding of library programs and services for people incarcerated in Santa Cruz County.
- Gain experience researching, reviewing, and presenting short stories.
- Comprehensive overview of the library’s People & Stories, bibliography, methodology, and practice.
- Gain an overview of how modern public libraries are working to improve services to populations who have been historically overlooked and/or underserved.
- Gain a deeper understanding of how public libraries can be hubs for promoting social justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity
Apply By Submitting
- Your updated resume
- A short cover letter (no more than one page) answering these questions: Why are you interested in this position? How does your academic expertise and skillset prepare you for this role? What are you hoping to gain from this opportunity?
REVIEW these resume and cover letter resources to ensure you are a strong candidate!
- Address your cover letter to Jesse Silva
Once the application window closes, there will be an interview process with top candidates. This job is expected to start in early November 2024.
Please contact the EXCEL Program coordinator, Kylie Rachwalski, at hum-experiential-learning@ucsc.edu with any questions.
The Mellon Foundation, The Helen and Will Webster Foundation, The Humanities Institute, and the UCSC Humanities Division generously support the Humanities EXCEL Program.
