Catalytic Internships- SAM

“Building skills. Strengthening community. Change catalysts.”
“Real-world learning opportunities with leaders who shape tomorrow.”

SAM's Catalytic Internships are a hands-on learning experience for USC Upstate’s finest junior and senior students in finance, accounting, marketing, and communications. Through this intensive, credit-earning paid internship, students will support Spartanburg nonprofit organizations focused on advancing economic mobility for families and children. Catalytic interns will drive innovation within one of four impactful Spartanburg nonprofits: Benjamin E Mays Family Center, The Bethlehem Center, Strategic Spartanburg, or Spartanburg Academic Movement. Each intern will receive faculty sponsorship and will lead project-based, nonprofit work. This transformative internship aims to foster strong nonprofit systems while building bridges across education, community leadership, and professional development in Spartanburg. Fall 2025 Catalytic internships begin in September 2025.

Key Benefits:
Purposeful Experience with Community Impact
Catalytic Internships give students an unparalleled chance to work directly within a Spartanburg nonprofit using their skills to develop project management, finance or marketing systems that create lasting impact and benefit the community.

Guided by Professionals & Academic Mentors
Alongside faculty sponsorship, interns will gain career mentorship, and the support needed to execute high-quality projects. Interns are paid and credit-earning.

Be Part of Spartanburg’s Movement 2030
This internship connects students with local professionals committed to advancing Movement 2030’s goals, creating new pathways for talent, and strengthening Spartanburg nonprofit organizations.

What you can Expect:

• Step into Spartanburg’s future as a Catalytic Intern! Apply your skills in finance, accounting, marketing, or communications to real projects at leading nonprofits while building your career network and earning credits and income.
• Make an Impact That Lasts – As a Catalytic Intern, you won’t just work; you’ll help create sustainable solutions that drive community growth. Join us to learn, lead, and make a difference in Spartanburg!
• USC Upstate Juniors and Seniors: Ready to apply your expertise and gain real-world
  nonprofit experience? Catalyst Internships offer paid, credit-earning internships where you’ll fuel community change and receive hands-on mentorship while earning credits and income.

Catalytic Internship-SAM

Location: Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM)

Major: Communications/Marketing or Graphic Design

Year: Junior or Senior level student

Under the direction of the Director of Communications, the Catalytic Intern in Graphic Design will complete a project in support of the creative development work of SAM. The Junior or Senior student will be responsible for completing a project that will be presented at the end of the 12-week internship.

Responsibilities and requirements include:

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator (and Canva).
• Soft Skills: Strong communication abilities, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Collaboration: Ability to work closely with the Communications team to support the creation and recreation of various marketing communication assets.
• Development: Participating in training modules and learning opportunities to better understand the work of SAM.

Opportunities to support the management of the SAM website and initiative web pages, as well as the design of printed collateral, exist within this internship offering.

Professional Expectations:

• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality regarding all SAM activities.
• Uphold SAM's mission and values in all communications and interactions.
• Cooperate with and support SAM staff and volunteers.
• Accept constructive feedback from the SAM designated supervisor to ensure quality of work.
• Arrive on time and communicate promptly in case of delays or absences.
• Dress in appropriate business-casual attire unless otherwise noted.
• Use internship hours exclusively for tasks assigned by SAM.
• Adhere to deadlines while balancing academic and personal commitments.
• Abstain from engaging with SAM stakeholders through personal social media channels.