INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Unpaid Internship (Program Services)

CompanySpecial Olympics Illinois
LocationTrenton
Work ModeOn Site
PostedApril 17, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will provide support to Program Services by assisting with event planning, execution, and program management. Responsibilities also include volunteer coordination, data operations, and community engagement efforts.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
159
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
20 hours
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About The Company
Special Olympics is a global organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world. Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 23,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and over 13,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support. Special Olympics began in Illinois with the first games at Soldier Field in July 1968 thanks to the efforts of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her peers. There are now more than 4.5 million athletes in 170 countries. Special Olympics is financially sound with diverse revenue streams, a thorough annual budget process and increasing organizational revenue streams. Special Olympics Illinois does not charge athletes or their families to participate in the program. OUR MISSION Provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. OUR VISION Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) will be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development. ATHLETE OATH “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
About the Role

Description

Position Summary: Special Olympics Illinois is currently seeking a Program Services Intern located out of Region J


This internship is a part-time, unpaid position for school credit. Primarily responsible for providing support to Program Services.


Duration: May-July


Hours per week: 20; Student schedules are accommodated; Occasional special events may require evening or weekend hours 


Compensation: Unpaid, school credit


Location: Region J, 111 S Washington, Trenton, IL


Report to Sr Director of Program Services, Justin Dunning


Primary Responsibilities

  • Event planning & execution
  • Program management
  • Volunteer coordination
  • Data + operations
  • Community engagement
  • Marketing & growth

Qualifications

  • Junior or Senior in College pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business, Marketing or Coaching.
  • Passion for the mission of Special Olympics Illinois and enthusiasm for community engagement.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable learning new digital tools.

Requirements

  • Must be actively enrolled in an educational program seeking school credit for internship 
  • Internship offer contingent upon successful completion of a background check 
  • Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance is required
  • Ability to assist in sorting, moving, and inventory for program equipment as needed; able to lift 25 pounds

Pay Range: unpaid internship opportunity (school credit)

 

Special Olympics Illinois is committed to building a diverse, creative, engaged, collaborative, and hard-working team that is dedicated to our athletes, our communities, and each other. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and we aim to create a positive atmosphere where employees feel valued and fulfilled. We truly want people to love working here, and we strive to create a culture that allows for growth, opportunity, and fun.


Special Olympics Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

Key Skills
Event planningProgram managementVolunteer coordinationData operationsCommunity engagementMarketingOrganizational skillsAttention to detailVerbal communicationWritten communicationMicrosoft Office
Categories
Sports & RecreationSocial ServicesMarketingAdministrative
Benefits
School credit