Trailnet is seeking a motivated and community-centered Summer Intern to support outreach and partnership activities connected to the CDC-funded REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) initiative and the Empowered Thriving Communities (ETC) collaborative. REACH works to advance health equity in St. Louis Promise Zone communities by improving access to healthy food, safe places for physical activity, and community-driven health resources. (etc-stl.org)

This internship is ideal for someone passionate about community wellbeing, relationship-building, and grassroots engagement. The intern will support Trailnet’s work connecting residents, community organizations, and ETC partners through outreach, events, engagement activities, and collaborative projects focused on active living, food access, and neighborhood health.

We are especially interested in candidates who bring a passion for community-centered research, storytelling, and evaluation, or experience supporting qualitative research and community-based learning processes. We value applicants who bring existing relationships, cultural knowledge, and a strong understanding of local neighborhood assets, challenges, and priorities. We welcome applicants from a wide range of educational, professional, and community backgrounds, including students, emerging professionals, grassroots organizers, and strongly encourage individuals with strong ties to the communities served through this work to apply.

Primary Responsibilities
● Support community outreach and engagement activities in REACH communities
● Assist with coordination and relationship-building between ETC partner organizations
● Help organize and staff community events, meetings, workshops, and outreach activities
● Conduct community-based qualitative research activities such as
interviews, observations, note-taking, and resident feedback collection
● Assist with communications, outreach materials, and community follow-up
● Support projects related to active transportation, public health, food access, and neighborhood wellbeing
● Help document program activities and community feedback for reporting and evaluation purposes

Preferred Skills and Experience
We recognize applicants may not have experience in all areas. Strong candidates will demonstrate experience or interest in several of the following:
● Community outreach and engagement
● Community organizing/partnership building and collaborative work
● Qualitative or community-based research
● Physical activity and healthy community initiatives
● Community gardening or food justice work
● Public health or health equity initiatives
● Familiarity with GIS, mapping, graphic design, or visual communication tools (such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar platforms) is a plus.

Requirements
● Ability to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery
● Ability to travel to meetings, outreach activities, and events throughout the St. Louis region
● Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends to support
community events and outreach activities
● Comfortable engaging with diverse community members, partners, and stakeholders in public and community settings
● Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
● Able to occasionally move boxes and event supplies weighing up to 50 pounds across the office or in and out of vehicles

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is:
● Friendly, organized, and comfortable talking with diverse community members
● Able to work independently and collaboratively
● Able to communicate complex ideas in clear, accessible, and
community-centered ways
● Passionate about equity, public health, and community-led change
● Comfortable working outdoors and attending community events
● Interested in gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit, public health, and community planning work

Position Details
● Part-time summer internship position
● Hybrid work environment, including a combination office-based work in Downtown St. Louis, remote work as needed, and regular field/community-based activities in St. Louis City and County
● Reports to the Community Planning Manager

● Compensation: $20/hour for 10-20 hours per week
● Reimbursement is available for work-related travel expenses
● Start date: Jun 22 to Aug 28, 2026

To apply, please send a resume and brief statement of interest explaining your connection to this work and community to planning@trailnet.org by June 8.