Real World Edge Opportunities - Center for Student Enrichment

The Alzheimer's Association is looking for Alzheimer's Association Community Educators (AACEs) who are volunteer public speakers who help raise awareness, provide education and expand the research of Alzheimer's Association programs in the community. AACEs deliver Alzheimer's Association Core Curriculum using prepared training materials on topics related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias as well as information for individuals and families impacted by the disease.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

• Communicate effectively and deliver Core Curriculum (Common Programs) presentations and information to the community
• Adhere to Alzheimer's Association’s established curricula and position statements
• Work with Alzheimer’s Association staff partners to identify and coordinate education programs that reach target audiences; coordination includes securing program partner, scheduling, preparing presentations, and managing needed materials.
• Serve as presenter for chapter-scheduled education programs and conferences
• Connect members of the community with additional Association services by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline
• Complete necessary paperwork for reporting

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proactive and passionate about the mission of Alzheimer’s Association
• Demonstrated success with public speaking, excellent presentation and education skills
• Understanding of adult learning principles
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Comfort with computers and familiarity with email and Powerpoint presentations
• Ability to network, and collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners
• Experience with dementia as a family member or health care professional preferred

COMMITMENT EXPECTED:

• AACE volunteers commit to a 1-year term delivering a minimum of 12 presentations
• Terms are renewable upon successful completion of annual goal-setting conversation with your staff partner
• Orientation includes: online program volunteer welcome and orientation (1 hour) + self-study or in-person role training with staff partner (~2 hours)
• AACE volunteers must observe 1 community presentation led by a staff or mentor + present 1 Common Program while being observed /evaluated by a staff or mentor prior to deployment in the community
• Background checks are required as part of the volunteer selection process
• Comply with Alzheimer’s Association volunteer policies and procedures
• Participate in initial training and ongoing education about Alzheimer’s, dementia and the Alzheimer's Association

BENEFITS TO THE VOLUNTEER:

• Perfect your public speaking ability and technique
• Serve your local community and people you care about
• Increase your knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
• Be recognized in your community as a leader and resource for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Build your resume and skill set
• Perfect your community engagement technique and help mobilize your community to create a world without Alzheimer’s
• Join a network of other volunteers, Alzheimer's Association staff and professionals and caregivers in the aging field
  
  For more information or to volunteer, please contact Jack Vander Lugt at jrvanderlugt@alz.org or 906-373-3107.

Break Away, a justice-based educational nonprofit, has an internship opportunity for any students interested in civic/community engagement, social justice education, nonprofit and university partnerships, or conference facilitation. In our programs, we aim to inspire and activate thoughtful community engagement across the country through justice-based trainings. Being student affairs people ourselves, we understand the importance of the summer internship. Our summer internship cycle typically opens up in January, and interns usually work late May through early August. Details and applications for this internship can be found on our website. For additional questions, contact hello@break-away.org.

Camp Quality Upper Peninsula is looking for volunteers to become camp companions for children who are diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders. This camp is a result of the partnership with Bay Cliff Health Camp, Camp Quality, and the Upper Peninsula Lions Childhood Cancer Program. Volunteers can become a companion paired one-to-one with a camper at our weeklong camp, volunteer at our weekend events, and help plan and implement other camper and family programs throughout the year.  

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Volunteer positions require a short training following the interview process and background check. For more information go to www.campqualityusa.org/mi or contact Chris Smith, Upper Peninsula Lions Childhood Cancer Chairperson, at 1-313-682-8900 or lionchris906pcc@outlook.com.    

Camp STAR is looking for volunteers, especially male volunteer buddies! This is a 3-night bereavement camp for kids and teens, aged 8-17, that have experienced the death of a significant person in their life. This camp is held at the beginning of August with lodging and food provided at Bay Cliff Health Camp in Big Bay, MI! On Thursday, there is a full day of training for volunteers. Kids and teens arrive on Friday.

Buddies are paired with a child or teen camper for continuous support and guidance throughout the weekend. Buddies and campers are part of a small group of other buddies and campers led by a leader and co-leader. All volunteers are trained and supported by trained professionals and volunteers throughout the weekend.

Volunteer positions available: Camp Buddy, Group Leader, Co-Leader, Activities Assistant, Camp Nurses, and Photographer. Visit STAR Children's Bereavement Services – No child grieving alone (www.starcbs.org) for more information. Volunteer information and application (www.starcbs.org) Get Involved – STAR Children's Bereavement Services (https://starcbs.org/).

Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice is looking for volunteers to be friendly visitors for hospice patients and support various office tasks such as fundraising, mailings, patient legacy, and more. Please contact Susie Duquette at 906-225-7760 or sduquette@lakesuperiorhospice.org for more information.

The Marquette County Health Department (MCHD) Emergency Preparedness program, 184 US Hwy 41 East, Negaunee, is looking for volunteers to call upon in the event of an emergency. To volunteer, contact hharriman@mqtco.org. For more information, check out mqtheatlh.org.

The Marquette Regional History Center is a full-scale history museum and research library featuring the central Upper Peninsula region. We offer galleries and programming year round for the community. Our volunteers help us work towards our mission of preserving history and sharing it; opportunities for volunteers include helping lead school visitors through museum field trips, historical character reenactment, program activities, gift shop front desk attendants, library research, and artifact and exhibit work. For more information or to volunteer, check out our www.marquettehistory or email mrhc@marquettehistory.org.

MooseWood Nature Center is a non-profit nature center located at Presque Isle Park in Marquette and provides opportunities hosting the center during open hours, helping care and feed its live animals, and providing environmental education and natural history programming. For more information, call 906-228-6250 or moosewoodnc@gmail.com.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim Services local volunteers learn about Victim Advocacy/services. It is a career path for both social work and other human service degrees. Volunteers can get court experience, experience working outreach booths, or experience assisting with grief/injury support groups. For more information, please call 906-474-9346 and check out www.madd.org/mi. 

Music for All Kids (MFAK) is a Marquette based non-profit designed to offer music to any interested child in Marquette county. We are looking for someone to take over our social media, mostly our Facebook page, etc. We are working on a new trifold handout as well. Our board meets once a month for about an hour. MFAK has become a game changer for many kids, and we really need to promote our cause. It would be approximately two or three hours a month.

MFAK provides instruments and instruction in a fun supportive environment for 4 and 5 year olds up to age 18. Students learn fundamentals, may join an ensemble and advanced students can later learn engineering and recording their own work. We are largely supported by grants. We have programs at Great Lakes Recovery and the Alternative High School. We have also worked at Lake Superior Village.

If this sounds like something you would like to try, please contact Mary at 906-360-8412 or mkstb4@gmail.com.

Did you know that the North Country National Scenic Trail extends over 4800 miles from South Dakota to Vermont? And we are lucky to have an incredible section right at our doorsteps. The Marquette Area Chapter of the North Country Trail is responsible for over 110 miles of trail spanning Alger, Marquette & Baraga Counties. We are always looking for help with trail maintenance and trail building for upcoming reroutes. We love to encourage students to explore the trail by joining us on hikes or at special events. We have been fortunate to have some excellent student representation on our board, and look forward to continuing that relationship. If you would like to volunteer, email mac@northcountrytrail.org or check out our website https://northcountrytrail.org/trail/michigan/mac/.

Partridge Creek Farm, 112 S. Main St., Ishpeming, Michigan

Farm and Garden Internship: Plant and maintain 5 PCF garden sites and the Intergenerational Farm site. Activities include but not limited to transplant production, planting, watering, weeding, soil amending. Participate in the harvesting, washing, packing, and delivery of produce through CSAs (Community-Supported Agriculture) distribution, wholesale accounts, and community donations. Ensure all food safety, planting and harvesting records are created and maintained.

Media & Marketing Internship: Will spend the growing season creating a bank of edited and organized content that can be utilized by the PCF staff throughout the off-season. This person will be responsible for taking pictures and videos throughout the growing season and will work closely with our Communications and Marketing Vista to create fun and informative tik toks, reels, and social media content for our audience. 

Education Internship: Works with the Education Coordinator and Director of Programs and Partnerships to carry out weekly Farm to School lessons in the Spring (garden), Summer (summer camp), and Fall (garden/indoor learning). This position will also help with modifying the curriculum for the Farm to School program and will help with community programs. The goal of this position is to strengthen the connection between the youth and community in Ishpeming and PCF and provide access to food education through hands-on learning. 

Weekly Volunteer Days: Weekly Volunteer Days will take place again during the 2025 (June-Nov.) growing season. These occur on a weekly basis at a set time (TBD for 2025). Volunteers are welcome to join as few or as many volunteer days as possible to help with various farm and garden activities! 2024 volunteers helped weed the sites, planted native plants and produce, and helped remove invasive species from native wildflower areas at the Farm and Gardens. 

More info can be found at PartridgeCreekFarm.org/volunteer.

Are you looking for a chance to experience the other side of health care? If so, please contact Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice, to learn about a variety of opportunities available. You can contact our volunteer coordinator today at 906-225-4545, e-mail us for more information at kellyjw@uphomehealth.org, or follow our efforts at www.facebook.com/uphomehealth.

Our Program:

Our hospice volunteers program offers several different types of opportunities ranging from direct companion/family support volunteers, special service volunteers, special project volunteers and even group opportunities. Those who choose to work with our hospice patients directly will work in a variety of different settings that may include the patient’s personal homes, local hospitals, nursing homes, assisted livings, and memory care facilities.

As a volunteer with our hospice program, you will discover flexibility, specialized training and opportunities for personal growth. Our team approach supports your role in making a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. You will also find the support of our Hospice Foundation which provides resources for volunteer projects and our Make-a-Memory Program.

Current Opportunities:

Companion/family support volunteers work to provide support directly to patients and families. To ensure that all volunteers are equipped for the challenge of working with those dealing with a life limiting illness, we require that volunteers complete an online training program that can be completed at your own pace. It’s important that volunteers understand the philosophy of hospice and are aware of the specific ways we work to serve the community. Volunteers spend their visits being present, listening, helping with errands or light household tasks or providing short respite opportunities for caregivers.

Special service volunteers are able to share their special skills of music or art therapy, massage therapy, and reminisce therapy. If you have any talents you would like to share, contact us today.

Special project volunteers groups help with special projects that are vital in providing indirect support to our patients and their caregivers. Many of these groups consist of resident volunteers from the local assisted living and nursing facilities. Projects include but are not limited to:  heated comfort bags, fleece tie blankets, recipes-in-a-jar/horticulture therapy kits, and cards, letters and flowers.

Group volunteer opportunities exist for your group, club, or organization to become involved with hospice. Upper Peninsula Hospice will provide an informative presentation or on-site training for any interested group.

To inquire about volunteer opportunities, call our volunteer coordinator at 906-225-4545 or check us out at www.facebook.com/uphomehealth.

Yellow Dog Water Preserve (YDWP)

YDWP offers three volunteer programs: stream monitoring in the Yellow Dog and Salmon Trout watersheds, land monitoring on YDWP properties, and lake monitoring on Lake Independence in Big Bay. Volunteers are needed primarily from May-June and September-October. A love of the outdoors is helpful. By participating in YDWP programs, you will acquaint yourself with new and often remote corners of Marquette County, meet like-minded people, and gain experience in field ecology. For more information, contact Brian Noell at 906-345-9223 or ydwp@yellowdogwatershed.org. Additional information can be found at www.yellowdogwatershed.org.

The Alzheimer's Association is looking for Alzheimer's Association Community Educators (AACEs) who are volunteer public speakers who help raise awareness, provide education and expand the research of Alzheimer's Association programs in the community. AACEs deliver Alzheimer's Association Core Curriculum using prepared training materials on topics related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias as well as information for individuals and families impacted by the disease.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

• Communicate effectively and deliver Core Curriculum (Common Programs) presentations and information to the community
• Adhere to Alzheimer's Association’s established curricula and position statements
• Work with Alzheimer’s Association staff partners to identify and coordinate education programs that reach target audiences; coordination includes securing program partner, scheduling, preparing presentations, and managing needed materials.
• Serve as presenter for chapter-scheduled education programs and conferences
• Connect members of the community with additional Association services by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline
• Complete necessary paperwork for reporting

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proactive and passionate about the mission of Alzheimer’s Association
• Demonstrated success with public speaking, excellent presentation and education skills
• Understanding of adult learning principles
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Comfort with computers and familiarity with email and Powerpoint presentations
• Ability to network, and collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners
• Experience with dementia as a family member or health care professional preferred

COMMITMENT EXPECTED:

• AACE volunteers commit to a 1-year term delivering a minimum of 12 presentations
• Terms are renewable upon successful completion of annual goal-setting conversation with your staff partner
• Orientation includes: online program volunteer welcome and orientation (1 hour) + self-study or in-person role training with staff partner (~2 hours)
• AACE volunteers must observe 1 community presentation led by a staff or mentor + present 1 Common Program while being observed /evaluated by a staff or mentor prior to deployment in the community
• Background checks are required as part of the volunteer selection process
• Comply with Alzheimer’s Association volunteer policies and procedures
• Participate in initial training and ongoing education about Alzheimer’s, dementia and the Alzheimer's Association

BENEFITS TO THE VOLUNTEER:

• Perfect your public speaking ability and technique
• Serve your local community and people you care about
• Increase your knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
• Be recognized in your community as a leader and resource for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Build your resume and skill set
• Perfect your community engagement technique and help mobilize your community to create a world without Alzheimer’s
• Join a network of other volunteers, Alzheimer's Association staff and professionals and caregivers in the aging field
  
  For more information or to volunteer, please contact Jack Vander Lugt at jrvanderlugt@alz.org or 906-373-3107.

Marquette County Habitat for Humanity (MCHFH) is looking for one-day or on-going volunteers to work on home builds or repairs, admin or office work (data entry, cold calls, mailings, projects or events) or at the ReStore to help build strength and stability in our communities. Students have the opportunity to build their resumes and help their communities to become more financially independent. Please contact Cindy at 906-228-3578 or cindy@mqthabitat.org to get set up with a volunteer opportunity that fits you – no experience necessary just your willing presence!

Partridge Creek Farm, 112 S. Main St., Ishpeming, Michigan

Farm and Garden Internship: Plant and maintain 5 PCF garden sites and the Intergenerational Farm site. Activities include but not limited to transplant production, planting, watering, weeding, soil amending. Participate in the harvesting, washing, packing, and delivery of produce through CSAs (Community-Supported Agriculture) distribution, wholesale accounts, and community donations. Ensure all food safety, planting and harvesting records are created and maintained. 

Media & Marketing Internship: Will spend the growing season creating a bank of edited and organized content that can be utilized by the PCF staff throughout the off-season. This person will be responsible for taking pictures and videos throughout the growing season and will work closely with our Communications and Marketing Vista to create fun and informative tik toks, reels, and social media content for our audience. 

Education Internship: Works with the Education Coordinator and Director of Programs and Partnerships to carry out weekly Farm to School lessons in the Spring (garden), Summer (summer camp), and Fall (garden/indoor learning). This position will also help with modifying the curriculum for the Farm to School program and will help with community programs. The goal of this position is to strengthen the connection between the youth and community in Ishpeming and PCF and provide access to food education through hands-on learning. 

Weekly Volunteer Days: Weekly Volunteer Days will take place again during the 2025 (June-Nov.) growing season. These occur on a weekly basis at a set time (TBD for 2025). Volunteers are welcome to join as few or as many volunteer days as possible to help with various farm and garden activities! 2024 volunteers helped weed the sites, planted native plants and produce, and helped remove invasive species from native wildflower areas at the Farm and Gardens. 

More info can be found at PartridgeCreekFarm.org/volunteer.

Teaching Family Homes of the Upper Peninsula is a non-profit organization that aims to provide quality care to at-risk youth throughout Upper Michigan. We help youth develop life skills while utilizing a trauma-informed method of teaching. Our residential program in Marquette is currently looking for highly motivated volunteers, interns and staff to work in the homes with youth. Requirements are a high school diploma, excellent driving record and background check. Preference will be given to those with a degree or experience in social work, sociology, psychology, education, criminal justice, or other health and human services fields. For more information or to apply, please contact Linnea Wyma at lwyma@tfhomes.org or call 906-249-5437.

The Alzheimer's Association is looking for Alzheimer's Association Community Educators (AACEs) who are volunteer public speakers who help raise awareness, provide education and expand the research of Alzheimer's Association programs in the community. AACEs deliver Alzheimer's Association Core Curriculum using prepared training materials on topics related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias as well as information for individuals and families impacted by the disease.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

• Communicate effectively and deliver Core Curriculum (Common Programs) presentations and information to the community
• Adhere to Alzheimer's Association’s established curricula and position statements
• Work with Alzheimer’s Association staff partners to identify and coordinate education programs that reach target audiences; coordination includes securing program partner, scheduling, preparing presentations, and managing needed materials.
• Serve as presenter for chapter-scheduled education programs and conferences
• Connect members of the community with additional Association services by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline
• Complete necessary paperwork for reporting

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proactive and passionate about the mission of Alzheimer’s Association
• Demonstrated success with public speaking, excellent presentation and education skills
• Understanding of adult learning principles
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Comfort with computers and familiarity with email and Powerpoint presentations
• Ability to network, and collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners
• Experience with dementia as a family member or health care professional preferred

COMMITMENT EXPECTED:

• AACE volunteers commit to a 1-year term delivering a minimum of 12 presentations
• Terms are renewable upon successful completion of annual goal-setting conversation with your staff partner
• Orientation includes: online program volunteer welcome and orientation (1 hour) + self-study or in-person role training with staff partner (~2 hours)
• AACE volunteers must observe 1 community presentation led by a staff or mentor + present 1 Common Program while being observed /evaluated by a staff or mentor prior to deployment in the community
• Background checks are required as part of the volunteer selection process
• Comply with Alzheimer’s Association volunteer policies and procedures
• Participate in initial training and ongoing education about Alzheimer’s, dementia and the Alzheimer's Association

BENEFITS TO THE VOLUNTEER:

• Perfect your public speaking ability and technique
• Serve your local community and people you care about
• Increase your knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
• Be recognized in your community as a leader and resource for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Build your resume and skill set
• Perfect your community engagement technique and help mobilize your community to create a world without Alzheimer’s
• Join a network of other volunteers, Alzheimer's Association staff and professionals and caregivers in the aging field
  
  For more information or to volunteer, please contact Jack Vander Lugt at jrvanderlugt@alz.org or 906-373-3107.

Are you looking for a chance to experience the other side of health care? If so, please contact Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice, to learn about a variety of opportunities available. You can contact our volunteer coordinator today at 906-225-4545, e-mail us for more information at kellyjw@uphomehealth.org, or follow our efforts at www.facebook.com/uphomehealth.

Our Program:

Our hospice volunteers program offers several different types of opportunities ranging from direct companion/family support volunteers, special service volunteers, special project volunteers and even group opportunities. Those who choose to work with our hospice patients directly will work in a variety of different settings that may include the patient’s personal homes, local hospitals, nursing homes, assisted livings, and memory care facilities.

As a volunteer with our hospice program, you will discover flexibility, specialized training and opportunities for personal growth. Our team approach supports your role in making a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. You will also find the support of our Hospice Foundation which provides resources for volunteer projects and our Make-a-Memory Program.

Current Opportunities:

Companion/family support volunteers work to provide support directly to patients and families. To ensure that all volunteers are equipped for the challenge of working with those dealing with a life limiting illness, we require that volunteers complete an online training program that can be completed at your own pace. It’s important that volunteers understand the philosophy of hospice and are aware of the specific ways we work to serve the community. Volunteers spend their visits being present, listening, helping with errands or light household tasks or providing short respite opportunities for caregivers.

Special service volunteers are able to share their special skills of music or art therapy, massage therapy, and reminisce therapy. If you have any talents you would like to share, contact us today.

Special project volunteers groups help with special projects that are vital in providing indirect support to our patients and their caregivers. Many of these groups consist of resident volunteers from the local assisted living and nursing facilities. Projects include but are not limited to:  heated comfort bags, fleece tie blankets, recipes-in-a-jar/horticulture therapy kits, and cards, letters and flowers.

Group volunteer opportunities exist for your group, club, or organization to become involved with hospice. Upper Peninsula Hospice will provide an informative presentation or on-site training for any interested group.

To inquire about volunteer opportunities, call our volunteer coordinator at 906-225-4545 or check us out at www.facebook.com/uphomehealth.