Home Ownership and Financial Literacy Intern
Koinonia Community Center
Public Service Fellows Program Overview
The Public Service Fellows (PSF) Program began in 2014 with support from the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Foundation. Since its inception, over 200 students have completed internships in 85 organizations in 25 North Carolina counties. The goal of the program is to foster workplace experiences for undergraduates at ECU while helping rural communities build professional capacity to address public issues.
Up to 20 students will be chosen each year for SECU Public Fellow Internships (PFI). PFI participants will take part in 20 hours of leadership and professional development workshops in addition to the 330-hour PFI internship experience. Each student selected for the program will receive $17.50 per hour.
Students will be expected to attend a MANDATORY orientation on May 15, 2026, attend workshops scheduled throughout their internship, and at the end of their internship, and present at a State Employees Credit Union Advisory Board meeting either in summer or fall.
Position Summary
This position supports the planning and coordination of workshops, provides individualized financial literacy coaching, and assists families working to improve credit, manage budgets, and prepare for future home loans. The intern will also deliver a monthly financial literacy class for reentry participants served by KCS and support the organization’s broader resource navigation efforts, assisting individuals in financial distress who contact KCS seeking stabilization services such as housing, food, employment, and crisis support. This internship offers hands-on experience in community engagement, financial capability coaching, nonprofit program management, and affordable housing navigation. Key Responsibilities: -Assist in coordinating the biweekly Homeownership Training Series (Jan–May 2026), including schedule planning, materials preparation, registration, and participant support. -Facilitate monthly financial literacy classes for reentry populations. -Provide individualized financial literacy coaching on budgeting, credit repair, debt management, and mortgage readiness steps. -Support resource navigation for individuals experiencing financial distress, helping identify immediate supports and linking them to housing, food, and community resources. -Assist participants in navigating affordable housing programs and completing documentation required by financial institutions for home loan applications. -Maintain accurate data tracking, including intake forms, attendance records, and progress notes. – Prepare and update educational materials such as handouts, worksheets, slide decks, and digital content. -Conduct outreach to banking partners, housing authorities, and community organizations to promote upcoming trainings and opportunities. -Support case follow-ups to ensure consistent, ongoing engagement with participants. -Participate in staff meetings and contribute to program assessment and improvement.
Internship Location & Supervisor Information
Koinonia Community Solutions is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable community development through affordable housing initiatives, educational programs for at-risk youth, and support for individuals involved in the criminal justice system or facing employment barriers. We focus on creating opportunities for growth and success in marginalized communities by addressing systemic barriers and empowering individuals towards long-term stability. The intern will be working with Rubi Blancas, Economic Empowerment Program Director. The internship is located at 610 Old Tar Village Rd B, Winterville, NC. This internship will be full face to face with some potential weekend or evening events.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a desire to work directly with diverse community members. -Interest in learning and being trained on financial empowerment, community development, reentry support, and affordable housing. Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace; experience with Canva, CRM/data platforms, or educational materials development is a plus. Ability to work independently, handle confidential information responsibly, and manage multiple tasks
Start & End Dates
May 15, 2026, through August 14, 2026.
Majors Targeted
Finance, Business, Accounting
Application Process
Applicants must complete a PFI application and submit a resume to be considered. Applications are available here:
All students selected for the PFI program must have undergraduate status and meet the following eligibility requirements by the internship start date:
- North Carolina resident
- Good academic standing
- Completion of at least 60 semester credit hours (classified as upcoming Junior or Senior)
- Not graduating prior to the internship end date
East Carolina University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and as such encourages applications from qualified women and minorities. Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the Department for Disability Support Services at 252.737.1016 (voice/TTY).
Federal law requires proper documentation of identity and employability at the time of employment.