Top 10 summer opportunities

By Lisa Angelucci
Collegian Staff
April 25, 2007

In just a few days, classes, finals and the move out of La Salle’s dorms will be over, and students will return home for the much-anticipated summer break. The summer will be full of trips to the beach, laying out in the sun and general relaxation. That is, until money runs out or your parents force you out of the house. Getting a job is always an option, but a lot of the coolest opportunities you’ll find in the city are unpaid. Getting involved early in an organization is a great step toward finding a paying job later. Here, Philly File offers 10 suggestions to get involved in the city this summer.

1. Philadelphia Zoo — Volunteer opportunities include work at the Children’s Zoo, several internships or working in hospitality or the administrative offices. One of the best things about volunteering at the Zoo is the chance to see the animals for free. Those who work in the Children’s Zoo have the chance to handle the animals as well.

2. Campus Philly — If you’re interested in learning more about the city, then Campus Philly is the place for you. This organization connects college students with events, jobs and discounts all over Philadelphia. If you qualify for work study, there is a chance you can receive compensation for your work, but paid or not, there are plenty of opportunities.

3. Sesame Place — Return to your childhood almost daily with a job working with Elmo and friends. Even better, maybe you can be Elmo. It’s a little late in the year, but the park is still hiring for seasonal positions that will schedule between 30 and 40 hours per week.

4. Political campaign — After the Democratic primary election on May 15, there will officially be two main candidates for the Philadelphia mayoral election. A majority of the campaigning is going to take place in the weeks leading up to the primary, since the Democratic candidate is the likely winner, but the campaign offices will probably still be looking for volunteers to stuff envelopes or answer phones.

5. Franklin Institute — King Tut is in town through the end of September, so volunteering at the Franklin Institute is one way to see the exhibit without spending $27.50 on admission. The museum needs volunteers to work in a variety of areas, including opportunities for those who are interested in helping create new exhibits.

6. Wawa — Anyone from a Mid-Atlantic state likely has a Wawa not far from home. It might seem like a cheesy summer job, but all Wawa employees receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Wawa University, where they’re taught the fine art of sandwich making, no matter their in-store job description. You never know when you’ll be called on to make an emergency sandwich – a skill that can come in handy for any college student.

7. MANNA — If you’d rather make sandwiches for free, MANNA needs volunteers to help prepare meals that are shipped to clients in the greater Philadelphia area. The jobs aren’t that illustrious, tasks consist mostly of chopping vegetables or cleaning, but the people you’ll be feeding are at nutritional risk due to serious illness. The shifts run Monday through Friday at several different hours, so feel free to fit food preparation into your schedule.

8. Painted Bride Art Center — If you’d like to see any of the center’s performances for free, then sign up to volunteer at its alternative performance space. They need help with simple chores like folding programs and ripping tickets, but you’ll be treated to a free performance in return. Upcoming shows include a Japanese folk dance and a night with the Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra.

9. National Student Partnerships — This organization does work with student volunteers, but the work doesn’t stop just because school’s out of session. Volunteers assist clients from local neighborhoods in finding resources like GED programs or affordable housing. You’re only required to volunteer four hours a week, and you’re provided with information on resources and guidance from experienced workers. Volunteers are presented with hands-on activities to help develop leadership skills.

10. Women Organized Against Rape — This organization that addresses sexual violence against women is holding a 40-hour volunteer training session that conveniently begins the day after finals end. The program will run for five Saturdays, with the exception of Memorial Day weekend, and will prepare volunteers to staff 24-hour crisis hotlines from the comfort of their own homes. Volunteers also provide information and support for victims and survivors of violence.

angeluccil1@lasalle.edu