Start / End Date: June 15 to Aug 28, 2026 (10-week internship)
Team: Information Technology
Location: New Haven/Bridgeport/Hartford, CT
About Achievement First
Achievement First (AF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization supporting 39 public charter schools across New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. For more than 25 years, AF has been recognized as one of the top tuition-free public charter school networks in the country. We are committed to creating schools of academic excellence within nurturing environments — schools that prepare students to be college-ready and to pursue and succeed in whatever paths they choose in life.
The majority of AF students are Black and Latinx children from low-income families, many of whom will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Across our network, we employ more than 2,200 staff members — 64% of whom identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color — who collectively educate nearly 15,000 students in Brooklyn and Queens, NY; New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford, CT; and Providence and Cranston, RI.
Our mission is to prepare every student to excel in college, career, and life; deepen their understanding of self and community; and lead lives of purpose. We believe in the limitless potential within our students and their power to shape a more just society. That belief drives our deep commitment to student achievement: we aim to set a high bar for learning and create warm, demanding classrooms where rigorous instruction is paired with the care, encouragement, and consistency every student deserves.
Summary
The Information Technology (IT) Intern is a key member of the Achievement First IT Team responsible for ensuring that technology systems, hardware, and support structures remain reliable and effective across our schools. This role requires regular travel between schools within the assigned region (New York, Connecticut, or Rhode Island), supporting on‑site technology needs as they arise.
The ideal candidate is driven, detail‑oriented, and eager to learn, with a strong customer‑service mindset and a willingness to take ownership of tasks in a fast‑paced environment. The Intern will work closely with the IT team and report to the designated Intern Manager.
Responsibilities of the IT Intern will include but are not limited to:Overall- Demonstrate strong customer-service orientation and willingness to learn new tools and techniques
- Create and maintain documentation using Google Docs and Sheets
- Organize and inventory technology equipment and tools
- Follow directions carefully and maintain high accuracy and attention to detail
- Work full-time (40 hours/week) and maintain strong punctuality
- Troubleshoot laptop hardware, software, and Wi-Fi/network connectivity issues
- Provide Tier 1 support for wireless, LAN, laptops, Chromebooks, printers, and AV equipment
- Engage in moderate physical activity when moving or setting up technology equipment
- Perform Windows imaging using approved tools and deployment procedures
- Install required applications, updates, drivers, and security tools
- Apply organizational policies (network configuration, account setup, security baselines, device naming conventions)
- Assist the IT team in troubleshooting and training for a network of 500+ staff users
- Provide friendly, responsive support for employees with varying levels of technical skill
- High level of tech literacy and willingness to learn
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to multitask with strong organizational and prioritization abilities
- Desire to work in a fast-paced, disciplined, and sometimes unpredictable school environment
- Capable of working independently, taking direction well, and owning assigned projects
- Professional maturity, humility, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and a hands‑on approach
Educational Background and Work Experience
- Current undergraduate or recent graduate majoring/minoring in an IT‑related field or at least 1 year of hands‑on technical support experience
- Experience in technology troubleshooting roles
- Familiarity with imaging, Windows 10/11, Microsoft Office, ChromeOS, and Wi‑Fi troubleshooting
Compensation
- Interns will receive $17 per hour and some transportation benefits
- Potential for extension beyond the summer depending on performance, budget, and departmental needs
Achievement First is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus. You can learn more about diversity at Achievement First here: http://achievementfirst.org/about-us/diversity/
Top Skills
What We Do
Achievement First is a growing network of non-profit, high-performing, college-preparatory, K to 12 public charter schools in Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island. The mission of Achievement First is to deliver on the promise of equal educational opportunity for all of America's children. We believe that all children, regardless of race or economic status, can succeed if they have access to a great education. Achievement First schools provide all of our students with the academic and character skills they need to graduate from top colleges, to succeed in a competitive world and to serve as the next generation of leaders in our communities.
