Training Minds Ministry Internship

"In the business world, everyone is paid in two coins: cash and experience. Take the experience first; the cash will come later." ~ Harold Geneen There is a lot of talent among homeschool speakers and debaters, many of whom were trained with Monument Publishing resources and Training Minds Ministry camps. Our 2010 internships attempt to harness that talent and, in turn, provide the experience needed for continual academic growth.
If you are on track for a future in journalism, publishing, or writing, we have a program for you. Monument Publishing, the publishing arm of Training Minds Ministry, wants you to spend some time with them in Monument, Colorado, learning the skills associated with publishing the most widely used resources for academic speaking and debating. Learn from nationally-known authors throughout the week, and take part in the tasks that bring well-known curriculum to market.

Two 2-week Internships Available

There are two internship applications available, both two weeks long. Applicants are able to apply for both if they wish. Approximately 12 students will be accepted per program. More information will be posted as speakers and agenda items are secured. Here are some for starters...

• Speech Internship (July 5-17)
  Apologetics, Interps, Extemp, Impromptu, Platforms
  Monument Publishing has plans to expand into every area of speech and debate competition. In Apologetics, we plan to use Lee Strobel's Case for Faith as a foundational book for apologists to work through. Travis Herche is launching Keys to Interp text, and an accompanying curriculum to follow suite. Cody's Gold Book will likewise need curriculum developed. A 60-minute drama film on limited-prep speech preparation is in the works, plus other film-making needs. Lots of exciting developments in publishing, and the interns will be an integral part of bringing these works to market.
• Debate (July 26 - August 7)
  More resources than ever are planned for development. Interns will develop products helpful to Lincoln-Douglas debaters, and be taught by area experts in philosophy and value-debate competition. Blue Book has been in existence since 1998 and is the most widely recognized and widely used sourcebook in the homeschool debate market. Interns will work with the authors of all the Blue Books, as well as develop new supplies that help aid team-policy debaters.

NOTE: This is NOT a speech and debate camp. Interns are expected to have at least 1 year experience in speech and debate. Interns are brought on board for their enthusiasm to contribute to the homeschool speech and debate community. We value their skill and will train them for the work they will put into the projects. Research Camp and Training Minds Conference follow later in August where competitive training will occur.

This Unique & Valuable Training

This is the first Training Minds Ministry opportunity of its kind. Monument Publishing will put you to work, but there is a tremendous amount of educational value in such work. Consider...

• Interns will be taught fundamentals of the editing process, coached by Chris Jeub, owner of Monument Publishing, certified English teacher, author, and professional editor.
• Interns will coordinate with the authors of these works, authors like Vance Trefethen, Cody Herche, Andrew Roblyer, and more.
• Interns will have their names credited with several of the products they help produce, some of which may be actual sourcebook material.
• Interns will participate in planning meetings with their Program Manager prior to the first day of the Internship. If you have creative ideas to make speech and debate easier and more enjoyable, this is your time.
• Interns will learn the fundamental machanics of the publishing business, everything from product planning to budgeting to marketing to layout/design to making a sale.
• Interns may have the opportunity to earn college credit for their participating (details to come soon).

Interns will have fun, too, enjoying a 1-day team-building activity in Colorado. This is a great way to experience the reality of publishing to a niche market of homeschool speakers and debaters.

Housing & Facility

Interns will be matched with a homeschool family to spend their time in Monument, or arrangements will be made for the interns to stay supervised in the church. Housing is included in the cost of the internship. Transportation to and from Monument Hill Church (where the Interns will meet) will be provided. The internship is completely supervised with no unsupervised free time allowed. A group-building activity accompanies each internship.

Cost

• Internship Tuition: $695 per student, $395 per additional sibling applicant.
• College credit is an optional additional cost (more information to be posted soon).

Our primary focus is to get the most talented young people on board, students with true gifting and desire to be great writers, editors and publishers. Because of this, Monument Publishing is offering scholarship opportunities for families who are struggling financially (please request information via our Contact page). To help alleviate overall expenses, other offers include...

• Housing: no charge. All housing is supervised.
• Food: All lunches are provided. Breakfasts are arranged with host housing. Dinner is not provided, and Interns are expected to pay for their own dinner unless other arrangements are made.
• Team-building activity: free. Monument Publishing is paying for it.
• All Interns receive up to $100 worth of products that they helped produce.

Requirements

1. Proficient language arts skills. A writers/editing test will be required for all applicants. High school level proficiency at minimum is required.
2. Sophomore in high school. This is a minimum requirement. College students and graduated adults are welcome to apply.
3. Knowledge in homeschool speech & debate. We need young people who are well versed in our community of academic speakers and debaters in homeschool forensics.
4. Experience in the activity. It is important to note that this is not a training camp for competition. Instead, talented young people are participating in the development of products in which they already have a foundational knowledge.

We hope you are able to apply to one or both of our Monument Internships. Contact us with any questions.