Summer Service FAQs

No. Summer Service only takes place in the four regions of MCC U.S. If you live in Canada, check out MCC’s Summerbridge program. If you live outside the U.S. and Canada, check out our IVEP or YAMEN programs.

Our Summer Service program partners with constituent congregations or related organizations of MCC. 
We work with churches and agencies that have a holistic approach to community building and have creative proposals that encourage strengthening leadership capabilities in young adults of color. MCC prioritizes Summer Service opportunities that relate to peace, social justice and community development.

The Summer Service program seeks to:
 

• affirm the resources, wisdom and strengths of churches and communities of color,
• inspire young adults of color in developing their leadership skills while cultivating a commitment toward Christian service and community engagement,
  foster opportunities for spiritual growth and appreciation of Anabaptist values,
• promote a theology of service that is connected to social justice and peacebuilding in one's local community.

Guided by these principles:
 

• We are a leadership development and capacity-building program for young adults of color.
• We believe in churches and community building.
• We believe in the resources, wisdom and strength of churches and communities of color.
• We work with churches and agencies that have a holistic approach to community building within communities of color.
• We prioritize Summer Service projects as they relate to peace, social justice and community development.
• We approach all of our work through an anti-racist and anti-oppression lens.
• We affirm adult mentoring through program supervision.
   

Partnering organizations apply to MCC for a grant based on whether the participant will be part- or full-time in the program. With the grant, MCC covers 75% of the total compensation and the partnering church or organization will contribute 25%. See the following breakdown based on the 2023 base rate of 14.82/hr:

Partner congregation/organization contribution:

Part Time (20 hours/week): $741

Full Time (40 hours/week): $1482 

MCC grant contribution:

Part Time (20 hours/week): $2223

Full Time (40 hours/week): $4446

Total Program Cost:

Part Time (20 hours/week): $2964

Full Time (40 hours/week): $5928
 

MCC bases the amount of the awarded grants on: 
 

• an annual cost of living evaluation which is finalized in March of each year
• the time commitment stated in the proposal (20 or 40 hour per week ) and 
• an estimated hourly wage of $14.82/hr. In cities where the minimum wage is greater than that, MCC and the partner organization ought to base their contributions on the minimum wage instead.

Note: In the event a partner organization is unable to contribute their full 25% of the participant’s compensation, MCC may be able to assist.
 

To learn more about Summer Service for participants and churches or organizations, download the handbook in English (PDF) or in Spanish (PDF).

Anything from working at a summer peace camp or an urban garden to serving as a pastoral intern or an immigration or health educator – whatever fits with the vision or dream of your church or organization!

Improve your leadership skills with the help of a mentor. Serve God and your local community. Earn money and build your resume all at the same time.

Ask your church or a local community organization to submit a project proposal. Once that’s done, you will receive a Summer Service application to complete. You can get the proposal and the application, or by emailing summerservice@mcc.org.

Watch our recorded webinar that discusses what MCC looks for in a successful proposal and how to develop one.