2024-2025 Academic Year Internship Funding

We will consider applications and can award up to $5,200 to help students to defray the associated expenses of undertaking an unpaid or underpaid internship, such as travel to the internship site, daily transport, and housing. Please note that students are not eligible for funding beyond expenses.

Students should apply for funding at least two weeks before the internship starts. Applications will be approved on a rolling basis and will be evaluated on the basis of merit and financial need. Funded students will be required to work with the Career Center to establish learning goals and participate in reflection activities during and after the internship.

Student Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be a currently enrolled first-year, sophomore, junior, or senior who plans to return to Carleton for coursework following the internship experience
  • Students on official leave of absence (such as the required one-term leave of absence due to participating in a summer OCS program)
  • Must have already received an internship offer
  • International students are welcome to apply
  • Good standing with the college (academic and conduct)
  • Has not/will not receive an additional substantial award from Carleton that goes beyond the budgeted expenses
  • Students may not apply for funding for more than one internship (at different sites) to be done in the same time period

Internship Site Criteria

  • The internship is at least six weeks in length and provides at least 240 hours of professional experience
  • Unpaid or underpaid*
    • *Underpaid definition: the estimated cost of living expenses during the internship exceeds the financial support (wages, salary, stipend) a student receives from an internship site.
  • Benefits both the student and the internship provider
  • Involves a high level of direct supervision, training, mentoring, and feedback
  • Has clearly defined and attainable learning goals set by the student

Internships That May Not Qualify

  • Research-based experiences on Carleton’s campus or done exclusively with Carleton faculty to support their academic research
  • Institutional research or an independent project intended for use only at and by Carleton employees and/or students, such as a comps project
  • Internships with organizations owned or operated by immediate family members or current undergraduate students
  • Internships or programs that incur significant costs for tuition and other fees

Funding Application Components

The following materials are required for the application:

  • Budget Form  (This form will be uploaded with your funding application.)
  • Short Essay Questions (Your responses will be included in your application form.)
    • Please tell us about your internship organization and what you expect to be doing in your internship, including daily tasks and/or long-term projects. Up to 150 words
    • What motivated and/or inspired you to do this internship? How will the experience you have chosen give you clarity related to your academic pursuits, interests, and/or post-Carleton plans? Up to 250 words
    • What knowledge, skills and perspectives do you hope to learn or improve? How do you want your work to contribute to the goals of the organization? Up to 250 words
  • Internship Host Confirmation Form (This will be sent to all applicants after their application has been submitted.)
    • This required form will ask you and the internship supervisor listed on your application to sign a form that shows agreement on the basics of your planned internship. 
    • Expect an email that requests your signatures, which comes via Adobe Sign. 

Applications missing any materials will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until all materials have been submitted. 

Apply for academic year funding

Requirements and Expectations for Funded Students

As a condition of receiving funding, students will be enrolled in the internship reflection and career readiness program. The program requires participants to complete the following, including but not limited to:

  • Learning plan
  • 1-2 photos from internship experience
  • Advising appointment with a career coach upon your return to campus
  • Feedback conversations with your supervisor
  • Final reflection essay
  • Culminating poster or presentation to be shared with the campus community

Funding recipients must comply with all set deadlines and requirements. NOTE: Students who do not fulfill their requirements may be charged up to the full amount of their funding award in the subsequent term of enrollment.