UNION COLLEGE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS

1. Site must be a non-profit organization and internship must be UNPAID
2. Students must commit to volunteering full-time with the organization for 8-10 weeks during the summer where they will provide community service by interacting in-person with clients in an underserved population
3. Open to current undergraduate Union College students; all things being equal, preference will be given to juniors (students must be enrolled with Union or on a term abroad in the fall term following their internship)
4. Preference will be given to students who have some level of financial need at Union College (through communication with the Financial Aid Office).

1. Completed application in Handshake (By applying you are giving the Program Manager, Rochelle Caruso in the Career Center, permission to inquire with the financial aid office as to if you are eligible to receive financial support at Union College. Most of these stipends require that they support a student who has some level of financial need at Union College. This permission is for THIS purpose only.)
2. Resume
3. Personal Statement (submitted through Handshake as a Cover Letter - include: an overview of the in-person internship, how you will be interacting with or supporting clients of the organization, why you want to participate in this internship, how it supports your career goals or exploration, what do you hope to learn or achieve, how you will be contributing to an underserved population, how will you use the award considering your financial needs this summer (please include a brief budget outline and describe how you will use the award))
4. Letter of endorsement from the organization indicating support for a full-time volunteer internship 8-10 weeks this summer
5. 1 letter of recommendation, ideally from a Union College faculty, staff or administrator (e.g., supervisor, faculty member, coach). This can be emailed directly to Rochelle Caruso.
6. Unofficial transcript (downloaded from Self Service or from the Registrar’s Office)
7. Interview by committee (selected finalists only)

Application deadline through Handshake: April, 25 2024

Funding for Summer 2024 Community Service Non-profit Internships

Frequently Asked Questions (updated 2/9/2024)

What is this funding program?

Internships provide valuable opportunities to gain useful work experience, hone skills and explore interest in a field. In today’s competitive world, they are essential. They shape career paths, open doors, expand networks and often teach lessons that last a lifetime.

Many internships in non-profit organizations and even businesses and start-ups are unpaid or low-paid. At Union, we’re committed to expanding the availability of stipends for unpaid summer internships so that students don’t have to choose between taking a job they might not find fulfilling and accepting an internship in a field they are passionate about pursuing.

Through generous support from alumni, families and friends of the College, the College is able to offer awards to some students pursuing summer internships at community service non-profit organizations. The awards are open to Union students committed to volunteering throughout the summer in a hands-on community service role interacting with underserved clients at a non-profit organization. Students secure an in-person volunteer internship and then apply for an award from the College. For assistance identifying internships, schedule an Internship Search appointment with a Career Center Adviser through Handshake.

What is a non-profit organization?

A non-profit or not-for-profit organization is one which exists for charitable reasons, and from which its shareholders or trustees do not benefit financially. Legally it does not declare a profit, but instead utilizes all revenue available after normal operating expenses in service to the public interest; non-profits typically have tax exempt status.

Non-profit organizations are found in a variety of community service areas including: education, healthcare, social/human services, the arts, environment, law, economic development, and more! Students must secure an opportunity in which they will provide community service by interacting with clients in an underserved population.

What are the funding opportunities (Summer 2024 funding awards will be updated in Winter 2024)?

Through generous support from alumni, families and friends of the College, the College is able to offer awards to some students pursuing summer internships at community service non-profit organizations. Funding for summer 2022 was provided by:

A. Henry S. Scherer, Sr. (1922) Endowed Intern Fund-Washington, D.C. area, political/activism/government related, must demonstrate financial need

B. Jody Lynn Yetzer (1994) and Alexander Manual Kayne Charitable Fund Community Service Internship-any US location, must demonstrate financial need

C. Roger Hull Community Service Intern-location is Capital District surrounding Union College (*The Capital District generally extends west to Cobleskill, northwest to Amsterdam, north to Lake George, east to the Massachusetts border, and south to Hudson)

D. Class of 1963 Annual Internship-any US location

E. Kevin Rampe '88 Internship Stipend-any US location

F. Class of 1973 35th ReUnion Community Service Intern-any US location

G. Christopher Mastrangelo '89 Memorial Annual Internship-any US location

H. Alpha Phi Alpha, Mohammad Omar ’94 Community Service Intern-any US location

I. Making U Possible Alumni Internship Award-any US location

J. Health Professions Internship Award-any US location, healthcare focused internship, must demonstrate financial need

Where do I get an unofficial transcript (part of application)?

Students can print their own unofficial transcript from Self Service. Students also may obtain an unofficial transcript through the Registrar’s Office.

What is a letter of endorsement (part of application)?

A letter of endorsement is written by a contact at the non-profit organization (preferably the intern’s supervisor who is not a family member) indicating support for the student’s role as an intern. Indication must be clear that the student has had a conversation with the supervisor at the organization, and a discussion has ensued covering the terms of the internship, including projects, and responsibilities and that the student will be interning throughout the summer.

The letter of endorsement from the organization is an opportunity for the contact (typically a non-family member supervisor) to share with the committee (and you) that you have secured the internship, have identified projects or the focus of your responsibilities, and lets the committee know the organization is committed to support/supervise you in this role. The contact is welcome to include more information and other topics as well.

Who should I ask to write my letter of recommendation?

Your letter of recommendation is professional in nature (i.e., not a personal reference) and ideally would be from a contact at Union (e.g., faculty member, coach, job supervisor, research advisor). If necessary, it can be from someone outside of Union (e.g., job/internship supervisor, coach, research advisor).

How much money will I earn? How will I get the funding?

The awards are typically $3500-$5000 and will be distributed in 2 or 3 disbursements throughout the summer. It is taxable income and reportable to the IRS; you will complete a W-8/W-9 form and receive a 1099 (if you complete the W-9) or a 1042S form (if you complete the W-8). [International students will complete a W-8 form and receive a 1042S form. Currently, per tax law, the College will withhold 30% in taxes which will be paid into the IRS. You are encouraged to review the International Advising Office's webpage related to "Filing U.S. Taxes".] The College is unable to provide tax advice and recommends you consult with a tax advisor for any questions.

What is the timeframe of the internship?

The start and end dates of the internship are flexible between the student and the internship site supervisor, keeping in mind that the internship should be full-time and last 8-10 weeks for the duration of the summer. While there are not a specific number of hours each week, the intent is that this would be your main role throughout the summer; students typically volunteer 30-40 hours per week.

What documents do I have to submit at the end of the internship?

Student interns are asked to write a 1-2 page thank you letter to the funding source. In addition, students are requested to submit overviews of their internship projects throughout the summer for possible social media posts and, at times, participate in an intern event during fall term to share their summer experiences with interested students. Past events include: poster session, participation on an internship panel, informal luncheon, PowerPoint presentation.

What are my chances of being selected for the internship award?

This depends upon the number and quality of applications received. For summer 2022, we had funding to support 25 students. In past years we have received approximately 20-30 applications. All interested students are encouraged to apply.

How can I make my application strong/what does the committee look for?

The committee will look for a well thought out personal statement demonstrating your interest in the internship/organization, how this opportunity will support one’s career exploration and/or goals, how the internship will provide an opportunity for the student to interact with an underserved population, as well as strong letters of recommendation and a solid letter of endorsement from the organization. Applications must be complete and on-time to be considered.

How can I find an organization that meets my interests/values/needs?

Schedule an Internship Search appointment with a Career Center Adviser through Handshake. There are many non-profit organizations in the Capital District, as well as around the country, from which to choose.

Non Profit Organizations in the Capital District near Union College

Idealist.org

How important is my. . . GPA, major, career goals, class year, resume?

All of the pieces of the application are essential, although your major will have no bearing on the selection. Preference will be given to upper-class students only when all other criteria are equal. The most important piece is the personal statement—applicants need to convey their interest in and passion for the internship and provide a link between the experience and their career goals/interests. This also is where applicants can demonstrate how they will provide direct, hands-on community service interacting with an underserved population.

Can I apply if I’m an international student?

Yes, provided you have met with the international students’ advisor to secure the proper paperwork to be eligible to volunteer off campus in the US. You will complete a W-8 form and receive a 1042S form. Currently, per tax law, the College will withhold 30% in taxes which will be paid into the IRS. You are encouraged to review the International Advising Office's webpage related to "Filing U.S. Taxes". The College is unable to provide tax advice and recommends you consult with a tax advisor for any questions.

Can I apply if I’m going to be abroad winter, spring or fall term?

Yes. Finalists who are on term abroad during spring term will be contacted for a telephone or Zoom interview. Interns who will be on term abroad during the fall following their internship will make arrangements to complete their documents prior to leaving.

Can seniors apply?

No, the funding is only for Union students who will be matriculated at the College in the fall after the summer internship takes place (or enrolled in a fall term abroad).

Can I apply if I have already received funding in the past?

Yes; all completed and on-time applications for the funding will be considered.

Is summer housing provided?

Summer housing is not provided with the funding; however, students may contact the Office of Residential Life to inquire about on-campus summer housing options.

Where should I submit my application?

Application materials are to be submitted all together through Handshake as PDFs. Your letter of recommendation can be emailed directly to Rochelle Caruso. Personal Statement and Letter of Endorsement can be directed to Rochelle Caruso or Selection Committee and submitted through Handshake.

What if I have additional questions?

Questions, not answered here, can be directed to:

Rochelle Caruso at the Career Center in Becker Hall

(518) 388-6726 | carusor@union.edu

Through generous support from alumni, families and friends of the College, Union has been able to offer the following:

• Henry S. Scherer, Sr. (1922) Endowed Intern Fund-Washington, D.C. area, political/activism/government related, must demonstrate financial need
• Class of 1963 Annual Internship-any US location
• Class of 1963 Endowed Internship-any US location
• Class of 1971 Internship Fund-any US location
• Class of 1973 35th ReUnion Community Service Intern-any US location
• Rampe Family Annual Internship Fund-any US location
• Christopher Mastrangelo '89 Memorial Annual Internship-any US location
• Class of 1991 ReUnion Internship Fund
• Jody Lynn Yetzer (1994) and Alexander Manual Kayne Charitable Fund Community Service Internship-any US location, must demonstrate financial need
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mohammad Omar ’94 Memorial Community Service Intern-any US location
• Summer Internship Endowed Fund (Pletman)
• Roger H. Hull Community Service Endowed Internship, supported by the Board of Trustees-location is Capital District surrounding Union College (*The Capital District generally extends west to Cobleskill, northwest to Amsterdam, north to Lake George, east to the Massachusetts border, and south to Hudson)Making U Possible Alumni Internship Support-any US location
• Health Professions Internship Award-any US location, healthcare focused internship, must demonstrate financial need

Through generous support from alumni, families and friends of the College, the following students received funding for their nonprofit internships in summer 2023:

Hannah Dubinsky '24, Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation in Bethel, ME

Jenna Forman '25, Camp Arrowhead, Natick, MA

Aurore Lambert '24, Empire Justice, Rochester, NY

Charlie McVicker '24, Cherokee Community of Puget Sound, Virtual

Krish Chhetri '26, National Innovation Center (NIC), Nepal

Natalia Garcia Moreno '24, Agora Special School, Cerro Navia, Santiago de Chile

Haba Kiiza '25, Tear Fund, Rwanda

Stephen Wong '24, Boylston School-Verein (BSV), Walpole, MA

Meg Piser '24, Gateway House, Ballston Spa, NY

Sophie Chesnut '24, Welcoming All Nationalities Network (WANN), Lebanon, NH

Sarah Flannery '24, Cherokee Community of Puget Sound, Virtual

Brooke Fleming '24, Schenectady County District Attorney Office, Schenectady, NY

Juan Valdez '24, The Legal Project, Albany, NY

Hassan Aamir '25, Pakistan Mission to the UN, New York, NY

Maryam Tariq '26, Hometown Health Center, Schenectady, NY

Abby Wilder '25, Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, Ithaca, NY

Through generous support from alumni, families and friends of the College, the following students received funding for their nonprofit internships in summer 2022:

Jason Ayala ’23, Baystate Health, Springfield, MA

Sontaya Banyen ’23, Youth Enrichment Services, Boston, MA

Matt Beazoglou ’23, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford, CT

Samhita Bheemireddy ’23, Hometown Health Center, Schenectady, NY

Bassem Darwish ’23, COCOA House, Schenectady, NY

Rohini Devi ’25, Congressional Campaign, New York, NY

Ava Dieden ’23, COCOA House, Schenectady, NY

Janet Fabode ’23, Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, NY

Avi Gajjar ’23, Hospital of University of Pennsylvania (HUP), Philadelphia, PA

Keerthi Konda ’23, Bay Area Community Health, Fremont, CA

Viola Li ’24, US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Albany, NY

Allison Malatesta ’24, Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse, NY

Delvin Marimo ’24, African Diaspora Network, Santa Clara, CA

Raney Newman ’23, City Commission Campaign, Gainesville, FL

Linh Nguyen ’25, Center for Studies and Applied Sciences in Gender/Family/Women and Adolescent (CSAGA), Vietnam

Armanda Noel ’23, Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, NY

Olivia Pachla ’23, 3LPlace, Boston, MA

Maggie Peterjohn ’24, Bellfaire Jewish Children's Bureau & Jewish Family Services, Cleveland, OH

Meghan Piser ’24, Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, NY

Haylee Snow ’23, Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut, Bridgeport, CT

Morgan Truesdell ’24, Wadsworth Laboratory, Albany, NY

Ella Tycz ’24, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Hallowell, ME

Fiona Xu ’23, Hometown Health Center, Schenectady, NY

Eastwood Yeboah ’25, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington-Germantown Branch, Germantown, MD

Sarah Zukowski ’23, Middlesex Health, Middletown, CT

Through generous support from alumni, families and friends of the College the following students received funding for their nonprofit internships in summer 2021:

Jason Ayala '23, Baystate Community Health, Springfield, MA

Cristina Boudreau '22, Center for Disability Services, Albany, NY

Juliette Carr '22, Women's Health Services, Brighton, MA

Ava Dieden '23, COCOA House, Schenectady, NY

Avi Gajjar '23, CHOP, Philadelphia, PA

Komal Hombal '22, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Pasadena, CA

Grace Huebschmann '22, Spurwink Behavioral Health, Portland, ME

Deja Jenkins '23, YMCA, Attleboro, MA

Anuja Keerthi Konda '23, Bay Area Community Health, Fremont, CA

Elena Montoya '22, City Mission, Schenectady, NY

Jan Kaila Paguio 22, Statement Junky, New York, NY

Amber Raisner '22, CT Children's Hospital, Hartford, CT

Isabelle Riker '22, Town of Glenville, Glenville, NY

Adrianna Ryan '22, Abraham House, Utica, NY

Natalie Sharry '23, St. Peter's Food Pantry, Worcester, MA

Through generous support from alumni, families and friends of the College, the following students received funding for their nonprofit internships in summer 2020:

Matt Beazoglou '23, UConn Health Center, supporting Dr. Glenn Konopaske '95 in Farmington, CT

Osi Bialunska '23, YWCA, studying the value of the impact the YWCA has on the community of underprivileged women of El Paso, TX

Peyton Brown '21, Town of Glenville, NY assessing rural access to broadband in support of a CARES Act grant

Lori Chen '23, Joan Nicole Prince Home in Scotia, NY supporting fundraising efforts for a home for the terminally ill

Zelda Clegg '21, Massachusetts Sierra Club supporting climate action & renewable energy projects

Kaitlyn Connor '21, NY Division of Human Rights supporting outreach programs and the legal department

Erika Crampton '21, Supporting Living Inc. in Lexington & Marblehead, MA implementing an exercise program for participants who have acquired brain injuries and/or neurological disorders

Emma Cravo '21, Joan Nicole Prince Home in Scotia, NY supporting a home for the terminally ill, and investigating the use of morphine in a home setting

Crystal Flax '22, MLK Youth Center, Summer Camp Program in Bridgewater, NY supporting educational, cultural, social and nutritional needs for children from all ethnic backgrounds

Aida Girma '23, JFK Home/Apartments in Boston, MA supporting disabled and vulnerable elderly of color

Gigi Goldaber '22, Young Parents United in Schenectady, NY supporting and tutoring young parents

Ella Harper-Schiehl '23, The Sharing Center in Trevor, WI helping clients at a community food pantry

Sydney Lewis '21, Early Childhood Alliance in Syracuse, NY supporting families with resources to get children kindergarten ready

Michela Michielli '22, Conducting adolescent research with Dr. Marisa Silveri '95 in her Neurodevelopmental Laboratory on Addictions and Mental Health at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA

Haley Newman '22, Renewal House in Canton, NY supporting services and clients at a domestic violence/sexual assault shelter