Nonprofit and public sector organizations can apply now to host a Cleveland Foundation Summer Intern or Public Service Fellow

a group of public service fellows

Applications are now being accepted for local nonprofit and public sector organizations that wish to host a Cleveland Foundation Summer Intern in 2021 or a Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellow in the 2021-22 cohort. Host organizations benefit from increased capacity to conduct important projects, while interns and fellows benefit from the exposure to career-related work experience. It’s a win-win! Learn more about the benefits and responsibilities of serving as a host organization and apply today:

Host a 2021 Cleveland Foundation Summer Intern

Now in its 22nd year, the Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship Program provides talented and diverse undergraduate students and recent college graduates an opportunity to work within Cleveland-area nonprofit and public sector organizations during an 11-week paid summer internship. If your organization could use increased staff capacity for the summer of 2021 (Late May – August), has one to two important short-term projects to execute over the summer, and has the time and interest in helping to guide, nurture and develop emerging talent, then please consider applying to host a 2021 Cleveland Foundation Summer Intern!

Summer Internship Host Site Eligibility and Responsibilities

Host organizations must:

  • Be located within Cuyahoga, Lake, or Geauga counties
  • Appoint a senior staff member to serve as the intern’s supervisor
  • Provide meaningful work and learning experiences for the intern
  • Develop and share a work plan for the intern outlining objectives and deliverables that will be accomplished throughout the 11-week term
  • Provide a workspace, equipment and/or any other resources the intern will need to complete work assignments
  • Accept the intern as a temporary employee of your organization for the 11-week term of the internship program. The foundation provides funding to cover the intern’s salary.
  • Be willing to work with the Cleveland Foundation team and other host organizations (where applicable) through the selection, onboarding and supervision process

The deadline for summer internship host site applications is Jan. 18, 2021.

Learn more and apply here.

Host a 2021-22 Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellow

Launched in 2016, the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship immerses talented, emerging leaders from across the country in the work of Cleveland’s public sector, providing them an opportunity to develop their skills, enhance their networks, and jumpstart a career in public service. If your governmental department or public sector agency could benefit from the addition of full-time fellow for 12 months (September 2021 – August 2022) and is committed to developing and advancing talented individuals early in their career, then please consider applying to host a 2021-22 Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellow!

Public Service Fellowship Host Site Eligibility and Responsibilities:

Host organizations must:

  • Provide a stable and collegial work environment with ample supervision, feedback and support to ensure a successful fellowship experience
  • Provide meaningful work and learning experiences for the fellow as guided by a well-defined scope of work or project
  • Appoint a senior staff member to serve as the fellow’s supervisor
  • Develop a plan for regularly scheduled “access to leadership” within the organization
  • Provide a workspace and other resources (access to a computer, reference materials, telephone, rights to Zoom/other key software, PPE, policies related to safety and expectations within the workplace) needed for the fellow to complete work assignments
  • Accept the fellow as a regular full-time employee of your organization subject to regular rights and responsibilities. The foundation provides funding to cover the fellow’s salary, benefits, and some professional development.
  • Attend a mandatory orientation at the Cleveland Foundation for selected Host Sites, participate in regular touch points with foundation staff and supervisors throughout the year, and provide feedback via surveys
  • Fellows will be released the equivalent of two paid days (approximately 14 hours) per month for training and professional development as a cohort. Fellows are expected to attend all of these sessions in full, and each of the fellows will be responsible for coordinating one day to highlight the work of their host agency.

The deadline for public service fellowship host site applications is Feb. 1, 2021. 

Learn more and apply here.

Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, we will be continuing to monitor and adjust the format of the programs in accordance with the ongoing guidance of public health experts and agencies. As part of the Leadership Development priority area, we remain committed to this program, but to ensure the safety of fellows and staff, please be aware that internship and/or fellowship placements may be virtual, in-person, and/or a hybrid, and formal sessions as a cohort may be solely virtual.