Connecting Students to Careers in the Nonprofit and Public Sectors

The Cleveland Foundation has conducted a summer internship program since 1999 that provides talented and diverse undergraduate students and recent college graduates an opportunity to work within Cleveland-area nonprofit and public sector organizations. Beyond an 11-week paid internship experience, interns also participate in and coordinate seminars that highlight the work of local nonprofit and public sector organizations, their roles within the community, and opportunities for professional development.

Timeline

November-January – Organizations are invited to apply to host a summer intern

Feb. 1 – Deadline for interns to apply to the program

March/April– Interviews with top candidates are conducted

April– Hiring decisions are made

Late May/August – 11-week job experience for interns takes place

Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, as we move closer to May, we will be continuing to monitor and adjust the format of the 2021 Summer Internship program 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 interns and staff, please be aware that internship placements may be virtual, in-person, and/or a hybrid and formal sessions as a cohort may be solely virtual.

The program’s objectives include:

  • Increasing local organizations’ capacity to conduct important short-term projects
  • Providing a full time, paid internship opportunity ($13 per hour) and meaningful career-related work experience
  • Stimulating interest in a career in the nonprofit or public sectors
  • Exposing interns to a broad range of nonprofit/public sector organizations, leaders, and partnerships, building their first-hand knowledge of the Greater Cleveland nonprofit community and public sector endeavors

Group of 2018 Summer Interns stands in front of "Summer of Purpose" backdrop Read more about past interns’ projects and experiences on our blog and follow #SummerofPurpose on social media for updates. You can subscribe to receive the Summer Internship Program e-newsletter here. 

Also, check out these interviews with three of our 2015 Summer Interns:

Joyce Huang – Cuyahoga Land Bank

Khalid Ali – Cleveland Transformation Alliance

Sam Braun – Montefiore Foundation

More Information & How to Apply:

Whether you’re a student who is interested in applying to become an intern, or you work for a nonprofit or public sector organization that is interested in hosting an intern, find more information and application instructions here:

How to Apply for the 2021 Summer Internship – CLICK HERE

(For Organizations) How to Host a 2021 Summer Intern – CLICK HERE