We’re Looking for Summer Interns

← Back to Blog January 11, 2012 by Grantmaking

This summer will be the 13th year of the Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship Program (SIP). The program was established to address the numerous inquiries the Foundation receives each year from college students regarding internship opportunities. Staying true to the mission of supporting the nonprofit sector, the staff and board of the Foundation developed a program that places interns in Cleveland-area nonprofit and public sector agencies. The Columbus Foundation, the Winnipeg Foundation, and Youngstown State University have developed internships/fellowship programs modeled after SIP.

As a benefit to the nonprofit and public sector, the Foundation handles the recruitment, selection, initial interviews, and professional development of the interns. We also work with the host site organizations to develop projects that embody the dynamic nature of the local nonprofit and public sector. This year’s host site projects speak to the variety of ways nonprofits are responding to the opportunities and challenges facing the region. Examples of projects include:

  • At the Fatima Center in Hough, designing a youth anti-bullying campaign
  • At the Northeast Shores Development Corporation, coordinating the home-buying process for the artists-in-residency program
  • At Global Cleveland in Downtown Cleveland, helping advance the mission of attracting and welcoming newcomers to Greater Cleveland and connecting them to the many opportunities at Cleveland State University
  • At the Cleveland Museum of Art in University Circle, conducting research for the popular Armor Court exhibit
  • At the City of Shaker Heights, working with the Planning Department on matters related to zoning and community planning
  • At the Cuyahoga National Valley Park in the only national park in Ohio, implementing a community outreach strategy
  • At the Tremont West Development Corporation in the Tremont neighborhood, supporting and promoting its farmers market
  • At New Avenues to Independence in Lake County, working to provide opportunities for people with disabilities and special needs to become more independent

Do you know a college student (undergrad, graduate student, and recent graduate) who is up for the challenge? A total of 17 internship placements are available. The deadline to apply is Feb. 6, 2012. The program runs from June 4 – Aug. 17, 2012.