The Civic Engagement Internship Program (CEIP) provides experiential learning opportunities for college students to build civic skills by working alongside Alabama communities in capacity-building* projects. The internship is designed around the goal of transforming college students into active members of a community. The backgrounds, interests, majors, and skills of the students are as diverse as the communities where they will serve.
Benefits
Interns develop relationships, practice problem-solving, develop writing and journalism skills, and discover what makes democracy work as it should. This experiential learning program benefits students in creating narratives for scholarship applications and content for resumes. Scholarship providers want to fund students who will go on to achieve great things or who wish to give back to their communities. Employers prefer applicants who work to make a difference in one's community as these activities build leadership skills.
Spring and Summer Term Commitment
Interns will complete coursework during the spring semester to hone their writing and journalism skills. These skills will be used during the summer term to chronicle their experiences in civic engagement during a ten-week internship with a community partner. Interns will participate in the David Mathews Center Intern Retreat and project implementation meetings with community partners. Faculty mentors will assist interns in making the most of their immersive civic learning** experience.
Eligibility Requirements, Selection Process, Deadlines, and Application
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for participation in the Civic Engagement Internship Program, an applicant must:
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Be at least 18 years of age
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Be eligible for employment in the United States
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Currently have a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher
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Have completed English Composition I with a C or better
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Be enrolled in face-to-face classes at SUSCC (any field of study)
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Have reliable transportation
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Be available to work with assigned community partner at least 20 hours/week during the upcoming summer term
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee internship placement.
Note: Transient students are not eligible to participate in this program.
Selection Process
Civic Engagement Internship Program Applications will be accepted October 14-December 5, 2022.
1. Selected candidates will be notified via SUSCC email of scheduled interview with the selection committee.
2. Four candidates will be selected to serve as interns and will be notified via SUSCC email of their prospective internship placement.
3. Interns will return the internship contract to the project director and enroll in the required spring courses.
Application
Students interested in securing an internship should complete the Civic Engagement Internship Program Application by the deadline mentioned above.
Contract and Course Registration
Students selected to participate in the Civic Engagement Internship Program must submit the Internship
Contract (link coming soon).
Will I be paid?
Interns will receive a $1,600 stipend during the summer term. Interns will be awarded up to $300 for
supplies for student projects to complete their summer work. Approved travel expenses to attend the Intern
Retreat at the David Mathews Center for Civic Life will be reimbursed.
How many hours do I have to work?
Interns will work at least 20 hours a week for 10 weeks. This work must be supervised, though each of the
hours need not occur in the physical confines of the placement site.
How will my performance as an intern be evaluated?
Site supervisors evaluate the performance of interns. Instructors assess the intern’s reflection
assignments, final product, and the timeliness and thoroughness of the other assignments.
David Mathews Center for Civic Life
The Civic Engagement Internship Program supports the aims and goals of the David Mathews Center for Civic Life and is funded by the Jean O’Connor-Snyder Fund for Civic Education. For more information, visit the Jean O'Connor-Snyder Internship Program page. Interns who complete the program are encouraged to continue their work in civic engagement by applying for inclusion in the Living Democracy program at Auburn University.
For additional information, contact Tyler Laye, Project Director, at tlaye@suscc.edu.
*Capacity building is the process by which individuals and organizations obtain, improve, and retain the skills, knowledge, tools, equipment, and other resources needed to do their jobs competently or to a greater capacity (larger scale, larger audience, larger impact, etc.) https://en.wikiversity.org>wiki>Capacity_Building
**Immersive civic learning is characterized by active, continuous participation in both formal and informal civic spaces and personal experiences with a community and its individuals. https://www.mathewscenter.org/programs/