JKCF Internship Program Overview

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial need. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded $304 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 students from 8th grade through graduate school, along with comprehensive academic advising, career pathway counseling and other support services. The Foundation has also provided $136 million in grants to organizations that serve such students.

The Cooke Foundation seeks motivated college students to join our intern team.  Cooke Foundation interns can expect a full-time, paid position from late-May through mid-August (minimum of 350 hours). Interns will engage in meaningful work alongside Cooke Foundation Staff within their chosen internship focus to gain real hands-on experience, as well as broader exposure to the work of private foundations and scholarship organizations.

Program Communications Summer Intern Role

The Program Communications Intern supports the Scholar Experience team working on special projects and events. Responsibilities may include assisting with gathering background research on higher education practices, data entry, document preparation, communications, and other administrative tasks. The intern will also support preparations and logistics for special events, as well as provide on-site support during events.

Principal Responsibilities

• Conduct research and gather information related to higher education practices, career services, and alumni engagement.

• Assist with producing program materials, including basic editing and formatting, creating visuals, synthesizing data, and compiling references.
• Assist with communications, developing written materials, and drafting emails for the scholarship programs and the events departments.

• Assist the Scholar Experience team with event planning and logistics, which may include schedule development, venue set-up, material preparation, supply procurement, and registration management.

• Provides administrative support to the Scholar Experience team as directed.
• Provide on-site support during events, which may include assisting with attendee travel days, preparing rooms for presentations and special events, assisting the Events Manager, and helping with all customer service-related matters for program participants and Staff.
• Support preparations for special events such as banquets and other activities.
• Communicates effectively with program Staff, and, as necessary, with Scholars and their families.
• Works collaboratively with others to complete projects and goals.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Currently pursuing associate, bachelor, or graduate education or have graduated within 6 months of start date.
• Experience in a professional office setting preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and interpersonal relations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Positive team player eager to take initiative on multiple projects.
• Strong attention to detail & organizational skills.
• Must be available to work some nights and weekends to staff events.
• Access to personal transportation/housing is required.

Location and Type of Work

This position will primarily work from our headquarters office in Lansdowne, Virginia, to maintain a connection to their colleagues and foster a sense of cross-functional collaboration. Our permanent hybrid work schedule is Tuesday and Wednesday in-office, with some flexibility to work remote on other days.  This position will be required to work some nights and weekends to staff events, which includes our Scholars Weekend Event on July 31 – August 3.

Compensation

In addition to the opportunity to gain valuable experience, the Cooke Foundation summer internship program offers a competitive hourly wage of $18.00/hour.

Please note that the program will follow the Cooke Foundation summer holiday calendar which includes two unpaid holidays, Juneteenth (June 19) and July 4.

How to Apply

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter through the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Career Center. E-Verify employer. No phone calls please.