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.

Scholarship Programs Intern Role

The Scholarship Programs Intern is responsible for supporting administrative projects for the Scholarship Programs department. The intern will assist with projects including supply ordering, data entry, database maintenance, and document preparation and digitalization. The intern will provide other administrative support as requested for the programs, including sending emails, scheduling interviews, and tracking Scholar requirements.

Principal Responsibilities

• Contributes to the Young Scholars Program and Higher Education Programs efforts by supporting the administrative work of the program coordinators.
• Assists with purchasing Scholar supplies for the Young Scholars Program, including books, subscriptions, printers, and other miscellaneous items.
• Assists with database maintenance, including data entry and quality control checks.
• Provides support to virtual classes and groups in a learning management system.
• Helps process and track materials for scholarship recipient notifications.
• Schedules interviews for applicants during the Young Scholars Program selection process.
• Tracks Scholar annual requirements and updates databases accordingly.
• Provides in-person administrative support during Scholar events. This includes assisting with attendee registration, supporting Scholar travel needs, providing ongoing assistance to the events team, and helping with all customer service-related matters for all program participants and Staff.
• Communicates effectively with program Staff, and, as necessary, with Scholars and their families.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Currently pursuing associate, bachelor, or graduate education or have graduated within 6 months of start date.
• Basic data entry and database management skills.
• 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.