Internship Stipend
Cooke College Scholars and Cooke Transfer Scholars are invited to apply for a one-time stipend of up to $6,000 to pursue an unpaid summer internship at a non-profit or government organization in 2021.
Internship Stipend Information
UPDATE– REDUCED HOUR REQUIREMENTS!
Due to the current state of affairs, the Foundation is allowing reduced internship hours for a prorated stipend amount. Here are the adjusted tiers:
| Internship Hours | New Young Scholar to
College Scholar Stipend |
Current College and Undergraduate Transfer Scholar Stipend |
| 50% (160 – 239 hours) | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| 75% (240 – 319 hours) | $3,000 | $4,500 |
| 100% (320+ hours) | $4,000 | $6,000 |
You must denote the number of hours on your stipend application. Please note that this is an exceptional change to our process just for summer 2020 and 2021.
The application has a rolling deadline. Scholars will have two opportunities to apply for the stipend:
- April 8 Deadline (Early Decision): Submit for April 20 early notification
- May 13 Deadline (Regular Decision): Submit for May 27 regular notification
Applying early decision will allow you an opportunity to receive feedback, edit, and resubmit your application for consideration in the regular decision round if not initially selected.
For those interested in the Cooke National Council for Community and Education Partnerships Internship, 12Plus Internship, or the Karel Fellowship, note that the application processes and timelines are different from the Summer Internship Stipend.
Each year we receive an increased number of quality applications and the process is selective. To help you better prepare your application, please consider the following:
- Relevance to Major/Career: We are looking for well thought out applications with internships that align with academic and career goals.
- Depth of Proposed Experience and Goal Setting: Whether the internship is meant as a deeper pursuit of a previous similar internship or experience or as an exploratory experience to help you narrow down your interests and goals, you should provide a thoughtful reflection of why you chose that particular experience.
- Evaluation and Evidence of Support: We are looking for clear descriptions of probable tasks and projects you have identified with your supervisor. Please do your best to accurately reflect what you will be working on for the summer; we do recognize that actual projects are likely to change slightly as you begin the internship and we will not penalize you for those changes.
- Scholar Standing: You must be in good academic standing with the foundation. In addition,
preference is given to those who have not received an internship stipend before.
Scholars are responsible for obtaining their own internships. Please visit your institution’s career center website or office for a list of internship opportunities. Keep an eye on Cooke Connect and Facebook postings for opportunities.
Tips for Securing an Internship
- Identify why you want to do an internship
- Explore fields of interest, careers, or organizations where you might intern
- Consider application deadlines, compensation, length of the internship, location, and available academic credit for the program
- Create or update your resume and cover letter, and strengthen your professional writing skills (Guide here)
- Practice interviewing and gather references, recommendations, and transcripts
The “Steps to Finding Internships” download provides more detail for each suggestion.
Each internship stipend recipient must complete a Final Report about their internship and submit a Supervisor Completion Form. Both forms are due on September 14, 2021.
Internship Stipend Information
UPDATE– REDUCED HOUR REQUIREMENTS!
Due to the current state of affairs, the Foundation is allowing reduced internship hours for a prorated stipend amount. Here are the adjusted tiers:
| Internship Hours | New Young Scholar to
College Scholar Stipend |
Current College and Undergraduate Transfer Scholar Stipend |
| 50% (160 – 239 hours) | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| 75% (240 – 319 hours) | $3,000 | $4,500 |
| 100% (320+ hours) | $4,000 | $6,000 |
You must denote the number of hours on your stipend application. Please note that this is an exceptional change to our process just for summer 2020 and 2021.
The application has a rolling deadline. Scholars will have two opportunities to apply for the stipend:
- April 8 Deadline (Early Decision): Submit for April 20 early notification
- May 13 Deadline (Regular Decision): Submit for May 27 regular notification
Applying early decision will allow you an opportunity to receive feedback, edit, and resubmit your application for consideration in the regular decision round if not initially selected.
For those interested in the Cooke National Council for Community and Education Partnerships Internship, 12Plus Internship, or the Karel Fellowship, note that the application processes and timelines are different from the Summer Internship Stipend.
Each year we receive an increased number of quality applications and the process is selective. To help you better prepare your application, please consider the following:
- Relevance to Major/Career: We are looking for well thought out applications with internships that align with academic and career goals.
- Depth of Proposed Experience and Goal Setting: Whether the internship is meant as a deeper pursuit of a previous similar internship or experience or as an exploratory experience to help you narrow down your interests and goals, you should provide a thoughtful reflection of why you chose that particular experience.
- Evaluation and Evidence of Support: We are looking for clear descriptions of probable tasks and projects you have identified with your supervisor. Please do your best to accurately reflect what you will be working on for the summer; we do recognize that actual projects are likely to change slightly as you begin the internship and we will not penalize you for those changes.
- Scholar Standing: You must be in good academic standing with the foundation. In addition,
preference is given to those who have not received an internship stipend before.
Scholars are responsible for obtaining their own internships. Please visit your institution’s career center website or office for a list of internship opportunities. Keep an eye on Cooke Connect and Facebook postings for opportunities.
Tips for Securing an Internship
- Identify why you want to do an internship
- Explore fields of interest, careers, or organizations where you might intern
- Consider application deadlines, compensation, length of the internship, location, and available academic credit for the program
- Create or update your resume and cover letter, and strengthen your professional writing skills (Guide here)
- Practice interviewing and gather references, recommendations, and transcripts
The “Steps to Finding Internships” download provides more detail for each suggestion.
Each internship stipend recipient must complete a Final Report about their internship and submit a Supervisor Completion Form. Both forms are due on September 14, 2021.
Additional Internship Opportunities
Cooke National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) Internship
The National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) is a national non-profit organization working to increase access to higher education for economically disadvantaged students. One of NCCEP’s primary initiatives is with the federally funded GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) where they work to conduct research, provide training, host events, and advocate for policies and practices that increase high school graduation rates and facilitate postsecondary enrollment. In support of these efforts, NCCEP is seeking a Communications Intern to assist with their social media strategy, conduct research, and draft articles for their blog and weekly digest. This is a full-time, virtual, paid internship open to Scholars interested in communications, advocacy, or education.
To apply for the NCCEP internship, complete the application here.
Deadline
Applications due: March 15, 2021
Notification: early April 2021
How many internship positions are there for Cooke Scholars?
There is one NCCEP internship position reserved for a Cooke Scholar.
Internship Details
NCCEP is seeking a talented, currently enrolled Scholar who can demonstrate the following:
- Pre-existing interest in education, communications, and advocacy
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Experience with social media, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
- Ability to synthesize data collected and generate written material
- Attention to detail with the abilityto multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines
- Ability to transition easily from working as a team player to working independently
- Desire to grow and learn from the experience
Due to Covid-19, this position will be virtual. The dates of the internship are flexible, but the selected intern must complete 320 hours with NCCEP between June 1, 2021 and August 31, 2021 and complete a final internship evaluation report at the end of the program. The $6,000 stipend is a cash award paid directly to the selected Scholar the first week of June.
Cooke Karel Fellowship
The Karel Fellowship is an eight-week summer program that encourages students to consider professional opportunities in the field of public interest communications (PIC). PIC is the development and implementation of science-based, strategic communication campaigns whose goal is to create social change. Fellows will intern in the communications department of a leading local, national, or international nonprofit in the Greater Washington D.C. area. In the past, Fellows have interned at Truth Initiative, Amnesty International, The World Wildlife Fund, and many more.
Deadline
Applications are due on February 26, 2021.
Any current undergraduate Cooke Scholar who will be a junior or senior during the 2021-2022 school year is eligible to apply. The Fellowship is not limited to communication majors. Cooke Scholars who are majoring in political science, public policy, marketing, education, nonprofit administration and related fields are also encouraged to apply.
How many Fellowship positions are there for Cooke Scholars?
There are four fellowship spots reserved for Cooke Scholars.
Internship Details
The program runs from June 14 – August 6, 2021.
Fellows will receive a $3,000 stipend (minus taxes), paid housing, and a travel stipend (amounts will vary depending on where Fellows are traveling from).
Upon completing the program, Fellows will join a growing network of Karel alum. As alumni, you’ll be asked to help with recruitment, attend events and mentor incoming Fellows, among other things. You’re expected and encouraged to stay involved!
In past years Fellows have also been offered the opportunity to attend and speak at frank during the spring following their summer Fellowship. frank is a national conference hosted at the University Florida that brings together professionals from across the social change spectrum to discuss fresh research, insights and news pertaining to the field of public interest communications.
All travel, lodging and food expenses related to frank are covered by the Fellowship.
Cooke 12+ Internship
12+ is a college access nonprofit organization that partners with Philadelphia high schools to make sure all students graduate with a post-secondary plan and successfully transition to their chosen institutions.
The Cooke 12+ Intern will spend the summer working virtually with 12+ program staff in Philadelphia to:
- Support high school graduates as they finalize postsecondary education plans and complete enrollment
- Develop education programs that will be implemented throughout the academic year
- Assist with social media updates and data management
- Support other summer programs and operations
This is a great opportunity for Cooke Scholars who are considering a career in education, nonprofit work, or college access.
For more information about 12+, please visit their website www.12plus.org.
Deadline
The deadline to apply for this opportunity is March 10, 2021 with notification in mid-April 2021.
Internship Details
The dates of the internship are flexible, but the selected intern must virtually complete at least 320 hours with 12+ between June 1, 2021 and August 31, 2021.
The intern will receive a $6,000 stipend as a cash award paid directly to the selected Scholar the first week of June. It is up to the Scholar to budget the stipend to cover any travel, housing, or other personal expenses incurred for the internship as no additional funding will be provided.
At the end of the summer, the intern must submit a final report providing an evaluation of the program and their experience working at 12+.
Apply to the 12+ Internship Here
12+ is seeking a Jack Kent Cooke Intern to work with the Director of Alumni Support, assisting with managing and advising Class of 2020 Graduates in their first year of post-secondary education. This position will mostly consist of advising a small cohort (roughly 20 students), as well as handling general tasks for the organization including social media updates, research and resource sharing, and event planning. A typical week for the intern may consist of student meetings, data management, and workshop and resource development on transition topics like completing the enrollment process, adjusting to life away from home, becoming involved on campus, and budgeting and personal finance.
Candidates should:
- Be willing to do research to find out about school-specific, on-campus supports and preferably have personal on-campus involvement in extracurriculars, clubs, academic supports, etc.
- Have excellent speaking and written communication skills, particularly when explaining and outlining tasks for students. Must be able to break down complicated concepts and procedures into small digestible steps.
- Be passionate about education and willing to learn more about the Philadelphia education scene in general, as well as open to helping find solutions for the multiple challenges Philadelphia students face in their first year after high school.
- Be either familiar with or open to learning about various educational platforms such as Canvas, Elucian, or Microsoft Live Email in order to assist students with registration, enrollment, checking grades, and various other online tasks.
- Be familiar with filing FAFSA and other Financial Aid forms, as well as additional Financial Aid verification forms.
- Be familiar with the Google Drive Suite in order to maintain and share resources and student data.
- Be familiar with or willing to learn about AirTable, a data management tool.
- Be equally comfortable working on a team and independently.
- Have excellent time-management and project management skills.
- Be creative, enthusiastic, self-directed, and willing to learn.
- Let us know if they are fluent in Spanish which is a plus, but not required.
Interested Scholars should complete the application here.
Cooke FLIP National Internship
FLIP National is an organization that advocates for first-generation, low-income students in higher education. Through the establishment of FLIP chapters on different campuses, FLIP is able to provide a place of community for first-generation and low-income (FGLI) students and create a forum to identify the needs of the group and to establish campus-based resources to support them. In addition to their work on campus, FLIP staff members also advocate for policy changes on a broader level.
To apply to the FLIP National internship, complete the application here.
Deadline
Applications due: April 25, 2021
Notification: mid-May 2021
How many internship positions are there for Cooke Scholars?
Multiple fellowship spots are open for Cooke Scholars.
Internship Details
FLIP National is seeking current Scholars who:
- Have experience with coding, website design, or app development
- Enjoy social media and You Tube program development
- Are interested in research and evaluation of programs that serve FGLI students
- Advocate for their needs and the needs of others
- Want to establish FLIP chapters on their own campuses
Fellows will have the opportunity to work on one of five teams:
- Finance (grant writing)
- Technology
- Communications
- Chapter Establishment & Development
- Research
Experience in your chosen area of interest is a plus, but not required.
The FLIP National Fellowship is 100% virtual. FLIP staff foster an environment in which ideas are listened to and acted on whenever possible. Fellows are encouraged to take initiative and develop their own projects if they so choose. There is a possibility that fellows can remain with the organization beyond the summer if interested.
Selected fellow must complete 320 hours with FLIP by August 31, 2021 and complete a final internship evaluation report at the end of the program. The $6,000 stipend is a cash award paid directly to selected Scholars the first week of June.
Additional Internship Opportunities
Cooke National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) Internship
The National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) is a national non-profit organization working to increase access to higher education for economically disadvantaged students. One of NCCEP’s primary initiatives is with the federally funded GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) where they work to conduct research, provide training, host events, and advocate for policies and practices that increase high school graduation rates and facilitate postsecondary enrollment. In support of these efforts, NCCEP is seeking a Communications Intern to assist with their social media strategy, conduct research, and draft articles for their blog and weekly digest. This is a full-time, virtual, paid internship open to Scholars interested in communications, advocacy, or education.
To apply for the NCCEP internship, complete the application here.
Deadline
Applications due: March 15, 2021
Notification: early April 2021
How many internship positions are there for Cooke Scholars?
There is one NCCEP internship position reserved for a Cooke Scholar.
Internship Details
NCCEP is seeking a talented, currently enrolled Scholar who can demonstrate the following:
- Pre-existing interest in education, communications, and advocacy
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Experience with social media, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
- Ability to synthesize data collected and generate written material
- Attention to detail with the abilityto multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines
- Ability to transition easily from working as a team player to working independently
- Desire to grow and learn from the experience
Due to Covid-19, this position will be virtual. The dates of the internship are flexible, but the selected intern must complete 320 hours with NCCEP between June 1, 2021 and August 31, 2021 and complete a final internship evaluation report at the end of the program. The $6,000 stipend is a cash award paid directly to the selected Scholar the first week of June.
Cooke Karel Fellowship
The Karel Fellowship is an eight-week summer program that encourages students to consider professional opportunities in the field of public interest communications (PIC). PIC is the development and implementation of science-based, strategic communication campaigns whose goal is to create social change. Fellows will intern in the communications department of a leading local, national, or international nonprofit in the Greater Washington D.C. area. In the past, Fellows have interned at Truth Initiative, Amnesty International, The World Wildlife Fund, and many more.
Deadline
Applications are due on February 26, 2021.
Any current undergraduate Cooke Scholar who will be a junior or senior during the 2021-2022 school year is eligible to apply. The Fellowship is not limited to communication majors. Cooke Scholars who are majoring in political science, public policy, marketing, education, nonprofit administration and related fields are also encouraged to apply.
How many Fellowship positions are there for Cooke Scholars?
There are four fellowship spots reserved for Cooke Scholars.
Internship Details
The program runs from June 14 – August 6, 2021.
Fellows will receive a $3,000 stipend (minus taxes), paid housing, and a travel stipend (amounts will vary depending on where Fellows are traveling from).
Upon completing the program, Fellows will join a growing network of Karel alum. As alumni, you’ll be asked to help with recruitment, attend events and mentor incoming Fellows, among other things. You’re expected and encouraged to stay involved!
In past years Fellows have also been offered the opportunity to attend and speak at frank during the spring following their summer Fellowship. frank is a national conference hosted at the University Florida that brings together professionals from across the social change spectrum to discuss fresh research, insights and news pertaining to the field of public interest communications.
All travel, lodging and food expenses related to frank are covered by the Fellowship.
Cooke 12+ Internship
12+ is a college access nonprofit organization that partners with Philadelphia high schools to make sure all students graduate with a post-secondary plan and successfully transition to their chosen institutions.
The Cooke 12+ Intern will spend the summer working virtually with 12+ program staff in Philadelphia to:
- Support high school graduates as they finalize postsecondary education plans and complete enrollment
- Develop education programs that will be implemented throughout the academic year
- Assist with social media updates and data management
- Support other summer programs and operations
This is a great opportunity for Cooke Scholars who are considering a career in education, nonprofit work, or college access.
For more information about 12+, please visit their website www.12plus.org.
Deadline
The deadline to apply for this opportunity is March 10, 2021 with notification in mid-April 2021.
Internship Details
The dates of the internship are flexible, but the selected intern must virtually complete at least 320 hours with 12+ between June 1, 2021 and August 31, 2021.
The intern will receive a $6,000 stipend as a cash award paid directly to the selected Scholar the first week of June. It is up to the Scholar to budget the stipend to cover any travel, housing, or other personal expenses incurred for the internship as no additional funding will be provided.
At the end of the summer, the intern must submit a final report providing an evaluation of the program and their experience working at 12+.
Apply to the 12+ Internship Here
12+ is seeking a Jack Kent Cooke Intern to work with the Director of Alumni Support, assisting with managing and advising Class of 2020 Graduates in their first year of post-secondary education. This position will mostly consist of advising a small cohort (roughly 20 students), as well as handling general tasks for the organization including social media updates, research and resource sharing, and event planning. A typical week for the intern may consist of student meetings, data management, and workshop and resource development on transition topics like completing the enrollment process, adjusting to life away from home, becoming involved on campus, and budgeting and personal finance.
Candidates should:
- Be willing to do research to find out about school-specific, on-campus supports and preferably have personal on-campus involvement in extracurriculars, clubs, academic supports, etc.
- Have excellent speaking and written communication skills, particularly when explaining and outlining tasks for students. Must be able to break down complicated concepts and procedures into small digestible steps.
- Be passionate about education and willing to learn more about the Philadelphia education scene in general, as well as open to helping find solutions for the multiple challenges Philadelphia students face in their first year after high school.
- Be either familiar with or open to learning about various educational platforms such as Canvas, Elucian, or Microsoft Live Email in order to assist students with registration, enrollment, checking grades, and various other online tasks.
- Be familiar with filing FAFSA and other Financial Aid forms, as well as additional Financial Aid verification forms.
- Be familiar with the Google Drive Suite in order to maintain and share resources and student data.
- Be familiar with or willing to learn about AirTable, a data management tool.
- Be equally comfortable working on a team and independently.
- Have excellent time-management and project management skills.
- Be creative, enthusiastic, self-directed, and willing to learn.
- Let us know if they are fluent in Spanish which is a plus, but not required.
Interested Scholars should complete the application here.
Cooke FLIP National Internship
FLIP National is an organization that advocates for first-generation, low-income students in higher education. Through the establishment of FLIP chapters on different campuses, FLIP is able to provide a place of community for first-generation and low-income (FGLI) students and create a forum to identify the needs of the group and to establish campus-based resources to support them. In addition to their work on campus, FLIP staff members also advocate for policy changes on a broader level.
To apply to the FLIP National internship, complete the application here.
Deadline
Applications due: April 25, 2021
Notification: mid-May 2021
How many internship positions are there for Cooke Scholars?
Multiple fellowship spots are open for Cooke Scholars.
Internship Details
FLIP National is seeking current Scholars who:
- Have experience with coding, website design, or app development
- Enjoy social media and You Tube program development
- Are interested in research and evaluation of programs that serve FGLI students
- Advocate for their needs and the needs of others
- Want to establish FLIP chapters on their own campuses
Fellows will have the opportunity to work on one of five teams:
- Finance (grant writing)
- Technology
- Communications
- Chapter Establishment & Development
- Research
Experience in your chosen area of interest is a plus, but not required.
The FLIP National Fellowship is 100% virtual. FLIP staff foster an environment in which ideas are listened to and acted on whenever possible. Fellows are encouraged to take initiative and develop their own projects if they so choose. There is a possibility that fellows can remain with the organization beyond the summer if interested.
Selected fellow must complete 320 hours with FLIP by August 31, 2021 and complete a final internship evaluation report at the end of the program. The $6,000 stipend is a cash award paid directly to selected Scholars the first week of June.
Guidelines and Forms
Additional Resources
FAQs
Am I eligible for the stipend if I am receiving credit from my college or university for the internship?
Are international Scholars eligible to apply?
Contact Us
Email
College Scholarship Program: collegescholars@jkcf.org
Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship: undergradscholars@jkcf.org
Graduate Scholarship: gradscholars@jkcf.org
Award, bill, payment, or other finance inquiries: finances@jkcf.org
Phone
Toll-free: 800-846-9025
Receptionist: 571-799-8000
Fax
Main fax: 703-723-8030
Finance fax: 571-209-1775