Scott Kloeck-Jenson Social Impact Scholars

    Social Impact    ~    Community Development     ~     Public Policy     ~     Sustainability

    The Scott Kloeck-Jenson Social Impact Scholars program provides an opportunity for 8-12 rising juniors and seniors to explore social impact careers, gain professional experience, and develop as leaders. Students complete a full-time internship with a social impact organization in the Twin Cities while participating in regular academic and career reflection with fellow students, St. Olaf staff, community leaders, and alumni.

    **Click here for a 16-minute recorded information session for the 2025 program**

    Program Summary and Dates
    • Application Deadline: Sunday, February 16, 2025 @ 11:59 pm
    • Eligibility: Current Sophomore or Junior (Class of 2027 or 2026)
    • Housing (free): Housing at a partner campus in the Twin Cities (likely Frey Hall at the University of St. Thomas) is a required part of the program. Participants will have their own room and will share a kitchen and bathroom with other participants. Parking is included.
    • Stipend: $3500
    • Program Dates: Saturday, May 31 – Friday, August 1
      • Move-In Date: Saturday, May 31
      • Orientation: Monday, June 2
      • Internships Start Date: Tuesday, June 3
      • Move-Out Date: Friday, July 31
    • Internship Options: Students who are accepted into the SIS program will have the opportunity to interview for unique program internships that are not available to other students. More details about final SIS internship options will be made available by February 7, 2025. It is likely that many of the internships that were offered in 2024 (see below) will be offered again in 2025. 
    Learn More about the Program

    Internship
    Gain valuable experience working ~35 hours per week with a non-profit or public organization that is pursuing a social mission or addressing community needs. SIS program directors will identify a wide range of potential internships related to research, public policy, marketing/communications, program development, community engagement, grant writing, direct service, etc.

    Community Living
    Live on a residence hall floor at a partner campus in the Twin Cities (likely St. Thomas) with other SIS interns, suite-style, as well as other St. Olaf students pursuing summer internships. Program participants are expected to prioritize time building relationships with one another. 

    Seminars
    Meet with alumni and other community leaders, examine social and community issues, and discuss internship experiences through several seminars.

    Career Exploration & Vocational Discernment
    Spend time exploring vocational questions and career interests through various aspects of the program through conversation and written reflection with Piper Center staff.

    Internship Options
    Summer 2024 Internships

    *View a more detailed list of SIS 2024 internship options and their full position descriptions HERE

    Organization Internship Position Internship Model
    Collectivity  Summer Undergraduate Associate (1) In-person, hybrid possible
    Corcoran Neighborhood Organization (Midtown Farmers Market)  Intern/Market Assistant (1) In-person
    Daily Work Case Management Intern (1-2) In-person
    Heart of America Internal Training Development Intern (1-2) Hybrid (more remote than in-person)
    International Institute of Minnesota Immigration Services Intern (1-2) In-person
    Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Case Management Intern (1-2) In-person
    Project for Pride in Living Community Engagement Intern (1); Data and Impact Analysis Intern (1); Donor Data Intern (1) Hybrid
    Restorative Justice Community Action Communications Intern (1) In-person hybrid possible
    Saint Paul Promise Advocacy + Systems Change Summer Intern (1) In-person hybrid possible
         
    Second Harvest Heartland Human Resources Intern (1-2) Hybrid, remote possible
    The Aliveness Project Development and Marketing Intern (1) In-person, occasional hybrid possible
    Union Park District Council Community Organizer Associate (1-2) Hybrid
    Urban Boatbuilders Social Enterprise Intern (1-2) Hybrid
         
     
    Past Participants

    See here for a full list of past SIS participants.

    Qualifications
    • Interest in exploring a career or vocation related to social impact, community development, public policy, and/or environmental sustainability
    • Maturity and leadership potential, including the ability to represent St. Olaf in a professional manner
    • Ability and commitment to building relationships and community with other participants who come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences
    • Ability to make meaningful contributions in an internship setting
      • Skills may be demonstrated through academic experience, past internship(s), research, student employment, or other employment experiences, volunteer work, or campus leadership 
    • Interest in and capacity for meaningful reflection and group discussion related to themes such as social change, leadership, and vocation
    • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
    • **Applicants are encouraged to clearly and explicitly address these qualifications throughout the various components of their SIS application.
    Application Process
    1. Please complete the SIS Google Form (click here) as part of your application to the Scott Kloeck-Jenson Social Impact Scholars program. Please note that this form is ONE of THREE required components of the application. Please also note that internship options will continue to be updated until February 7, so we encourage you to wait to complete the internship site preference part of the application until that time (and prior to 2/16, the application deadline).
    2. Apply on Handshake (click here) by submitting your resume
    3. Have a faculty member submit a recommendation form (click here) on your behalf. Send your faculty an email with the link to the recommendation form to ensure they can complete it.
    Selection Process and Timeline
    • By September 30 – all SIS application materials (see above) will be available for applicants to access.
    • By February 7 – internship options will be finalized 
    • February 16 – all SIS applications are due and must be complete in order to be considered for the program.
    • By February 20 –  select applicants will be invited to sign up for interviews.
    • February 24 & 25 – SIS interviews will take place
    • February 26 – Notifications will begin to be sent to SIS applicants regarding selection to participate in the program. All students who receive an offer to participate on Wednesday, Feb. 26 must accept or decline by Friday, February 28.
    • After March 3 – SIS participants will have a chance to rerank their internship preferences. Program directors will invite each student to apply and interview for 1-3 internships. Students will be placed with specific internships based on the preferences of both the students and the employers. Program directors will continue to support students until every accepted student has secured an appropriate SIS internship.
    Questions

    Please contact Zoe Davis at davis44@stolaf.edu or Nate Jacobi at jacobi@stolaf.edu in the Piper Center. **Zoe will be on maternity leave until mid-January, so please contact Nate until that time. Thank you!