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 12-14 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, faculty, community leaders, and alumni.

    Program Summary and Dates
    • Application Deadline: Sunday, February 18
    • Eligibility: Current Sophomore or Junior (Class of 2025 or 2026)
    • Housing (free): Housing in 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 living room with other participants, parking is included)
    • Stipend: $3500
    • Program Dates: Saturday, June 1 (move in)  – Friday, August 2 (move out)
      • Move-In Date: Saturday, June 1
      • Orientation: Monday, June 3
      • Internship Start Date: Tuesday, June 4
      • Move-Out Date: Friday, August 4
    • Internship Options: Students who are accepted into the program will have the opportunity to interview for “special” SIS internships that are not available to other students. More details about the SIS internship options will be made available in January into early February. It is likely that many of the internships that were offered in 2023 (below) will be offered again in 2024. 
    Learn More about the Program

    See the video below to hear from Jackson Brus, SIS alum, who shares his thoughts on the community living component of the program, public transportation in the Twin Cities, and more!

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

    Community Living
    Live on a residence hall floor at St. Thomas with other SIS interns, suite style, as well as other St. Olaf students pursuing summer internships. Students are asked to prioritize time building relationships with other program participants. 

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

    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 2023 Social Impact SchOlars Internships

    *View a detailed list of 2023 SIS internship options and their full position descriptions HERE

    Organization Internship Position Internship Model
    Collectivity  Summer Undergraduate Associate (1-2) In-Person or Hybrid
    Corcoran Neighborhood Organization (Midtown Farmers Market)  Community Program Intern (1) In-Person
    Daily Work Case Management Intern (1) In-Person
    Health Bridges International Research Assistant (1-2) Remote
    Heart of America Development Data Review and Analysis Intern (1-2) Remote, with opportunity for in-person work
    Institute for Local Self-Reliance Energy Democracy Intern (1) Remote, with opportunity for in-person work
    International Institute of Minnesota  Immigration Services Intern (1-2) In-Person
    Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota Case Management Intern (1-2) Hybrid
    Project for Pride in Living Career Services Intern (1-2), Data and Impact Analyst Intern (1), Race Equity and Culture Intern (1), Summer Grants Intern (1), Volunteer Team Intern (3) Hybrid
    Restorative Justice Community Action Communications Intern (1) In-Person or Hybrid
    Second Harvest Heartland Human Resources Generalist Intern (1) Hybrid
    The Bakken Museum Museum Generalist Intern (1) In-Person (hybrid possible)
    Union Park District Council Community Organizer Associate (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, through past internship, research, student employment, or other employment experience, 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 skillsApplicants are encouraged to clearly and explicitly address the aforementioned qualifications throughout the various components of their application.
    Application Process

    See this short video for more information about the program, application and internship matching 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 the internship options will continue to be updated until February 10, so we encourage you to wait to complete the internship site preference part of the application until that time (and prior to 2/18, 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 January 9 – all SIS application materials (see above) will be available for applicants to access.
    • February 18 – all SIS applications are due and must be complete in order to be considered for the program.
    • By February 22 –  select applicants will be invited to sign up for interviews.
    • February 26 & 27 – SIS interviews will take place
    • February 28 – 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. 28th must accept or decline by Friday, March 1st.
    • After March 2 – SIS participants will have a chance to rerank their internships 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 the preferences of both the students and the employers. Program directors will continue to support students until every student has secured an appropriate SIS internship.
    Questions

    Please contact Zoe Davis davis44@stolaf.edu in the Piper Center.