Is the Piper Center available to help me find an internship?
Yes, if you are seeking possible internship opportunities, please come by the Piper Center and work with a Peer Advisor to learn strategies for your search. You may also login to Handshake to schedule an appointment with a coach.
What is required to submit an application?
An application will be considered completed when the Grant Application Form (online form) has been completed and when a hard copy of the application packet has been submitted to the Piper Center. The application packet must include the Internship Site Confirmation Letter/Email, Grant Award Budget Worksheet, Written Statement Form and Resume. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered so you are encouraged to secure your internship and request the confirmation letter/email well before the deadline.
Can I apply if I have not secured an internship and a confirmation letter or email by the application deadline?
No, unfortunately we are not able to accept incomplete applications. You are encouraged to begin your internship search as early as possible and to request the confirmation letter or email at least a week or two before it is needed. *For the March deadline (summer internships) there is a possibility that a second deadline will be added, depending on available funding.
What kinds of opportunities will be considered for funding? My experience isn’t exactly an internship.
We will look at your application in full, and particularly your written statement where you describe how this experience will benefit your future career planning. In most cases, if the experience will help you explore your vocational and career interests and develop professional skills, and meets the other criteria, we are likely to accept it as appropriate.
Can I combine work at multiple sites?
Yes. Most recipients intern at one site, sometimes two, although in special circumstances it might make sense to combine more than two experiences. For example, a student could have a more traditional primary internship experience, but also include a part-time volunteer role or incorporate rotational shadowing as a secondary experience. Please include a confirmation letter or email from each site for the two most significant experiences. In your written statement please describe how each experience will contribute to your vocational and career goals.
Does my internship need to fulfill both the minimum hour and duration requirement (e.g., minimum of 150 hours over at least 4 weeks for Interim and at least 240 hours over at least 8 weeks in the summer)?
Yes. However, there is some flexibility in how you meet these requirements. For example, it might make sense to combine two different, but related experiences to meet the minimum requirements.
Am I eligible to receive the Internship Grant Award if I previously received a different type of internship funding form the Piper Center?
Students who have received internship funding from the Johnson Opportunity Fund are eligible for the Internship Grant Award. Students who have received funding through a cohort internship program, Public Affairs Award, M.A. Cargill Award, LUCE Grant, etc. are eligible, but if there is overwhelming demand for funds priority will be to given to those that have not received any internship funding in the past.
What criteria will the selection committee be using when determining which applications to select for a grant award?
Applications will only be considered if they meet all of the requirements describe on the website. The goal is to be able to support all applications that meet the requirements and demonstrate a direct connection to vocational and career goals.
If I receive an award, how much funding can I expect?
The maximum award is $2,000, but depending on the number of qualified applicants it is likely that students will receive a percentage of their request. In the past students have received 60- 85% of their request (or 60- 85% of $2,000 if the request was over $2,000).
Can I apply for an internship grant award to support a fall or spring semester internship?
At this time we are only able to offer funding for Interim and summer internships due to the administration it requires and the funding available. If you have demonstrated financial need, you may eligible to apply for funding through the Johnson Opportunity Fund.
Am I required to register for an academic internship for my experience?
No.
Do I have the option to earn academic credit for my internship? If so, what is the process?
Registering for an academic internship is a different process with different deadlines. Please review the following websites for details: Domestic Academic Internship or International Academic Internship.
Is it a good idea to have my application or written statement reviewed by someone in the Piper Center before I submit it?
Following all of the instructions is the best way to ensure a successful application. The Piper Center is always interested in helping you explore and pursue your vocational and career interests, but it is generally not necessary to have your application or written statement reviewed before submitting it. Peer Advisors are also always available for an initial resume review.
What if I cannot attend one of the required Orientation Sessions?
We expect that recipients who are on campus will attend one of the two orientation sessions. If you are abroad or have another special situation that will prevent you from attending you will need to explain your situation when you accept your award.
When will I be notified if I am chosen for the award?
You will be notified approximately two weeks after the deadline.
If I am awarded funding, when will I receive payment?
Those that are awarded funding will receive several documents that will need to be signed and returned to the Piper Center in order to receive payment. The grant award will be processed through Accounts Payable, approximately two weeks after the required forms are submitted. Those that are awarded funding and submit the required forms as requested will receive the award via check or direct deposit approximately four weeks after the deadline.
I’m also interested in the Johnson Family Opportunity Fund. Can I apply for both the Johnson Fund and the Piper Center Grant Award?
Yes. You’re welcome to apply to both, if you are eligible for the Johnson Fund. The Johnson Fund is more competitive but the maximum award is greater. Please submit the same budget for both positions. Read about the Johnson eligibility requirements and application process on the Johnson Fund page.
What if I have any additional questions about the application process?
If you have a question that is not addressed on the website and the FAQ page, please email your question to <piper.center@stolaf.edu>.
What other funding sources might I consider?
In addition to the sources listed on the St. Olaf Funded Internships page you can also explore ideas and sources described on the Outside Funding Opportunities page. You could also consider a fundraising letter-writing or email campaign to encourage family and friends to contribute to help cover your expenses. Many students have used Indiegogo (or similar sites) and good old fashioned letter writing to raise $3,000+ in a matter of months.