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 schedule an appointment with a coach on Handshake.
What is required to complete the application?
An application will be considered complete 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, Resume, Memorandum of Understanding, Student Liability Waiver, W-9 form (domestic students only) and Direct Deposit form (optional). 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.
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 300 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 PACON Grant Award if I previously received a different type of internship funding form the Piper Center?
Yes. However, if more students apply than we are able to support there is a chance that priority will be giving to students who have not previously received other types of internship funding (including the PACON Grant Award).
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 described on the website. The goal is to be able to support all applications that meet the requirements and demonstrate a direct connection to public affairs.
If I receive an award, how much funding can I expect?
Students may receive up to $2,000 to support a domestic internship; up to $3,000 to support an international internship. Students requesting support for an experience that requires at least 300 hours over at least 8 weeks are eligible to receive an additional $1500 (beyond the difference between “expenses” and “sources of support”). To qualify, the student must be earning less than $1500 after expenses during the internship period.
Example, 1: A student with a domestic summer internship with expenses of $1400 has no sources of income. That student can apply for $1400 to cover expenses and an additional $1500 stipend.
Example 2: A student with a domestic summer internship has expenses of $3,000 and will be paid $3,600. This student does not need funding to cover expenses, but the student is eligible to apply for a stipend. The student will have $600 of income after expenses ($3,600 – $3,000). Because that’s less than the $1500 maximum stipend, they would apply for a $900 stipend ($1500 – $600).
If I receive an award, I’d like to set up Direct Deposit. How do I do that?
- If you would like direct deposit and you already have this set up with the Payroll Office (i.e. if you have a student work position on campus and receive your pay as a direct deposit into your bank account), contact the Payroll Office. You can request that the Payroll Office share your direct deposit information with the Accounts Payable office so that your internship funding is disbursed as a direct deposit rather than a check. Email the Payroll Office as soon as possible in order to avoid any delay in receiving your funding.
- If you would like to use a new direct deposit that is not already set up with Payroll, complete the Direct Deposit form located in the PACON for Students Google Folder.
- If you would prefer to receive a check, don’t request direct deposit. We will notify you when your check is available for pickup.
I’m currently enrolled in PACON as a junior. Will I be able to apply for PACON funding next year?
No. You would need to complete your internship while you are enrolled or during the summer following your participation in PACON. You can apply for funding for an unpaid or underpaid senior year internship from the Piper Center Internship Grant Awards and, if you have demonstrated financial need, you may be eligible to apply for funding through the Johnson Family Opportunity Fund.
Am I required to register for an academic internship for my experience?
Yes. 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 do whatever they can to attend one of the two orientation sessions. If you are off campus during both sessions please email Nate Jacobi <jacobi>.
When will I be notified if I am chosen for the award?
You will be notified approximately one week after the deadline.
If I am awarded funding, when will I receive payment?
The grant award will be processed through Accounts Payable, approximately two weeks after the required forms are submitted.
What if I have any additional questions about the application process?
If you have a question that is not addressed on the website or this FAQ page, please email your question to <musicant>.