Whitman Internship Grant
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What is the Whitman Internship Grant?
The Whitman Internship Grant (WIG) is a competitive grant that provides funding to students who secure or build an unpaid internship opportunity at non-profit organizations, some for-profit organizations, and government offices. A Whitman Internship Grant may be provided for a semester, academic year, or domestic/international summer experience.
If you are interested in posting an unpaid internship opportunity to hire a student, visit our Recruit at Whitman page.
Student Eligibility Requirements
Any Whitman student who is eligible to work in the U.S. and is currently enrolled as a full time student may apply. International students who are a permanent resident or who has received OPT/CPT authorization may apply. For questions about OPT or CPT contact Greg Lecki. Students who have never applied for or received grant funding are strongly encouraged to apply. Students may be eligible to apply for and receive up to 3 terms of funding (includes receiving a Summer WIG).
Internship Eligibility Requirements
For an internship to be eligible for funding, it must abide by the the Fair Labor Standards Act. It is the applicant's responsibility to confirm that their unpaid internship meets the legal criteria. Internships cannot/must not be used to receive academic credit. It must be high-impact and be relevant to your educational goal and/or career interests. The internship also can't take place at Whitman College or involve religious work and must last the duration of the grant timeframe applicant's are pursuing (year-long, semester, or summer).
To find current opportunities, browse the listing of WIG eligible internships on Handshake.
Resources available to you:
- Have questions? Take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions.
- Student Career Advisors are available to help you no matter where you are in the application process. They are also able to help you with ways to find more information on the OPT/CPT process.
- You can schedule an appointment on Handshake with one of our Career Coaches to help you create a plan to apply.
If you have any questions or would like to learn how to prepare, check out the Frequently Asked Questions. You can also email Nadine Stecklein, Assistant Director for Internship Programs, at stecklen@whitman.edu.
Linda King Brewer Internship Endowment
The Linda King Brewer Internship Endowment provided grant funding for unpaid internships relating to students' studies or future career plans. The Career and Community Engagement Center selects the recipients for this endowment as a part of the Whitman Internship Grant program.
First Generation Internship & Career Endowment
The First Generation Internship and Career Opportunity Endowment provides funding for students to participate in summer internships, with a preference given to the fields of finance, investment management, or law. The awarded amount may include funding to cover additional expenses such as travel, housing, and business attire. The Career and Community Engagement Center selects the recipients for this endowment as a part of the Whitman Internship Grant program. Open only to first-generation students entering their third or fourth year.
David Deal China/Japan Internship Grant
Through the generous support of the David Deal China Exchange Endowment, students may apply for up to $5,000 in funding support for qualified internships in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong or Japan. Typically there are sufficient funds to support at least one internship in China/Taiwan/Hong Kong/ and one in Japan each summer.
- The application for the David Deal China/Japan Internship Awards for Summer 2022 is now closed.
- Internships secured must be in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Japan.
- Internship must be unpaid (no wages; a travel, housing, and/or food stipend is acceptable.)
- Applicants must be linguistically and otherwise qualified for the internship placement.
- The grant pays up to $5,000 minus taxes.
- Recipients must complete a report about their experience at the conclusion of the internship to share about outcomes with the Endowment donor.