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Natalie Hodis ’21, Develops Lessons Plans for the Recovery Education Class, Recovery and Me, With Trilogy Recovery Community in Walla Walla, WA

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Brian Warinner ’23, Combats the Invasive Species, Water Hyacinth, with Ecologists Without Borders in Lake Victoria

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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:

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. 

Summer 2023 WIG Application

The Summer 2023 Whitman Internship Grant and International Whitman Internship Grant application cycles are now open. Applications must be submitted by March 12th (ALL International WIG applications must be submitted by this deadline) or April 23rd to be considered.

If you have any questions on how to prepare for a WIG, see the Frequently Asked Questions or you can email our office at ccec_info@whitman.edu. 

The Summer 2023 Domestic Whitman Internship Grant cycle opens January 23. The deadlines for these applications will be March 12, 2023 and April 23, 2023. Applications may be turned in before either of these deadlines.

If you have any questions or would like to learn how to prepare, check out the Frequently Asked Questions. You can also email our office at ccec_info@whitman.edu. 

The Summer 2023 International Whitman Internship Grant cycle opens January 23. The deadlines for these applications will be March 12, 2023 and April 23, 2023. Applications may be turned in before either of these deadlines.

We strongly encourage you to meet with Greg Lecki to ensure your eligibility to work internationally. When these are completed, students can move on to filling out the Whitman Internship Grant google application form linked in the application materials packet and submit.  Selected students will need to formally accept the WIG offer prior to the start of their internship.

The International WIG program targets older students with demonstrated experience or existing relationships with organizations or individuals outside of the United States. Whitman students' safety and security are of foremost importance, and the application process is designed to minimize foreseeable risks associated with the internship. Internships are more likely to be successful if the organizations, businesses or government agencies chosen:

  1. Are established and financially secure and have websites that instill confidence in the reader, AND

  2. Have a connection to Whitman (via a member of Governing Board, staff, or faculty, or alumni or parent)

If you have any questions, see the Frequently Asked Questions or email our office at ccec_info@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. 

Questions? Contact:

Nadine Stecklein, Assistant Director for Internship Programs

Reid 219
stecklen@whitman.edu