Whitman Internship Grant (WIG)
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 nonprofit organizations, some for-profit organizations, and government offices. A Whitman Internship Grant may be provided for a semester or for a 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 permanent residents or who have 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 three terms of funding (this 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. The internship must be high-impact and be relevant to the student's educational goals and/or career interests. The internship cannot take place at Whitman College or involve religious work, and it must last the duration of the grant timeframe that the applicant is pursuing (year-long, semester, or summer).
To find current opportunities, browse the listing of WIG-eligible internships on Handshake.
Resources available to you:
- The Whitman Internship Grant Database contains years of information about where our recipients have held internships.
- Student Career Advisors are available to help you no matter where you are in the application process. They an also help you 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, email Nadine Stecklein, Assistant Director for Internship Programs, at stecklen@whitman.edu.
Spring 2024 Whitman Internship Grant applications open November 1st 2023. The deadline for submissions is January 19 2024 at 5:00 PM PT.
Summer 2024 Whitman Internship Grant Applications open Febuary 1st. The deadline for submissions are March 1st, April 1st, and May 17th.
The Spring 2024 Whitman Internship Grant cycle opens for applications on November 1st 2023. The deadline for applications is January 19th.
If you have any questions on how to prepare for a WIG, email Nadine Stecklein, Assistant Director for Internship Programs, at stecklen@whitman.edu.
The Summer 2024 Whitman Internship Grant cycle opens for applications on Febuary 1st 2024. The deadline for the Summer 2024 International Whitman Internship Grant are March 1st, April 1st, and May 17th.
If you have any questions or would like to learn how to prepare, email Nadine Stecklein, Assistant Director for Internship Programs, at stecklen@whitman.edu.
The Summer 2024 International Whitman Internship Grant cycle opens for applications on Febuary 1st 2024. The deadline for the Summer 2024 International Whitman Internship Grant are March 1st, April 1st, and May 17th.
We strongly encourage you to meet with Greg Lecki to ensure your eligibility to work internationally. When this are completed, students can move on to filling out and submitting the Whitman Internship Grant Google application form linked in the application materials packet. Students who are selected will need to formally accept the WIG offer prior to the start of their internship.
The International WIG program targets older students who have demonstrated experience or who have 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 organization, business, or government agency that is chosen:
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is established and financially secure and has a website that instills confidence in the reader, AND
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has a connection to Whitman (via a member of governing board, staff, faculty, alumni, or parent)
If you have any questions, email Nadine Stecklein, Assistant Director for Internship Programs, at stecklen@whitman.edu.
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