How to Be a Community Links Internship Host Site
Community Links is an intensive 10-week (May/June – August) paid internship program for undergraduate and graduate students committed to public service, community building, and social change.
A limited number of students are matched with full-time, paid internships in local non-profit organizations, government institutions, schools, and community-based agencies throughout the Erie County area. Matching takes place through a series of interviews conducted in March, at the host sites.
Program Objectives
Community Links Interns will work at their host organizations and also be included in trainings that involve guest speakers, visits to various organizations, community explorations, and group discussions designed to help interns become more engaged and effective community builders.
first-hand knowledge
Offer interns a first-hand knowledge of the Erie County nonprofit community, leadership and organizations
Experience
Provide meaningful career-related work experience
Help Local Organizations
Increase local organizations’ capacity to conduct important short-term projects
Career Interest
Stimulate interest in a career in the nonprofit or public sectors
How do I become a Community Links Host Agency?
Your organization must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, government agency, institution, or school in Erie County, Ohio.
Your organization must develop a challenging 10-week work plan (May/June – August) for a college student who is a resident of Erie County. All work plans must have clearly defined objectives and outcomes with flexibility to allow students to participate in community trainings. Internship work must primarily benefit a community. The work cannot involve partisan or non-partisan political activity, direct solicitation, or lobbying on the federal, state, or local level.
Your organization must complete a written application describing the plan and the skills required of an intern working on those objectives. Your organization must identify an individual within the organization who will directly supervise the intern throughout the summer. The intern’s immediate supervisor must be available to interview students during the matching process (March). The immediate supervisor will be required to complete a final evaluation of the intern. Strong supervision and mentorship are key factors in the selection of host sites.
Written approval of your organization’s involvement in the Community Links program from your Executive Director, Board Chair, or Superintendent will be requested.
Community Links Host Site application instructions:
Deadline: February 15
Please do not fax application materials.
For more information please contact:
Randy Wagner, Finance Director
Erie County Community Foundation
(419) 621-9690
randyw@eriefoundation.org