Summer Internship Fund Program Frequently Asked Questions Summer Internship Award Eligibility and Process What is the Harris Summer Internship Fund? What is the Harris Summer Internship Fund? The Harris Internship Fund offers a one-time stipend for full-time*, unpaid internships in the non-profit and public sectorsThe fund is finite, and offered on a competitive basis via an application process*Full-time is defined as at least 320 hours over the course of the summer. For example, both an 8-week internship requiring 40 hours per week, and a 10-week internship requiring 32 or more hours per week, would qualify for funding Internships requiring more than 320 hours do not receive additional fundingWho/what opportunities qualify for the Harris Summer Internship Fund?Who/what opportunities qualify for the Harris Summer Internship Fund?Student eligibility: Harris 2- and 3-year full time program candidates are eligible to receive funding one time, and must utilize the fund when they are still a full-time enrolled student (not eligible after graduation or during their final quarter) MPPs: Eligible If you are a Pearson Fellow, you are eligible for Pearson's summer internship funding and should apply directly to that tailored funding program. As a result, Pearson Fellows are not eligible to apply for the Harris Summer Internship FundMSCAPPs: EligibleMACRMs: EligibleMAs: IneligibleEMPs: IneligiblePhDs: IneligibleCan I receive funding from multiple on-campus funding sources?Can I receive funding from multiple on-campus funding sources?Students are only eligible to receive funding from one university source for one internship opportunity, regardless of the total number of internships You may consider applying to opportunities with the Institute of Politics (IOP), among others. However, you may only receive funding from one on-campus sourceWhat is the total amount of the Harris Summer Internship Fund?What is the total amount of the Harris Summer Internship Fund?The Harris Internship Fund provides a one-time, lump-sum payment of $6,000.00 USD.International flights are expensive. Is there Travel Funding for my international internship?International flights are expensive. Is there Travel Funding for my international internship?Travel costs will not be considered separately from the total award stipend. The one-time, lump sum of $6,000 is the maximum funding that can be receivedWould my funding award be tax exempt?Would my funding award be tax exempt?If you are an international candidate and are awarded Summer Internship Funding, be sure to check with Harris Financial Aid (harrisfinancialaid@uchicago.edu) to ensure that taxes are appropriately handledWhat are the timelines and due dates I should keep in mind? What are the timelines and due dates I should keep in mind? The application portal will be available as on Friday, March 15, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. (CDT)All application materials must be submitted by Monday, April 15, 2024 | 11:59 p.m. (CDT)All applicants will be notified of their application status on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 | 5:00 p.m. (CDT)All awardees must confirm their acceptance of summer funding by Sunday, May 5, 2024 | 5:00 p.m. (CDT)All awardees must submit their necessary financial paperwork by Friday, May 10, 2024 | 5:00 p.m. (CDT)How many funding rounds will there be? How many funding rounds will there be? There will be one funding round. Applications will be open between March 15 and April 15, 2024. All applicants will be notified of their award status on May 1, 2024 and will be prompted to complete necessary financial paperwork by May 10, 2024.What if I don’t have an internship offer when the application closes?What if I don’t have an internship offer when the application closes?Given the competitive nature of this opportunity, CDO will only be reviewing applications that are completed and include an internship offer letter by the application due date of April 15, 2024CDO is available to assist students in considering appropriate funding alternatives and/or alternative internship search strategies if the timeline of the Summer Internship Fund does not align with opportunities of interestConsider applying to the IOP and BFIfunding opportunities, if eligibleWhat materials/info do I need to complete my application? What materials/info do I need to complete my application? You will need your internship offer letter, personal information including UCID number, and you will need to respond to the following essay prompts: What are the key internship responsibilities, skills to be developed and deliverables? (Up to 100 words)Why are you interested in working with this particular organization? (Up to 150 words)How will this opportunity build upon and/or complement your Harris education? (Up to 150 words)How will completing this internship advance your long-term career goals? (Up to 150)I am still in the internship search and/or interview phase. What should I do?I am still in the internship search and/or interview phase. What should I do?Here are some key resources that can support you in your internship search:Job Search FundamentalsJob Application MaterialsNetworking FundamentalsInterview PreparationOffer Negotiation FundamentalsPersonal BrandingProfessional Development & What’s NextEffective AI UseYou may also book a one-on-one coaching session to get personalized guidanceMy organization will not grant me an official offer/letter until I have secured funding. What should I do?My organization will not grant me an official offer/letter until I have secured funding. What should I do?Please utilize this response for your employer: “The Harris Career Development Office offers funding on a competitive basis for unpaid internships. In order to apply, candidates must have a written offer – please use our Offer Letter PDF Generator to view and complete the full list of requested details for a student’s offer. Please contact harriscdo@uchicago.edu if you have any questions.”I received an email from the Harris CDO letting me know that my internship is a Harris Partnership Opportunity. What are my application steps? I received an email from the Harris CDO letting me know that my internship is a Harris Partnership Opportunity. What are my application steps? Read the email carefully to follow the instructions for your funding applicationEnter the unique code when prompted on your applicationHow many hours do I need to work during my summer internship in order to qualify?How many hours do I need to work during my summer internship in order to qualify?The total number of hours for the internship must equal a minimum of 320 hours to qualify for fundingCDO establishes at least 30 hours per week as full-timeI have 2+ part-time internships or 2+ consecutive internships that amount to 30+ hours per week over 8-10 weeks. Do I qualify for funding?I have 2+ part-time internships or 2+ consecutive internships that amount to 30+ hours per week over 8-10 weeks. Do I qualify for funding?Internships will only be considered for funding as a single role/internship offer. Multiple part-time or brief-duration internships combined to make full-time will not be considered.My internship is with a for-profit organization but it is unpaid and the role is focused on a project for the public good. Do I qualify for funding?My internship is with a for-profit organization but it is unpaid and the role is focused on a project for the public good. Do I qualify for funding?Only internships at nonprofit or public organizations will be considered. Nonprofit-focused arms or projects at for-profit organizations will not be consideredHow do I create a competitive application for funding?How do I create a competitive application for funding?All candidates will initially be reviewed for eligibilityThen, each eligible candidate will be scored on an Internship Funding Application Rubric.What is the timeline for the review process?What is the timeline for the review process?All applicants will be notified of their award status on May 1, 2024When will I be notified of any changes to my application status?When will I be notified of any changes to my application status?All applicants will be notified of their award status on May 1, 2024Is there a waitlist?Is there a waitlist?Candidates who are not initially awarded a stipend but have a compelling application, may be placed on a waitlist depending on availability of fundsI’ve been selected! (Congrats!) What are the materials/next steps needed to receive my funding? After I receive my funding? I’ve been selected! (Congrats!) What are the materials/next steps needed to receive my funding? After I receive my funding? Please refer to your application completion notification email for payment instructions, due dates, and any remaining next stepsI’m having some issues with Workday/Payroll. Who should I contact?I’m having some issues with Workday/Payroll. Who should I contact?Please contact Harris Financial Aid (harrisfinancialaid@uchicago.edu) if you have any issues with any materials pertaining to Workday or Payroll.What happens if I don’t submit my payment next steps in time?What happens if I don’t submit my payment next steps in time?Candidates who do not provide the necessary financial paperwork as instructed by May 10, 2024 may have their funding award withdrawn My internship is unpaid/underfunded and does not appear to qualify for Harris funding. Are there other funding sources available to me on campus?My internship is unpaid/underfunded and does not appear to qualify for Harris funding. Are there other funding sources available to me on campus?The IOPThe Becker Friedman Institute (BFI)Are there other funding sources available to me off campus?Are there other funding sources available to me off campus?We are not aware of any specific outside funding sources for internship funding. If you encounter a funding source that we should share with Harris candidates, please feel free to contact us at HarrisCDO@uchicago.eduMy internship is unpaid/underfunded but would still serve as a significant professional development opportunity for my future career. What should I do?My internship is unpaid/underfunded but would still serve as a significant professional development opportunity for my future career. What should I do?Congratulations on your offer! There may be an opportunity to negotiate. Feel free to book a session with a career coach for personalized guidance
What is the Harris Summer Internship Fund? What is the Harris Summer Internship Fund? The Harris Internship Fund offers a one-time stipend for full-time*, unpaid internships in the non-profit and public sectorsThe fund is finite, and offered on a competitive basis via an application process*Full-time is defined as at least 320 hours over the course of the summer. For example, both an 8-week internship requiring 40 hours per week, and a 10-week internship requiring 32 or more hours per week, would qualify for funding Internships requiring more than 320 hours do not receive additional funding
Who/what opportunities qualify for the Harris Summer Internship Fund?Who/what opportunities qualify for the Harris Summer Internship Fund?Student eligibility: Harris 2- and 3-year full time program candidates are eligible to receive funding one time, and must utilize the fund when they are still a full-time enrolled student (not eligible after graduation or during their final quarter) MPPs: Eligible If you are a Pearson Fellow, you are eligible for Pearson's summer internship funding and should apply directly to that tailored funding program. As a result, Pearson Fellows are not eligible to apply for the Harris Summer Internship FundMSCAPPs: EligibleMACRMs: EligibleMAs: IneligibleEMPs: IneligiblePhDs: Ineligible
Can I receive funding from multiple on-campus funding sources?Can I receive funding from multiple on-campus funding sources?Students are only eligible to receive funding from one university source for one internship opportunity, regardless of the total number of internships You may consider applying to opportunities with the Institute of Politics (IOP), among others. However, you may only receive funding from one on-campus source
What is the total amount of the Harris Summer Internship Fund?What is the total amount of the Harris Summer Internship Fund?The Harris Internship Fund provides a one-time, lump-sum payment of $6,000.00 USD.
International flights are expensive. Is there Travel Funding for my international internship?International flights are expensive. Is there Travel Funding for my international internship?Travel costs will not be considered separately from the total award stipend. The one-time, lump sum of $6,000 is the maximum funding that can be received
Would my funding award be tax exempt?Would my funding award be tax exempt?If you are an international candidate and are awarded Summer Internship Funding, be sure to check with Harris Financial Aid (harrisfinancialaid@uchicago.edu) to ensure that taxes are appropriately handled
What are the timelines and due dates I should keep in mind? What are the timelines and due dates I should keep in mind? The application portal will be available as on Friday, March 15, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. (CDT)All application materials must be submitted by Monday, April 15, 2024 | 11:59 p.m. (CDT)All applicants will be notified of their application status on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 | 5:00 p.m. (CDT)All awardees must confirm their acceptance of summer funding by Sunday, May 5, 2024 | 5:00 p.m. (CDT)All awardees must submit their necessary financial paperwork by Friday, May 10, 2024 | 5:00 p.m. (CDT)
How many funding rounds will there be? How many funding rounds will there be? There will be one funding round. Applications will be open between March 15 and April 15, 2024. All applicants will be notified of their award status on May 1, 2024 and will be prompted to complete necessary financial paperwork by May 10, 2024.
What if I don’t have an internship offer when the application closes?What if I don’t have an internship offer when the application closes?Given the competitive nature of this opportunity, CDO will only be reviewing applications that are completed and include an internship offer letter by the application due date of April 15, 2024CDO is available to assist students in considering appropriate funding alternatives and/or alternative internship search strategies if the timeline of the Summer Internship Fund does not align with opportunities of interestConsider applying to the IOP and BFIfunding opportunities, if eligible
What materials/info do I need to complete my application? What materials/info do I need to complete my application? You will need your internship offer letter, personal information including UCID number, and you will need to respond to the following essay prompts: What are the key internship responsibilities, skills to be developed and deliverables? (Up to 100 words)Why are you interested in working with this particular organization? (Up to 150 words)How will this opportunity build upon and/or complement your Harris education? (Up to 150 words)How will completing this internship advance your long-term career goals? (Up to 150)
I am still in the internship search and/or interview phase. What should I do?I am still in the internship search and/or interview phase. What should I do?Here are some key resources that can support you in your internship search:Job Search FundamentalsJob Application MaterialsNetworking FundamentalsInterview PreparationOffer Negotiation FundamentalsPersonal BrandingProfessional Development & What’s NextEffective AI UseYou may also book a one-on-one coaching session to get personalized guidance
My organization will not grant me an official offer/letter until I have secured funding. What should I do?My organization will not grant me an official offer/letter until I have secured funding. What should I do?Please utilize this response for your employer: “The Harris Career Development Office offers funding on a competitive basis for unpaid internships. In order to apply, candidates must have a written offer – please use our Offer Letter PDF Generator to view and complete the full list of requested details for a student’s offer. Please contact harriscdo@uchicago.edu if you have any questions.”
I received an email from the Harris CDO letting me know that my internship is a Harris Partnership Opportunity. What are my application steps? I received an email from the Harris CDO letting me know that my internship is a Harris Partnership Opportunity. What are my application steps? Read the email carefully to follow the instructions for your funding applicationEnter the unique code when prompted on your application
How many hours do I need to work during my summer internship in order to qualify?How many hours do I need to work during my summer internship in order to qualify?The total number of hours for the internship must equal a minimum of 320 hours to qualify for fundingCDO establishes at least 30 hours per week as full-time
I have 2+ part-time internships or 2+ consecutive internships that amount to 30+ hours per week over 8-10 weeks. Do I qualify for funding?I have 2+ part-time internships or 2+ consecutive internships that amount to 30+ hours per week over 8-10 weeks. Do I qualify for funding?Internships will only be considered for funding as a single role/internship offer. Multiple part-time or brief-duration internships combined to make full-time will not be considered.
My internship is with a for-profit organization but it is unpaid and the role is focused on a project for the public good. Do I qualify for funding?My internship is with a for-profit organization but it is unpaid and the role is focused on a project for the public good. Do I qualify for funding?Only internships at nonprofit or public organizations will be considered. Nonprofit-focused arms or projects at for-profit organizations will not be considered
How do I create a competitive application for funding?How do I create a competitive application for funding?All candidates will initially be reviewed for eligibilityThen, each eligible candidate will be scored on an Internship Funding Application Rubric.
What is the timeline for the review process?What is the timeline for the review process?All applicants will be notified of their award status on May 1, 2024
When will I be notified of any changes to my application status?When will I be notified of any changes to my application status?All applicants will be notified of their award status on May 1, 2024
Is there a waitlist?Is there a waitlist?Candidates who are not initially awarded a stipend but have a compelling application, may be placed on a waitlist depending on availability of funds
I’ve been selected! (Congrats!) What are the materials/next steps needed to receive my funding? After I receive my funding? I’ve been selected! (Congrats!) What are the materials/next steps needed to receive my funding? After I receive my funding? Please refer to your application completion notification email for payment instructions, due dates, and any remaining next steps
I’m having some issues with Workday/Payroll. Who should I contact?I’m having some issues with Workday/Payroll. Who should I contact?Please contact Harris Financial Aid (harrisfinancialaid@uchicago.edu) if you have any issues with any materials pertaining to Workday or Payroll.
What happens if I don’t submit my payment next steps in time?What happens if I don’t submit my payment next steps in time?Candidates who do not provide the necessary financial paperwork as instructed by May 10, 2024 may have their funding award withdrawn
My internship is unpaid/underfunded and does not appear to qualify for Harris funding. Are there other funding sources available to me on campus?My internship is unpaid/underfunded and does not appear to qualify for Harris funding. Are there other funding sources available to me on campus?The IOPThe Becker Friedman Institute (BFI)
Are there other funding sources available to me off campus?Are there other funding sources available to me off campus?We are not aware of any specific outside funding sources for internship funding. If you encounter a funding source that we should share with Harris candidates, please feel free to contact us at HarrisCDO@uchicago.edu
My internship is unpaid/underfunded but would still serve as a significant professional development opportunity for my future career. What should I do?My internship is unpaid/underfunded but would still serve as a significant professional development opportunity for my future career. What should I do?Congratulations on your offer! There may be an opportunity to negotiate. Feel free to book a session with a career coach for personalized guidance