Students have the opportunity to apply for funding to help offset the costs of unpaid and low-paying internships through a rigorous application process managed by the Office of Internships in the Center for Integrative Learning. Generous philanthropic support from alumni, parents, and friends of the university gives students the opportunity to complete a high impact intellectual experience during the fall, spring, and summer while enrolled at Southwestern. 

The Opportunity

Students may receive up to a maximum of $5,000 during the summer semester. Amounts vary based on a number of factors, such as internship length or number of hours worked per week.

The Application Process

Students can apply for funding for the summer semester. There are two application cycles for summer funding. Completed applications submitted by the deadline are evaluated by a committee of staff members from across campus who then allocate funding. 

Summer 2025 application dates:

Cycle One:

• Application Live: Monday, February 10, 2025
• Application deadline: Thursday, March 6, 2025
• Student award notification: Monday, March 24, 2025

Cycle Two:

• Application live: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
• Application deadline: Thursday, April 24, 2025
• Student award notification: Friday, May 9, 2025

The Application

The application consists of three essay prompts that may be accessed on the Experiential Learning application in HireSU.  Students are strongly encouraged to give detailed responses tailored to each prompt.

Apply NOW by completing the Experiential Learning Application with (HireSU).

Use SU email credentials to log-in. Click-on the Experiential Learning box in the upper left hand corner. Add new application. *For the experiential learning type, select Funded Internship.

For clarification on the application scoring process, please reference the rubric here. 

Funded internship Information Sessions

Funded Internship information sessions are held each semester. It is advised that students attend at least one info session before applying, but it is not required. The information session lasts 30-45 minutes and covers the nuts and bolts of the funded internship program, tips on writing a successful application, as well as information about academic internships.

For additional guidance on your application, please schedule an appointment with the Debby Ellis Writing Center. The Writing Consultants are trained to assist students with their Funded Internship applications. Please make an appointment here. 

Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 Information Sessions (All sessions are located in Prothro 233): CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

• Tuesday, September 10, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
• Tuesday, October 8, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
• Thursday, November 14, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
• Monday, February 10, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
• Thursday, March 13, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
• Tuesday, April 8, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

The deadlines to apply for Summer 2025 funding are Thursday, March 6, 2025 and Thursday, April 24, 2025

Have any other questions about the Funded Internship Program? Contact us or make an appointment!

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International Internships

Students may receive funding through the Funded Internship Program if they are participating in an international internship that is offered as an approved internship abroad program. Students apply for programs through Via and must be approved by the Office of Study Abroad and International Student Services. 

International Students

International students who engage in an internship, shadowing or research experience, paid or unpaid, must first seek the appropriate work authorization: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).

International students may be eligible for the Funded Internship Program through SU only if the student has approved Curricular Practical Training (CPT), is enrolled in an Academic Internship AND the employment takes place in the U.S.

 Students should consult with the Office of Study Abroad and International Student Services for assistance.