Semester in the City: A Hands-On Approach to Social Impact
For students seeking a transformative experience that combines academic learning with real-world application, "Semester in the City" programs offer a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the heart of social innovation and change-making. These programs, designed for both gap semester and college students, provide a structured environment to develop professional, personal, and civic skills through internships, coursework, and community engagement.
What is Semester in the City?
Semester in the City (SITC) is a Boston-based program designed to immerse students in a 15-week experience focused on professional, personal, and civic skill development. The program's core element is a hand-matched, well-supported internship at one of over 200 partner organizations across the social sector. SITC aims to educate and inspire the next generation of changemakers by providing a platform for students to engage with real-world social issues and develop practical skills.
Eligibility and Fit
To participate in SITC, students must have graduated from high school and be between 18 and 24 years old. The program welcomes both gap semester students (those pre-college or not currently enrolled) and college students seeking an off-campus semester experience. SITC partners with 15 colleges and universities, ensuring that participating students receive a full semester of academic credit and financial aid.
SITC is designed to accommodate a diverse range of students. The program focuses on matching students with internship opportunities that align with their interests, desired skill development, and preferred work environment.
The Internship Experience
At the heart of SITC is a 400-hour internship at a host organization in the Boston area. SITC considers the needs of the organization alongside the student's preferred issue areas (e.g., environmental sustainability, arts & culture, youth development), desired skill development (e.g., written communication, data analysis, direct service), and their ideal workplace and supervisor/mentor preferences. Before finalizing the match, the Fellow and mentor connect for a preliminary conversation.
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All internship placements are vetted by program staff. Each Fellow receives a dedicated site mentor and a capstone special project to lead. Fellows dedicate at least 40% of their internship to a special project, where they take the lead in planning and execution.
Key Components of Semester in the City
Semester in the City programs typically encompass several key components designed to provide a holistic learning experience:
Internships: The cornerstone of these programs is the internship experience. Students are placed with organizations aligned with their interests, allowing them to contribute to real-world projects and gain practical skills. Semester in the City will match you with an internship at a nonprofit, government agency, or social mission business, at which you’ll be able to gain professional skills in a real-world setting. As a Semester in the City or Semester for Impact Fellow, you will intern with a nonprofit, social mission business, or government agency for 30 hours per week for a full-semester. You’ll gain work-based experience, allowing you to learn more about yourself and your passions while also building skills and networks. We work to place you in an internship aligned with your interests, be it criminal justice reform, education, gender equality, environmental sustainability, or beyond.
Coursework: Academic courses complement the internship, providing students with a theoretical framework for understanding social issues and developing problem-solving skills. Interns will begin to develop their professional identity and understand how to navigate the workplace as they get a feel for their career path.
Community Engagement: Many programs incorporate community engagement activities, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and connection to the local area.
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Professional Development: Students participate in workshops and seminars focused on building essential professional skills, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Networking: Semester in the City programs provide ample opportunities for students to build their professional networks through interactions with industry professionals, alumni, and community leaders.
Curriculum and Courses
The SITC curriculum includes several courses designed to enhance the internship experience and develop key skills:
Becoming a Problem Solver: This course focuses on developing professional identity and workplace navigation skills. Interns interact with peers, identify and leverage their strengths, and share their internship experiences.
Social Innovator's Toolbox: This course exposes students to the concepts and practices of social innovation and social entrepreneurship. Students learn tools and methods for developing, implementing, managing, and assessing social solutions.
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Benefits and Outcomes
Participating in a Semester in the City program offers numerous benefits for students:
Skill Development: Students gain practical skills in their field of interest, enhancing their resume and future career prospects. SITC is proud to graduate alumni who make meaningful impacts on their host organizations and measurable gains from the start to the end of the semester in various key competencies (e.g. project management, professional communication, and working in diverse teams).
Personal Growth: The immersive experience fosters personal growth, independence, and self-discovery.
Networking Opportunities: Students build valuable connections with professionals in their field, expanding their network and opening doors to future opportunities. Throughout the semester, Fellows build their networks and form lasting friendships within a supportive cohort community.
Academic Credit: Students earn academic credit for their participation, ensuring that the program contributes to their degree requirements.
Career Exploration: The internship experience allows students to explore different career paths and gain clarity about their professional goals. "I joined SITC seeking guidance on my future college and career path.
SITC is proud to graduate alumni who make meaningful impacts on their host organizations and measurable gains from the start to the end of the semester in 24 key competencies (e.g. project management, professional communication, and working in diverse teams).
Financial Considerations
Costs include tuition, room, board, and fees. Scholarship funding is also available and may cover up to the full cost of tuition for students with financial need. Scholarship funding is available up to the cost of full tuition for students with financial need.
Housing
Semester in the City offers Fellows an apartment housing option, or if they have family or friends in the greater Boston area, they can live with them and do not have to pay room or board. Fellows who choose to live in Semester in the City Housing will share a furnished apartment with between four and six Fellows. Both single and double rooms are offered, and Fellows share a kitchen, bathroom and living room area. Students live in shared housing with other SITC participants (typically ages 18-24) and are expected to prepare their own meals and manage daily responsibilities such as laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and budgeting. Do you anticipate any challenges with this level of independent living?
Partner Institutions
SITC works with a variety of college partners to make it easy for you to participate in our Semester in the City and Semester for Impact programs.
A Day in the Life
Join AJ Leech as he takes you through a day in the life, traveling with a group from UNH to Boston for our Semester in the City Open House event!This video was created by AJ Leech, who retains full ownership and property rights.
Student Life and Support
Students have a moderate level of support and mentorship from trained staff. Students flow between cohort dynamics and independence over the course of their program.
Urban Sustainability Focus
Penn State’s City Semester Pittsburgh program gives students the opportunity to spend an entire semester studying urban sustainability, interning virtually or in-person with a Pittsburgh partner, and making valuable connections to community leaders and potential future employers.
Key Things to Know
The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. Short on time? Just fill out this first page (our preliminary application) and save the rest for later!
Preparing for the Semester
Keep in mind that moving to a new city and experiencing a transition to a new environment, new culture, new food, etc. can exacerbate or uncover physical and mental illness. Before you depart, make sure you visit your doctors, dentists, and any other health care practitioners that you regularly see. Make sure your health records are up to date and that you have copies of them that you can access if needed. Ask your health care provider and insurance company for guidance on how to secure a sufficient supply of medication to last through your stay. If you are planning on enrolling in UVM SHIP (student health insurance) during the semester you are away, you MUST contact the student health insurance office to coordinate a new PCP (Primary Care Provider). It is crucial to notify all of your banks and credit card companies prior to traveling for an extended period to avoid your card being frozen or disabled due to suspected fraud. If you are a US citizen, voting in US elections is your right and civic duty. You can still vote in all local, state, and national elections using an absentee ballot while in Boston. The voter registration and absentee ballot request processes are different depending on your state of residency. Typically UVM students who are US Citizens are allowed to register to vote in either Vermont or their home state.
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