Whitman Internship Grant: Requirements and Opportunities
The Whitman Internship Grant (WIG) is a competitive grant that provides funding to students who secure or build an unpaid internship opportunity. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the WIG. The WIG has enabled students to participate in internship opportunities for 25 years, ensuring equitable access to students regardless of their financial position.
Introduction to the Whitman Internship Grant
The Whitman Internship Grant (WIG) at Whitman College offers financial support to students undertaking unpaid internships. Recognizing that unpaid internships can be a barrier for students who need to earn income, the WIG aims to level the playing field and ensure equitable access to valuable learning experiences. Nadine Stecklein, Assistant Director for Internship Programs at Whitman College since August 2022, emphasizes the importance of the WIG in addressing systemic inequities in internship access. The grant helps students cover essential expenses like housing, food, transportation, technology, or gear needed to participate in their internships.
Eligibility Criteria for Students
Students are eligible to apply for the Whitman Internship Grant if they meet specific criteria related to their enrollment status. To be eligible, students must be enrolled full-time during the academic year. For those applying for a summer grant, enrollment for the following term is mandatory. If you had planned to apply for the WIG during a previous cycle but then chose not to, you will still need to complete all steps again for your present application.
Internship Requirements
A key requirement for the WIG is that an internship must be secured before applying for the grant. The WIG supports internships with employers like non-profit organizations and public offices. If a student seeks consecutive WIG funding for the same internship, there must be a clear demonstration of increased responsibility and a changed job function.
Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the WIG involves several steps that applicants should follow closely to ensure their application is complete and considered. It is a good idea to get a head start on preparations for application
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- Search for Eligible Internships: Begin by identifying potential internship opportunities. The "Resources for Applying" section, which can be found with the other application materials, offers suggested sources to explore.
- Update Application Materials: Ensure your resume and cover letter are current and tailored to the internships you are targeting.
- Watch for the Release of the WIG Application: Stay informed about when the WIG application becomes available.
- Complete the Application Form: The WIG application is a Google form. Complete all sections of the application.
- Short-Answer Questions: Students will complete an application that includes multiple short-answer questions about the internship goals, organization details, evaluation criteria of the internship, training period, and supervision model.
All necessary information, forms, and other application materials are available under the header "How to Apply."
The Supervisor's Role and Responsibilities
Supervisors play a crucial role in the WIG program, supporting their interns and contributing to the strength of their grant applications. As a supervisor, you may assist your intern in strengthening their application by providing specific details about the organization, the intern's responsibilities, training methods, criteria for evaluation, and mode of feedback. Supervisors are expected to provide necessary safety training and orientation to the intern, as well as regular feedback and performance evaluation(s). Supervisors will be required to sign a Whitman Internship Grant Student-Supervisor Contract in order to indicate their support.
Grant Award Details and Financial Aid Implications
WIG award amounts vary each year, contingent on available funding. If you are awarded a WIG and have questions about its potential impact on your work study or financial aid award, please connect with Whitman's Office of Financial Aid.
Addressing Inequities Through the WIG
The WIG directly addresses the financial barriers that prevent many students from participating in unpaid internships. Stecklein notes that “The bifurcation of paid and unpaid internship opportunities causes a disparate impact on student outcomes and furthers systemic inequities. As the research indicates, paid internships are disproportionately going to males, white students and continuing generation students." The WIG helps to counteract this imbalance by providing financial support to students who might otherwise be unable to afford an unpaid internship.
Sherman, a WIG recipient, shared that “The financial support of the WIG was crucial during my internship, as it helped me with housing, food and transportation." Stecklein recalls students who also put their funds towards technology or gear needed to participate in their internships.
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The Importance of Learning in Internships
“Internships are all about learning,” Stecklein said. By enabling students to participate in these opportunities, the WIG supports their professional development and future career prospects.
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