For students who have always dreamed of an internship in Washington, D.C., Salt Lake Community College now brings that dream closer to reality.
Many students do not realize that internships are available for first and second year students at community colleges, or may think that they need to wait until they transfer to a university in order to participate in an internship program.
SLCC’s program is designed to help its students realize that there is both a need and an opportunity for community college students in Washington D.C.
“Community college students can be just as, or more successful than a junior or senior at a university can [in a D.C. internship],” said Shari Sowards, internship coordinator for the Political Science Program. “We are working with agencies, trying to get them to see that they often do not realize what community college students can bring to the table.”
SLCC is offering sponsorships for Washington, D.C. internships to chosen applicants of all majors
Open meetings at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus on Oct.15 and 25 will present interested students with the opportunity to learn more about the program, and have face time with the panel responsible for its implementation. Applications are due in two rounds, first on Nov.15, then on Jan. 15.
“Whether you’re wanting to learn practical skills of D.C., or whatever field you’re interested in regardless of what your academic or career interests are, there’s something in D.C. for you,” said Kurt Larson, director of Student Life and Leadership and a board member of the Internship Program.
Two previously sponsored SLCC students’ internships illustrate the range from internships that witness first-hand political prowess to internships in other fields that are available.
Internships can be a lot more than just making coffee
“We have a student [who we sponsored] who was actually sitting in the front row of The Supreme Court while the ObamaCare decision was being read,” said Joan Christiansen, coordinator of the Internship Program. “We have another student who had the opportunity to be in on helping rebuild the space shuttle for display.“
Sponsorship by SLCC includes a tuition waiver for summer semester and financial help in transportation costs which can add up to as much as $640 over the course of the internship without financial assistance.
SLCC is also currently working in partnership with USU’s internship program to offer reduced housing costs to students who are sponsored by the school, which will save students about $150- $200 in housing costs per month.
Students also receive four hours as an elective course credit for the successfully completed internship, with an optional additional two hour elective course available as well.
A list of available internships collected by SLCC can be found online by clicking here. There are both paid and unpaid internships listed.
