New Fall 2023 paid internship program for CU Boulder students! Open to all majors and degree programs!

The College of Arts and Sciences, through the Department of Political Science, and in conjunction with the CU Boulder Office of Government and Community Engagement, is excited to launch the Community Scholars Program, a Fall 2023 public service-learning opportunity. Up to 15 undergraduate students from CU will be placed in paid or stipend-supported community-based internships with the City of Boulder, other local government entities or nonprofit organizations in and around Boulder.

The Community Scholars Program provides a unique learning opportunity for undergraduate students to experience first-hand the dynamics of working within city government and community-based organizations. The internship experience is enriched through weekly seminars and briefings with leaders from the community.

How it works

  • Community Scholars are placed in assignments with the city of Boulder, other local governments, various nonprofit organizations, and other community-oriented agencies.
  • Internships require a minimum of 16 hours of work per week and may include night meetings.
  • Community Scholars develop professional experience and skills, gain insights into the dynamics of community organizations, and learn how nonprofit organizations function and interact within their broader communities.
  • Duties may include proposal writing, direct client services, fundraising and marketing, policy research, grassroots organizing and outreach and program management.

Paid/Stipended community internship

  • Students are placed students into internships in the community based on their policy interests, which they work 16 hours per week during the semester.
  • Students will typically align those hours at the internship on M/W or T/TH, which permits them to take their other CU classes on the days they are not interning.

Earn up to six credit hours

  • All Community Scholars are required to complete PSCI 4028 Special Topics: Community Scho.l.ars for 3 credit hours. PSCI 4028 is scheduled to meet on Fridays from 2:30 pm to 5 p.m. during the fall 2023 semester. This course will cover information about community leadership in an informal setting with guest speakers.
  • In addition, students can opt-to arrange with their major/minor department to gain an additional 3 credit hours of disciplinary internship credit. These additional 3 credit hours may require separate assignments per the requirements of the academic unit. For example, political science majors could enroll in PSCI 4938 Internship in Government.

Applications are due April 14, 2023.

Please email Dean Glen Krutz at glen.krutz@colorado.edu if you have any questions about the program.


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