Internship Scholarship Program

Programs

Prepare for Experience

staircase icon for gain experience

How can you prepare for your future career with specific support from Career Services? Take part in one of our experiential programs to help you gain exposure to the world of work, build the skills you need to be successful for your next step after graduation, and let others know about your experience and discovery.

See what it is like to work in a specific job or organization by participating in the Gaucho Job Shadow Program or by shadowing a professional on your own. Help fund an unpaid summer internship by applying for the Internship Scholarship Program. Or, share any summer internship or research experience with others by joining the #GauchoSummerExperiences campaign!

Learn more about each of these experiential programs below.

Overview

We recognize that while internship experience supports career exploration and improves job prospects after graduation, unpaid internships may also lead to financial barriers for students. The Internship Scholarship Program offers awards in recognition of students who have excelled in obtaining related internships, research, and pre-professional experience that demonstrates career motivation and professional ambition.

Internship Scholarship Program

The purpose of the Internship Scholarship Program is to increase student access to experiential learning, supporting preparation for the job market and helping offset potential financial hardships associated with unpaid internships. As such, award selections are not made solely based on applicants’ previous experiences, but rather on the following criteria addressed in the student's application:

Potential substantive learning experience and benefits offered through the internship.
Explanation of how the internship experience supports career interests and future professional growth.
Financial need and impact of scholarship award.
Professional quality of resume, and clear demonstration of general eligibility and specific award criteria.

Key Dates

Due to extenuating circumstances involving COVID-19, the application deadline has been EXTENDED until FRIDAY, MAY 1ST AT 5PM. We look forward to receiving your application!

Application Period

For the 2020 application cycle, applications opens on March 30, 2020 at 8 a.m. and close on May 1, 2020 at 5 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to get their resumes critiqued during Career Services drop-in hours. To apply, keep reading for the Internship Scholarship Program application below.

Scholarship Disbursement

Scholarships are disbursed after July 1, 2020.

General Eligibility

In order to be eligible for awards within the Internship Scholarship Program, UCSB students must meet all of the following qualifications:

Must have secured, or be in the process of securing, an unpaid internship for summer within the nonprofit, government, education, arts, or public service industry, or within an organization that does not traditionally pay its interns. Remote internships will be considered. Unpaid internships within for-profit companies will not be considered.
Must be a currently-enrolled undergraduate student. Seniors graduating in spring quarter are not eligible to apply.
Must demonstrate the impact of the scholarship award, including financial need.

Students who identify as belonging to any population that may experience limited access to internship opportunities are highly encouraged to apply.

Scholarship Awards for Summer 2020

Career Catalyst Awards

This is the core award category for students taking advantage of internship experiences that support career interests and future professional growth. Applicants must meet all General Eligibility criteria and preference will be given to those who demonstrate financial need and impact of scholarship award.
Available: Four (4) $1,500 scholarship awards.

Debbie Fleming Awards

This award category, in honor of former Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Debbie Fleming, supports students who are taking part in internship experiences in the fields of either Public Health or Student Affairs. Applicants must meet all General Eligibility criteria and preference will be given to those demonstrate financial need and impact of scholarship award.
Available: One (1) $1,230 scholarship award.

Dream Awards

This award category, funded by Undocumented Student Services, is for those who are taking advantage of internship experiences that support career interests and future professional growth. Applicants must meet all General Eligibility requirements.
Must have a California Dream Act Application on file.
Available: Two (2) $1,500 scholarship awards.

VCSA Internship Fund

This award category is for students taking advantage of internship experiences that support career interests and future professional growth focus on the betterment of humankind in the Los Angeles area. Applicants must meet all General Eligibility criteria and preference will be given to those demonstrate financial need and impact of scholarship award.
Available: One (1) $2,300 scholarship award.

Award Distribution and Recognition

The Internship Scholarship Program manages one-time, non-renewable scholarship awards. If awarded a scholarship, please note that the award is considered part of your financial aid package.

Please note: awards can be distributed anytime after the start of the summer term, and they often take awhile to be processed.

Apply Now

Ready to apply? Applications open on March 30, 2020 at 8 a.m. and close on May 1, 2020 at 5 p.m.

Application Closed

Reflection and Recognition

Recipients of internship scholarships are required to submit a short post-internship reflection of their experience that may be used in related publications.

Award recipients may also be invited to participate in one to two Career Services events or programs during the academic year in order to share about their summer experiences. Recipients will also have the opportunity to be recognized at an awards ceremony.