Experiential Education Funding

The Center for Career & Experiential Education, with generous support from the Donald Strauss Endowment for Innovative Programs, is accepting applications for the Strauss Unpaid Internship Scholarship.

Application Deadlines:

  • Fall – September 1
  • Spring – January 15
  • Summer – May 15

Application Process

Unpaid or Underpaid Internship Scholarship

This scholarship, although not equivalent to an hourly wage, is meant to offset the impact of selecting an unpaid or underpaid internship opportunity (“underpaid” means no hourly wage, but perhaps a stipend, access to professional development, etc.). Internship must be a minimum of 10 hours at one site per week, for a minimum of 10 weeks (if your experience is on a different timetable, but still a significant commitment, please apply and provide details in the application). This scholarship provides a one-time payment between $500-$1500* depending on weekly internship hour commitment. *Scholarship awards dependent on available funds.

Application Process:

  1. Identify and secure an internship
  2. Identify and enroll in (or start the process to enroll in) a URI Internship course (see below)
  3. Complete the application (follow link below). Only 1-3 scholarships are awarded per semester, so be sure to take your time to explain your unique circumstances related to your career journey including aspirations, challenges, and any financial hardships.
  4. If accepted, we will contact you, confirm your internship, and send necessary paperwork.
  5. Once we have confirmation of your acceptance and start of your internship, we will process your one-time payment. Please note that the scholarship is sent through your university account and as such will be applied to any outstanding bills before being sent to you in the form of a refund.
  6. Upon completion of your internship, we will reach out for a brief reflection on your Internship experience

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Undergraduate student enrolled in an internship course at URI (CCEE credit and zero-credit internship course options can be found here). If you need assistance enrolling in a course, please contact your Career Education Specialist or Sarah Miller at sgmiller@uri.edu.
  • Internship must be a minimum of 10 hours per week for 10 weeks
  • Unpaid opportunity presents a financial hardship
  • You cannot have already received a Strauss scholarship in the past