The Institute for Public Engagement (IPE) launched its Summer Nonprofit Immersion Program in 2010. The purpose of this program is to 1) expand the academic and professional development of undergraduate students by exposing them to multiple aspects of the nonprofit sector and 2) expand the capacity of our community partners to serve our community by committing a student to work there full time. The success of the program has thrived on the collaborative contributions of the IPE staff, student interns, and community partners.
Click on 2013 Student Interns and Community Partners.
Click 2012 Highlights of Students and Community Partners to find out more!
The nonprofit sector adds immeasurable value to the fabric of our communities. Through leading community development, the arts, education and environmental protection, nonprofit organizations shape the way we live together. The Institute for Public Engagement’s Summer Nonprofit Immersion program provides Wake Forest University undergraduate students with an opportunity to connect with the nonprofit sector while reflecting on the sectors role and their own professional development. Through an integrated program that combines a high quality educational experience with a structured internship placement and vocational reflection, the Summer Nonprofit Immersion offers a unique personal and professional development opportunity through public engagement.
The Summer Immersion Experience
Nonprofit Management Seminar
The Summer Nonprofit Immersion Program begins with a three day intensive lecture series taught by Wake Forest professors in the Schools of Business and School of Law, providing 15 hours of course instruction and case study review. This seminar is designed to introduce student interns to best principles and practices of the nonprofit sector and give them a working knowledge about their organization and the social sector before entering their internship site. Course Topics Include:
- Introduction to the Social Sector
- Nonprofit Governance and Operations
- Nonprofit Accounting and Financial Planning and Analysis
- Stakeholder Analysis
- Fund Development
- Mission and Marketing
- Lobbying and Political Action
- Legal and Ethical Issues
ENGAGE Seminar
Supplementing the students’ internship experience in the nonprofit sector, the ENGAGE Seminar is a series of weekly group sessions led by an the IPE Staff that allow student interns to intentionally reflect on their internship experience, the needs of the community, and their vocation. Each intern will also present an event account and led a group discussion. Discussion topics have included pathways to discovering vocation, serving the community, composing your life story, linking passion to community needs, vocation and work life balance, and connecting your vocation and internship experience.
Students have also been invited to meet various leaders of nonprofit organizations and participate in additional professional development opportunities including community forums, grant-writing workshops, regional meetings.
The Internship Placement
Following the first week class and orientation, students will begin working full-time at their internship placements. The Institute for Public Engagement (IPE) will help arrange internship placements during the second half of the spring semester with partnering nonprofit agencies. To the greatest extent possible, the IPE will work to match students with agencies that work in the student’s area of personal and professional interest. IPE intentionally selects a broad range of community partners by categorizing the host organizations into the following categories: human services, philanthropy, youth enrichment, arts and culture and community development. This diversity of internship placement allows students to see multiple aspects of the nonprofit sector and enriched their weekly reflection sessions.
Internships run as full time placements, requiring students to work in the partner’s office Monday through Friday during regular business hours, with the exception of weekly scheduled ENGAGE Seminars.
Internships serve at least two purposes. First, the student gains a deeper understanding of the nonprofit sector through working with leaders as they manage and run nonprofit organizations. This allows for a better understanding of the students academic preparation. Second, the internships bring important resources to the nonprofit, particularly staff time and energy, allowing our partner to better serves its mission.
Summer Stipend
Students will receive a stipend of $3,000 to support their eight week internship. This is disbursed in two parts- half at the beginning of June and the remaining half at the beginning of July.
Application and Selection Process
Applications are available by clicking on 2013 Student Intern Application. Completed applications and supplemental materials should be submitted by Friday, February 8, 2013. The Institute for Public Engagement is located in 305 Reynolda Hall. Interviews will be conducted beginning February 18, 2012 and students will be notified of a selection decision by March 6, 2013. Students will have one week to accept or decline internship offer.
Click here for a PowerPoint overview of the Summer Nonprofit Immersion Program.
Important Information for Community Organizations
Nonprofit organizations in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County that are interested in hosting a student intern in our Summer Nonprofit Immersion Program should complete and return the following Community Partner Form by Friday, February 15, 2013, available by clicking on Summer 2013 Community Partner Application Form , for consideration. Final selection of students and organizations will be made the week of March 18–22, 2013.
Click here for a PowerPoint overview of the Summer Nonprofit Immersion Program.
Click here for 2013 Program Agreement Form
Click here for 2013 Learning Agreement Form
Please contact the Institute for Public Engagement with any questions you may have.
2012 IPE Summer Nonprofit Immersion Student Interns
