The new Lilly Endowment grant will enable Wabash to implement some exciting new initiatives and continue many of the successful programs the College has had over the past several years. Community leadership, entrepreneurial ventures, and expansion of experiential opportunities for students from all majors and disciplines are the three main focuses of this grant.
Over the next four years, the College plans to provide up to 40 (competitive) internships every year covering a wide variety of student interests and geographic locations throughout the state to continue to foster an appreciation of the liberal arts within these meaningful work experiences.
Research demonstrates that students who have earned and worked through an internship experience are more qualified, heavily pursued, and are provided with more opportunities upon their post-graduate experience. With the involvement of alumni, parents, and friends, the College will continue to provide the best opportunity for students to explore career choices while having a positive impact on Indiana businesses and communities.
As part of program’s sustainability plan for these internships, participating host organizations will be expected to contribute a small portion of the internship cost. These contributions are as follows:
Year 1 - $300 to participate (per intern) – summer of 2014
Year 2 - $600 to participate (per intern) – summer of 2015
Year 3 - $900 to participate (per intern) – summer of 2016
Year 4 - $1200 to participate (per intern) – summer of 2017
Each internship is based on an eight-week work experience, 40 hours per week. However, we also consider a 320-hour experience eligible to participate, as we know nonprofits may work off of a more non-traditional work week.
For more information on providing an opportunity for a Wabash student, please contact Betsy Knott at (765) 361-6096 or by email.