Wisconsin’s private colleges and universities play a vital role in helping students prepare for meaningful college experiences that include opportunities beyond the classroom. One opportunity is the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU) Nonprofit Internship Program, which offers an enriching and financially rewarding summer experience for students attending WAICU- member institutions.

Thanks to the generosity of two Wisconsin foundations, sixteen internship positions are available for the summer of 2025. This competitive program provides selected students with a $4,000 summer stipend and a $6,000 scholarship in exchange for completing four hundred hours of work over ten weeks at a designated nonprofit organization in Jefferson, Milwaukee, Manitowoc, or Rock County.

To be eligible, students must:

• Be enrolled at a WAICU-member institution.
• Hold a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher.
• Be pursuing any major. All academic backgrounds are welcome.

This internship is more than just a summer job. Interns gain firsthand experience in the nonprofit sector, develop professional skills, and contribute to meaningful projects that support the missions of their host organizations.

Interns and their nonprofit mentors will convene at the Internship Institute on April 25 at Marian University to prepare for a successful summer. This one-day event establishes the foundation for the internship experience by giving participants the opportunity to:

• Define goals and expectations.
• Learn more about the work and mission of each participating nonprofit.
• Understand the structure and purpose of the WAICU Nonprofit Internship Program and begin developing meaningful professional relationships.

The Internship Institute is a key component in ensuring that interns are well prepared to make the most of their summer placements.

For more information email WAICU Director of Outreach and High School Partnerships Taylor Hooker.