The Cleveland Foundation has conducted a summer internship program since 1999 that provides talented and diverse undergraduate students and recent college graduates an opportunity to work within Cleveland-area nonprofit and public sector organizations. Beyond an 11-week paid internship experience, interns also participate in and coordinate bi-weekly seminars that highlight the work of local nonprofit and public sector organizations, their roles within the community, and opportunities for professional development.

The program’s objectives include:

• Increasing local organizations’ capacity to conduct important short-term projects
• Providing a full time, paid internship opportunity ($13 per hour) and meaningful career-related work experience
• Stimulating interest in a career in the nonprofit or public sectors
• Exposing interns to a broad range of nonprofit/public sector organizations, leaders, and partnerships, building their first-hand knowledge of the Greater Cleveland nonprofit community and public sector endeavors