Community-Based Internship Program
About the Program
The Community-Based Internship Program offers undergraduate students enrolled in a CLAS degree program or those who are federal work-study eligible the opportunity to gain meaningful, paid experience in their field. Through hands-on work with local nonprofit partners, students develop professional skills while making a positive impact in their community.
Students from all majors are encouraged to apply (see specific eligibility requirements below). Internship opportunities span a wide range of roles, including social media, human resources, youth development, and more—allowing students to explore career interests, build transferable skills, and strengthen their professional networks.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Community-Based Internship Program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled at GVSU as an undergraduate student
- Maintain good academic standing
- Submit a professional resume and cover letter
- Have access to reliable personal transportation (strongly recommended)
In addition, students must qualify for one of the following tracks:
Community-Based Work-Study
- Eligible for federal work-study funding (contact the Office of Financial Aid to confirm eligibility)
- Open to students of all majors
CLAS Community Internships
- Enrolled in a degree program within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS)
- No federal work-study eligibility required
Please note: Funding for the CLAS Community Internship track is limited, and is awarded at the discretion of the CLAS Center for Experiential Learning.
For Students
Looking to gain hands-on experience in your field while giving back to your community? The Community-Based Internship Program offers a meaningful way to build professional skills, explore career interests, and make a real impact.
Students are encouraged to apply to be matched with a local nonprofit organization based on their major, interests, and career goals. This paid opportunity allows students to gain practical experience, develop both technical and transferable skills, and contribute to meaningful community work. At this time, eligibility is limited to students who are CLAS majors or are federal work-study eligible.
After submitting an application, students will be contacted to discuss their interests, review application materials, and identify potential placement opportunities. Once a match is identified, materials will be shared with the community partner, who will conduct an interview.
Students in the program typically work 10–15 hours per week at their internship site. Internships last for the duration of the Fall and/or Winter semesters.
Student FAQ's
How do I know if I am work-study eligible?
Students are awarded federal work-study based on need through the FAFSA application. If a student is awarded work-study, this will be included in their financial aid package. To determine if you are eligible, please reach out to the GVSU Financial Aid Office.
How do I apply?
Students can apply through Workday. Applications are reviewed by the team from the CLAS Center for Experiential Learning and shared with employer partners to conduct interviews.
To apply, students need an updated resume and cover letter. Please check out the GVSU Career Center resources for help with career materials!
Questions? Email Dana Hebreard at [email protected]
Can international students apply?
Only U.S. citizens and those with permanent residency who have completed the FAFSA are allowed to work in Community-Based Work-Study positions since they require a federal work award.
If you are an international student looking for on-campus employment, check out openings on Workday or visit the GVSU Career Center.
How will I be paid?
Students are required to log their hours for each pay period within Workday. Pay amount is determined by the site supervisor, but typically fall within the $12-17 per hour range. Just like an on-campus job at GVSU, students can expect bi-weekly pay following the university pay schedule. The CLAS Center for Experiential Learning team will help you get started and set up direct deposit if needed. Site supervisors will also review time sheets for each student during every pay period.
Do community employers provide transportation?
Many of our current placements require students to have access to reliable transportation. Students may speak to employers about transportation options or placements along the bus line (for school based placements).
We hope to add additional community partners who operate on the Laker Line soon!
For Employers
The Community-Based Internship Program offers community partners the opportunity to engage motivated students while receiving financial support to offset staffing costs. This partnership allows organizations to expand capacity, advance their mission, and invest in the development of future professionals.
Community partners contribute just 25% of student wages (up to the award amount), with the remaining 75% funded through federal work-study or scholarships provided by the CLAS Center for Experiential Learning. Internship placements can span a wide range of majors and project areas, including youth development, social media, fundraising, education, and more.
Interested in joining the program or learning more? Please contact Dana Hebreard at [email protected].
Employer FAQ's
What employers are eligible?
For this program, any community-based nonprofit employers are eligible to participate!
For more information, please contact Dana Hebreard at [email protected]
How does the payment and invoicing work?
Students will be paid directly by GVSU, with 75% covered by either federal work-study or CCEL scholarships, and 25% by the employer-partner. An invoice will be sent at the end of the semester.
Award amounts are tracked throughout the semester to show the total amount of student funding left and the total amount owed by community partners.
Who is considered the employer for students- GVSU or the community organization?
Students employed through the Community-Based Internship Program who work for a community organization are considered employees of Grand Valley State University. GVSU issues student paychecks and W-2's and handles I9 documentation before students are allowed to work at their placements. Students coordinate schedules and report to supervisors at the community organization.
Can I hire a work-study student for the spring/summer semester?
Unfortunately, no. Students in the Community-Based Internship Program are only able to receive their awards in the fall and winter semesters.
If you have a student who would like to continue working with you for the summer semester, encourage them to explore other funding options for experiential learning, otherwise you would need to cover 100% of their pay.
Our Community Partners
- Boys and Girls Club
- Children's Healing Center
- Community Action House
- Community Food Club
- Family Promise
- First Tee
- Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore
- Hope Gardens
- IKUS
- Kids Food Basket
- Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation
- Paws With A Cause
- Revive and Thrive Project
- Ronald McDonald House Charities
- Senior Neighbors
- STEM Greenhouse
Are you currently working with a non-profit partner in the community? We are happy to connect with them to grow our list.
[1758147572].jpg)
Student Spotlight
Katherine Darling
Paws With A Cause
"Being in the program and getting the chance to work in the veterinary department for Paws With A Cause has widened my knowledge of veterinary medicine. I have been able to ask a lot of questions about veterinary medicine, procedures, and steps that I should take to further my academic career in graduate school. I have also been able to gain hands-on experiences working with the dogs and observing surgeries. Getting the chance to work with a veterinarian and other vet technicians has helped validate my goal of wanting to become a veterinarian."