Low Vision Center Internship
| Eligibility: | Current Wellesley College sophomores and juniors only; |
| Award: | $3,500 |
| Deadline: | Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 12 p.m. |
| Application: | See application requirements below |
Summer 2008
Purpose
This fund provides students with the opportunity to experience work in the not-for-profit sector through an internship at the Low Vision Center (LVC) in Bethesda, Maryland.
About Low Vision Center (LVC)
LVC is a nonprofit organization that helps people with low vision maintain their independence. The organization offers information services as well as an in-house demonstration area full of a variety of low vision aids and ideas.
LVC offers its resources without charge, relying entirely upon personal contributions to fund its varied services. The intern will assist with low vision care, outreach, and grant writing projects.
To learn more about LVC's programs and services visit www.lowvisioninfo.org or contact Terry Eason, Executive Director, at 301.951.4444 or at lowvisioninfo@starpower.net.
Eligibility
Any currently enrolled Wellesley College sophomore or junior is eligible to receive a stipend, provided that she is not receiving funding from other sources for the period covered by the stipend. Graduating seniors are not eligible.
Application Requirements
All applications must include:
- a completed Low Vision Center Internship Application Form;
- a cover letter that details:
- your reasons for choosing to work as an intern for LVC and your goals for the internship;
- what qualifications you have to contribute (academic, language, or other);
- your knowledge and understanding of the issues and the populations the organization serves;
- how this placement will contribute to your academic or future goals (if applicable);
- a current resume;
- a current transcript (may be unofficial);
- one reference; click here for instructions.
This stipend program requires that the original application materials plus one copy must be handed in by the deadline date and time. The copies may be double-sided.
Participant Requirements
During the spring before their internships, award recipients must attend the following mandatory meetings:
- three pre-internship workshops, dates to be determined
- a meeting to sign a contract agreeing to complete 350 hours of work over an 8-10 week internship during the summer
By September 25, 2009, students awarded a stipend from the Center for Work and Service will be required to:
- submit a 3-5 page essay that reflects on their internship experience;
- submit the completed learning contract and supervisor evaluation;
- write a thank you note to the donor of the stipend.
Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Tanner Conference, a one-day conference held each fall that celebrates the incorporation of students' off-campus learning experiences into their education. The conference will provide a venue for students to reflect critically upon, analyze and share their off-campus experiences with others in the college community through panel presentations, roundtables, and information sessions.
Stipend
A $3,500 stipend will be awarded through the Service Opportunity Stipend Program.
Stipends will be distributed in two installments. The initial installment will be given in May after all required contracts have been signed and returned to the Center for Work and Service. This initial installment will be $500 less than the award amount listed for the program. The remaining $500 will be given to you after the Center for Work and Service has received a copy of your thank you letter to the donor, your essay and the other follow up materials required by the stipend.