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Summer Internship Funding

Summer Internship Funding Overview

Each year, SIPA provides a limited number of competitive internship stipends to qualifying students to partially offset the costs of unpaid or low-paying summer internships. 

Individual stipends are advertised by the CAC early in the spring semester and all application deadlines occur in April and May. The CAC strongly encourages students to begin both their internship search and internship funding search early and in the fall semester, as several application deadlines for other Columbia institute and external summer internship grants occur between December and March.

Students wishing to apply for SIPA stipends should read the information below and apply for the individual stipends. 

Please note the following important considerations when applying for SIPA summer stipends:

  1. Summer Stipends are limited in number and award amounts. 
  2. Students should not rely on the potential of a stipend award as part of their financial planning. Keep in mind that stipends are not guaranteed and awards are unlikely to meet all of a student’s financial burdens. 
  3. While the stipend programs are managed by the CAC, the funds are provided by donors. 

Students may also wish to seek funding for summer internships from external sources. A flyer has been provided below as a resource to navigate the search for external financial support for internships.

Columbia and External Summer Internship Funding Opportunities 

Students interested in learning more about SIPA summer internship stipends are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions hosted during the spring semester. Time/s and Date/s will be updated in the spring semester.

CAC Travel Stipend

  • The CAC Travel Stipend provides funding to qualifying students traveling internationally to help defray the costs of unpaid or low-paid ($2,999 or LESS total pay/funding) summer internships.

    • Each year, the number of awards and the amount of each award depends on the number of qualified applicants.
    • Qualified applicants who submit complete applications may receive a stipend. Past awards have ranged from $900 - $2,500. 
    • It’s the student’s responsibility to register their travel and adhere to the University’s Summer Travel Restrictions. Students can review the University's Travel Policy for more information.

    Interested students should:

    • Complete an application:  
      • Includes a brief personal statement.
      • Application forms are available in the Resource Library section of SIPA Connect 
      • Submit all needed material to SIPA Connect listing in a timely manner by/prior to the deadline.
    • Please note that international students may be taxed at a 14% rate depending on their country of residence. 

    All student and internship eligibility outlined below should also be reviewed, prior to applying for the stipend.  

    ***DP students who receive $2,999 or less in financial support for their summer field placements are eligible to apply for the CAC Travel Stipend***  

    DEADLINE: Friday, May 3, 2024 @ 11:59 p.m.

    • The completed application and supporting documents must be submitted via SIPA Connect.
    • All materials must be received by the deadline in order to be considered for the stipend.
    • No late or incomplete applications will be considered. 
    1. Student must be traveling internationally for their internship.
    2. The student must be matriculated at SIPA or matriculated in a dual degree program with SIPA prior to January 2024.
    3. Student must be in a full-time program and in good academic standing at the time of their application submission (3.0 or above GPA at the time of application).
    4. Student must be returning to SIPA or the dual degree university in the fall semester.
    5. Student must never have received a CAC travel stipend or other SIPA summer internship stipend/grant.
    6. Students in the MPA-EPM, MPA-ESP, Executive MPA, and Ph.D. programs are ineligible to apply.
    7. Students that matriculated into SIPA in January 2024 are ineligible.
    8. Student will be ineligible for stipend if traveling to home country for the internship.
    1. The internship must be relevant to ongoing coursework and provide professional work experience.
    2. The internship offer must be secured at the time of application.
    3. Independent study research, language training or studies, coursework, internships in a family-owned organization, or your own organization are ineligible.
    4. Positions must be a minimum of six weeks in duration in the summer.
    5. Total compensation for the internship from the internship employer and/or other funding sources (e.g., Columbia University Institutes, foundations, fellowships) is $2,999 USD or LESS.
    1. Application form (Can be downloaded from SIPA Connect listing or found in the SIPA Connect Resource Library)
    2. Resume
      1. SIPA required format (Sample Resume Templates HERE)
      2. MUST include GPA
    3. Offer letter from the internship organization either on its official letterhead or from the organization’s email address (not from a Hotmail, Gmail, or yahoo address). 
      1. This letter or email must: 
        1. Confirm an internship offer has been extended; 
        2. Specify the duties to be undertaken by the intern (internship duties may be listed in a separate document); 
        3. Specify the location, start and end date of the internship, and hours per week; 
        4. Specify whether internship will be paid or unpaid; and 
        5. Specify if paid, specify salary or stipend amount.
    4. Signed copy of the Travel Stipend Eligibility Agreement (please read carefully- cannot be traveling to your home country for the internship)
    5. Signed copy of the Travel Stipend School Disclaimer Agreement 
    6. All international students must complete and submit a signed copy of the Attestation Form for Receiving Stipends.
    7. Read the US Government's travel safety information and Current Travel Warnings and Health and Insurance Information. You will be required to confirm that you have reviewed this information on the online travel application.
    8. Register their international trip with the ISOS office.  Register Trip
    9. Submit all needed material to SIPA Connect listing in a timely manner by/prior to the deadline.

    HOW TO OBTAIN REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

    1. SIPA Connect homepage > Resource Library > "Summer Internship Stipends - Application Forms 2024" folder > 2024 CAC Travel Stipend Application
    2. Submit all needed material to SIPA Connect listing in a timely manner by/prior to the deadline.
  • APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

    1. No late or incomplete applications will be considered. 
    2. It is the student's responsibility to obtain all application material in a timely manner, and submitted prior/by the deadline.
    3. It is the student’s responsibility to plan in advance of the above deadline regarding application questions or technical issues.
    4. All questions should be directed to SIPA CAC prior to the deadline and during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm) by phone at 212.854.4613 or email at [email protected].

    APPLICATION DEADLINE:

    • The completed application and supporting documents must be submitted via SIPA Connect by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024. All materials must be received by the deadline in order to be considered for the stipend.

    No late or incomplete applications will be considered.

Jorge Paulo Lemann Internship Stipend

  • The School of International and Public Affairs is pleased to offer the Jorge Paulo Lemann Summer Internship Stipend.  This award has been made possible by the Jorge Paulo Lemann Foundation.  

    • An award of between $2,000 and $4,000 will be given to 1-2 students participating in an unpaid summer internship focused on Brazil that promotes social change and/or economic improvement.
    • The student can use this money to offset travel or living expenses. The student must demonstrate merit and need.

    Interested students should:

    • Complete an application:  
      • Includes a brief personal statement.
      • Application forms are available in the Resource Library section of SIPA Connect 
      • Submit all needed material to SIPA Connect listing in a timely manner by/prior to the deadline
        • Please note that international students may be taxed at a 14% rate depending on their country of residence. 

    DEADLINE:

    Monday, April 29, 2024, by 11:59 p.m.

    • The completed application and supporting documents must be submitted via SIPA Connect.
    • All materials must be received by the deadline in order to be considered for the stipend.
    • No late or incomplete applications will be considered. 

     

    1. Student must be matriculated at SIPA or in a joint-degree program with SIPA prior to January 2024.
    2. Student must be a full-time student and in good academic standing. 
    3. Student must be returning to SIPA or the joint-degree program upon completion of the internship.
    4. Student must be a first-time recipient of this stipend.
    5. Students in the MPA-ESP, MPA-EPM, Executive MPA and Ph.D. programs are ineligible.
    6. Students that matriculated into SIPA in January 2024 are ineligible.
    1. The internship must be a degree requirement for your program. 
    2. The internship must be relevant to ongoing coursework and provide professional work experience.
    3. The internship must be unpaid (including outside funding).
    4. Independent study research, language training or studies, coursework, internships in a family-owned organization, or your own organization are ineligible.
    5. Only summer internship positions are eligible. 
    6. Positions must be a minimum of six weeks in duration. 
    7. The internship must be focused on Brazil and must promote social change and/or economic improvement.
    1. Application form (Can be downloaded from SIPA Connect listing or found in the SIPA Connect Resource Library)
    2. Resume
      1. SIPA required format (Sample Resume Templates HERE)
      2. MUST include GPA
    3. Personal statement: 
      1. Please detail the work you will be doing for your internship and how the internship is related to your current studies and career goals. 
      2. Reference past and current experiences that demonstrate your interest in work in/on Brazil and/or Latin America. One-page maximum.
    4. Offer letter from the internship organization either on its official letterhead or from the organization’s email address (not from a Hotmail, Gmail, or yahoo address). 
      1. This letter or email must: 
        1. Confirm an internship offer has been extended; 
        2. Specify the duties to be undertaken by the intern (internship duties may be listed in a separate document); 
        3. Specify the location, start and end date of the internship, and hours per week; 
        4. Specify whether internship will be paid or unpaid; and 
          1. Specify if paid, specify salary or stipend amount.
    5. Letter of Recommendation
      1. Signed letter of recommendation on the recommender’s organization letterhead or from the recommender’s employer official email address (not from a personal email address). 
      2. We recommend that the reference be written by a professor or professional associate with direct knowledge of the applicant’s abilities,  experience, interest in the stipend and internship, and overall professional interests.
    6. Signed copy of the Eligibility Agreement
    7. Signed copy of the School Disclaimer Agreement
    8. All international students must complete and submit a signed copy of the Attestation Form for Receiving Grants and Stipends
    9. Register their international trip with the ISOS office.  Register Trip
  • APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

    1. No late or incomplete applications will be considered. 
    2. It is the student's responsibility to obtain all application material in a timely manner, and submitted prior/by the deadline.
    3. It is the student’s responsibility to plan in advance of the above deadline regarding application questions or technical issues.
    4. All questions should be directed to SIPA CAC prior to the deadline and during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm) by phone at 212.854.4613 or email at [email protected].

    APPLICATION DEADLINE:

    • The completed application and supporting documents must be submitted via SIPA Connect by Monday, April 29, 2024, by 11:59 p.m.
       
    • All materials must be received by the deadline in order to be considered for the stipend.

    No late or incomplete applications will be considered. 

    1. CAC will process the applications and distribute them to a selection committee comprised of SIPA faculty and administrators. 
    2. CAC will notify all applicants of the selection committee’s decision and will provide recipients with disbursement information.

Named Summer Internship Stipend

  • The School of International and Public Affairs is pleased to offer several named packages to students completing internships that meet the eligibility requirements detailed in this application. These awards have been made possible by the SJS Charitable Trust, the Charlie and Georgia Adams Internship Fund, and the Brett A. Olsher Goldman Sachs Fund.

    • Between 6 – 10 students will receive awards ranging between $3,000 and $5,000 to support their unpaid summer internship in the U.S. or abroad.
    • Selected recipients will demonstrate strong academic merit and need, and award size will be based on such factors. The student can use this money to offset travel or living expenses.
    • Students with experience and/or interest in non-profit, public service, and/or the energy sectors are especially encouraged to apply. 

    Interested students should:

    Complete an application: 

    • Includes a brief personal statement.
    • Application forms are available in the Resource Library section of SIPA Connect 
    • Submit all needed material to SIPA Connect listing in a timely manner by/prior to the deadline
      • Please note that international students may be taxed at a 14% rate depending on their country of residence. 

    All student and internship eligibility outlined below should also be reviewed, prior to applying for the stipend. 

    DEADLINE:

    Friday, April 26, 2024 by 11:59 p.m.

    • The completed application and supporting documents must be submitted via SIPA Connect.
    • All materials must be received by the deadline in order to be considered for the stipend.
    1. Student must be matriculated at SIPA or in a joint-degree program with SIPA prior to January 2024.
    2. Student must be a full-time student and in good academic standing. 
    3. Student must be returning to SIPA or the joint-degree program upon completion of the internship.
    4. Student must be a first-time recipient of this stipend.
    5. Students in the MPA-ESP, MPA-EPM, Executive MPA, and Ph.D. programs are ineligible.
    6. Students that matriculated into SIPA in January 2024 are ineligible.
    7. Student will be ineligible for stipend if traveling to home country for the internship.
    1. The internship must be a degree requirement for your program. 
    2. The internship must be relevant to ongoing coursework and provide professional work experience.
    3. The internship must be unpaid (including outside funding).
    4. Independent study research, language training or studies, coursework, internships in a family-owned organization, or your own organization are ineligible.
    5. Only summer internship positions are eligible. 
    6. Positions must be a minimum of six weeks in duration.
    1. Application form (Can be downloaded from SIPA Connect listing or found in the SIPA Connect Resource Library)
    2. Resume
      1. SIPA required format (Sample Resume Templates HERE)
      2. MUST include GPA
    3. Personal statement:
      1. Please detail the work you will be doing for your internship and how the internship is related to your studies and career goals. 
      2. Reference past and current experiences that demonstrate your interest in the nonprofit, public service, and/or energy sectors. One-page maximum. 
    4. Offer letter from the internship organization either on its official letterhead or from the organization’s email address (not from a Hotmail, Gmail, or yahoo address). 
      1. This letter or email must: 
        1. Confirm an internship offer has been extended
        2. Confirm internship is unpaid
        3. Specify the duties to be undertaken by the intern (internship duties may be listed in a separate document)
        4. Specify the during of the internship
          1. Start and end date of the internship
          2. Hours per week
    5. Letter of Recommendation
      1. Signed letter of recommendation on the recommender’s organization letterhead or from the recommender’s employer official email address (not from a personal email address).
      2. We recommend that the reference be written by a professor or professional associate with direct knowledge of the applicant’s abilities,  experience, interest in the stipend and internship, and overall professional interests.
    6. Completed and signed copy of the Budget Form
    7.  Signed copy of the Eligibility Agreement 
      1. Please read carefully: Cannot be traveling to your home country for the internship
    8. Signed copy of the School Disclaimer Agreement 
    9. All international students must complete and submit a signed copy of the Attestation Form for Receiving Stipends 
    10. Register their international trip with the ISOS office.  Register Trip

    HOW TO OBTAIN REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

    1. SIPA Connect homepage > Resource Library > "Summer Internship Stipends - Application Forms 2024" folder > 2024 Named Internship Stipend Application
    2. Submit all needed material to SIPA Connect listing in a timely manner by/prior to the deadline.
  • APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

    1. No late or incomplete applications will be considered. 
    2. It is the student's responsibility to obtain all application material in a timely manner, and submitted prior/by the deadline.
    3. It is the student’s responsibility to plan in advance of the above deadline regarding application questions or technical issues.
    4. All questions should be directed to SIPA CAC prior to the deadline and during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm) by phone at 212.854.4613 or email at [email protected].

    APPLICATION DEADLINE:

    • The completed application and supporting documents must be submitted via SIPA Connect by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024
    • All materials must be received by the deadline in order to be considered for the stipend.

    No late or incomplete applications will be considered. 

    1. CAC will process the applications and distribute them to a selection committee comprised of SIPA faculty and administrators. 
    2. CAC will notify all applicants of the selection committee’s decision and will provide recipients with disbursement information.

Anita Datar Internship Stipend

  • The School of International and Public Affairs is pleased to offer the Anita Datar Summer Internship Stipend. This award has been made possible by the family of Anita Datar.

    Anita Datar MPA ’03, ‘03PH was killed in the terrorist attack of November 20, 2015 in Bamako, Mali. Established by Anita's family and friends, this award honors her memory by supporting students who, like Anita, have a dedicated interest in international health policy and are working on women and children’s health. 

    • The Anita Datar summer internship stipend is pleased to support students who have an interest in international health policy and are working on women and children’s health
    • An award of $200 - $450 will be given to 1-2 students. 
    • The student can use this money to offset travel or living expenses. 
    • The student must demonstrate merit and need. 
    • The Anita Datar Summer Internship Stipend is awarded by an independent selection committee designated specifically for these named funds.

    Interested students should:

    Complete an application: 

    • Includes a brief personal statement.
    • Application forms are available in the Resource Library section of SIPA Connect 
    • Submit all needed material to SIPA Connect listing in a timely manner by/prior to the deadline
      • Please note that international students may be taxed at a 14% rate depending on their country of residence. 

    All student and internship eligibility outlined below should also be reviewed, prior to applying for the stipend. 

    DEADLINE:

    Friday, April 26, 2024 by 11:59 p.m.

    • The completed application and supporting documents must be submitted via SIPA Connect.
    • All materials must be received by the deadline in order to be considered for the stipend.
    • No late or incomplete applications will be considered. 
    1. Student must be matriculated at SIPA or in a joint-degree program with SIPA prior to January 2024.
    2. Student must be a full-time student and in good academic standing.
    3. Student must be returning to SIPA or the joint-degree program upon completion of the internship.
    4. Student must be a first-time recipient of this stipend.
    5. Students in the MPA ESP, MPA EPM, Executive MPA, and Ph.D programs are ineligible.
    6. Students that matriculated into SIPA in January 2024 are ineligible.
    1. The internship must be a degree requirement for your program.
    2. The internship must be relevant to ongoing coursework and provide professional work experience.
    3. The internship must be unpaid (including outside funding).
    4. Independent study research, language training or studies, coursework, internships in a family-owned organization or your own organization are ineligible.
    5. Only summer internship positions are eligible.
    6. Positions must be a minimum of six weeks in duration.
    7. The internship must be based around international health policy and working on women and children’s health.
    1. Application form (Can be downloaded from SIPA Connect listing or found in the SIPA Connect Resource Library)
    2. Resume
      1. SIPA required format (Sample Resume Templates HERE)
      2. MUST include GPA
    3. Personal statement:
      1.  Please detail the work you will be doing for your internship and how the internship is related to your current studies and career goals.
      2. Reference past and current experiences that demonstrate your interest in international health policy and working on women and children’s health. One-page maximum (500 Words).  
    4. Offer letter from the internship organization either on its official letterhead or from the organization’s email address (not from a Hotmail, Gmail, or yahoo address). 
    5. This letter or email must: 
      1. Confirm an internship offer has been extended
      2. Confirm internship is unpaid
      3. Specify the duties to be undertaken by the intern (internship duties may be listed in a separate document); 
      4. Specify the during of the internship
        1. Start and end date of the internship
        2. Hours per week
    6. Letter of Recommendation
      1. Signed letter of recommendation on the recommender’s organization letterhead or from the recommender’s employer official email address (not from a personal email address).
      2. We recommend that the reference be written by a professor or professional associate with direct knowledge of the applicant’s abilities,  experience, interest in the stipend and internship, and overall professional interests.
    7. Signed copy of the Eligibility Agreement.
    8. Signed copy of the School Disclaimer Agreement.
    9. All international students must complete and submit a signed copy of the Attestation Form for Receiving Stipends.
    10. Register their international trip with the ISOS office.  Register Trip

    HOW TO OBTAIN REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

    1. SIPA Connect homepage > Resource Library > "Summer Internship Stipends - Application Forms 2024" folder > 2024 Datar Application Form
    2. Submit all needed material to SIPA Connect listing in a timely manner by/prior to the deadline.
  • APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

    1. No late or incomplete applications will be considered. 
    2. It is the student's responsibility to obtain all application material in a timely manner, and submitted prior/by the deadline.
    3. It is the student’s responsibility to plan in advance of the above deadline regarding application questions or technical issues.
    4. Failure to submit proper documentation will prevent CAC’s receipt of your full application.
    5. All questions should be directed to SIPA CAC prior to the deadline and during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm) by phone at 212.854.4613 or email at [email protected].

    APPLICATION DEADLINE:

    • The completed application and supporting documents must be submitted via SIPA Connect by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024
    • All materials must be received by the deadline in order to be considered for the stipend.

    No late or incomplete applications will be considered. 

    1. CAC will process the applications and distribute them to a selection committee comprised of SIPA faculty and administrators. 
    2. CAC will notify all applicants of the selection committee’s decision and will provide recipients with disbursement information.

SIPASA Internship Stipend

  • The School of International and Public Affairs is pleased to offer the SIPASA Summer Internship Stipend.

    • SIPASA is pleased to support eligible MPA and MIA students who undertake unpaid summer internships.
    • Each year, the number of awards and the amount of each award depends on the funding available and the competitiveness of the applicant pool. 
    • The student(s) can use this money to offset travel or living expenses. The student must demonstrate merit and need.

    Interested students should:

    Complete an application: 

    • Includes a brief personal statement.
    • Application forms are available in the Resource Library section of SIPA Connect 
    • Submit all needed material to SIPA Connect listing in a timely manner by/prior to the deadline
      • Please note that international students may be taxed at a 14% rate depending on their country of residence. 

    All student and internship eligibility outlined below should also be reviewed, prior to applying for the stipend.  

    DEADLINE:

    Friday, May 3, 2024 by 11:59 p.m.

    • The completed application and supporting documents must be submitted via SIPA Connect.
    • All materials must be received by the deadline in order to be considered for the stipend.
    • No late or incomplete applications will be considered. 
    1. Student must be matriculated at SIPA or in a joint-degree program with SIPA prior to January 2024.
    2. Student must be a full-time student and in good academic standing.
    3. Student must be returning to SIPA or the joint-degree program upon completion of the internship.
    4. Student must be a first-time recipient of this stipend.
    5. Students in the MPA ESP, MPA EPM, Executive MPA, and Ph.D programs are ineligible.
    6. Students that matriculated into SIPA in January 2024 are ineligible.
    1. The internship must be a degree requirement for your program.
    2. The internship must be relevant to ongoing coursework and provide professional work experience.
    3. The internship must be unpaid (including outside funding).
    4. Independent study research, language training or studies, coursework, internships in a family-owned organization or your own organization are ineligible.
    5. Only summer internship positions are eligible.
    6. Positions must be a minimum of six weeks in duration.
    1. Application form (Can be downloaded from SIPA Connect listing or found in the SIPA Connect Resource Library)
    2. Resume
      1. SIPA required format (Sample Resume Templates HERE)
      2. MUST include GPA
    3. Personal statement:
      1. Please detail the work you will be doing for your internship and how the internship is related to your current studies and career goals.
      2. Reference past and current experiences that demonstrate your interest and work in public service. One page maximum (500 words).
    4. Offer letter from the internship organization either on its official letterhead or from the organization’s email address (not from a Hotmail, Gmail, or yahoo address). 
      1. This letter or email must: 
        1. Confirm an internship offer has been extended; 
        2. Specify the duties to be undertaken by the intern (internship duties may be listed in a separate document); 
        3. Specify the location, start and end date of the internship, and hours per week; 
        4. Specify whether internship will be paid or unpaid; and 
        5. Specify if paid, specify salary or stipend amount.
    5. Letter of Recommendation
      1. Signed letter of recommendation on the recommender’s organization letterhead or from the recommender’s employer official email address (not from a personal email address).
      2. We recommend that the reference be written by a professor or professional associate with direct knowledge of the applicant’s abilities,  experience, interest in the stipend and internship, and overall professional interests.
    6. Signed copy of the Eligibility Agreement.
    7. Signed copy of the School Disclaimer Agreement.
    8. All international students must complete and submit a signed copy of the Attestation Form for Receiving Stipends.
    9. Register their international trip with the ISOS office.  Register Trip

    HOW TO OBTAIN REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

    1. SIPA Connect homepage > Resource Library > "Summer Internship Stipends - Application Forms 2024" folder > 2024 SIPASA Application Form
       
    2. Submit all needed material to SIPA Connect listing in a timely manner by/prior to the deadline.
  • APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

    1. No late or incomplete applications will be considered. 
    2. It is the student's responsibility to obtain all application material in a timely manner, and submitted prior/by the deadline.
    3. It is the student’s responsibility to plan in advance of the above deadline regarding application questions or technical issues.
    4. All questions should be directed to SIPA CAC prior to the deadline and during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm) by phone at 212.854.4613 or email at [email protected].

    APPLICATION DEADLINE:

    • The completed application and supporting documents must be submitted via SIPA Connect by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024.
    • All materials must be received by the deadline in order to be considered for the stipend.

    No late or incomplete applications will be considered. 

    1. CAC will process the applications and distribute them to a selection committee comprised of SIPA faculty and administrators. 
    2. CAC will notify all applicants of the selection committee’s decision and will provide recipients with disbursement information.