QSN Internship Grant

In support of the QSN core value of civic engagement, QuestBridge is excited to offer the QSN Internship Grant to fund a select number of students participating in unpaid internships in the non-profit or public service sector. Inspired by the resilience and determination of our Scholars to pursue their academic and professional goals during this challenging year, we hope to provide not only financial support but also a rich, learning cohort experience that will lead to lasting connections. The grant will only be available for the summer of 2021, as this opportunity will replace the QuestBridge Internship Program, which is set to resume in 2022.

Please review the eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, and application process thoroughly before submitting your application. Only applications submitted by Sunday, April 25 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time will be considered for the grant.

What are the eligibility criteria?

Applicant Eligibility:

  • Be a current undergraduate attending one of our QuestBridge college partners in good academic and disciplinary standing.
  • Have already secured an unpaid summer internship prior to the application deadline that fits the internship eligibility criteria.
  • Submit a full application which includes a resume, job description, professional reference, and answer several free-response questions.

Internship Eligibility:

  • The internship must be in a non-profit, civil service organization, government entity, NGO, etc. and have a broader societal/environmental impact. This can include universities or colleges that are designated as nonprofit institutions.
  • Be a fully virtual opportunity, which negates the need for domestic or international travel, and is virtual for the duration of the opportunity. 
  • Have a work commitment of at least 20 hours/week and last at least 8 weeks during the summer of 2021.
  • Be supervised and include an educational component that contributes to the applicant’s career aspirations and/or academic interests.
  • The grant may not be used to pay for administrative costs for fee-based internship programs.

What are the grant components?

  • Selected recipients will receive a maximum stipend of $1,500. The first installment will be awarded at the beginning of the summer. The second installment will be awarded upon successful completion of all program requirements. 
  • Grant recipients participate in a supportive summer cohort experience.
  • Recipients must agree to the Terms and Conditions of the grant prior to issuance of the award funds.  

What are the terms and conditions?

  • Submit a letter confirming acceptance from an internship site.
  • Complete the internship described in the grant application.
  • Participate in three, virtual cohort meetings with fellow grant recipients during the summer. 
  • Compose a written summary account of the internship experience and share at least one relevant photo for QuestBridge website and/or social media post. 
  • Complete three written reflection activities (goal setting, mid-point evaluation, reflection). 
  • Collaborate with the cohort to compile tips for attaining and maintaining a successful virtual internship in the non-profit/public service sector. 
  • Failure to complete the above stated reqirements will result in the forfeiture of award funds.  

What is the application process?

  • The QSN internship Grant application closed in late April. 
  • The committee will make decisions based on a variety of factors, including the overall quality of your application, your internship details, your learning goals, and your commitment to the summer cohort experience. We may also consider established performance in both academics and extracurricular activities.
  • In the application, you will be asked to provide a detailed description of how you will spend the grant and what other funding sources you are applying to. Applicants who demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness in obtaining a variety of funding sources and still have financial need will be viewed favorably. 

What is the selection and program timeline?

  • Application Review: QuestBridge will review applications carefully. Should your application be selected for further consideration, you will hear from us in early May. 
  • Video Interview: If your application is considered, we will contact you to schedule a video interview in early May.

  • Official Selection: We will announce grant recipients by mid May and the first award will be distributed by late May. 

  • Cohort Meetings: Three virtual gatherings will be scheduled in June, July, and August. 

  • Final Award: Distribution will take place in late August when all internships and mandatory outcomes have been submitted. 

Please direct your questions about the application and selection process to QSN@questbridge.org.