Caryn Camiolo Social Justice Internship
Through the generosity of John Camiolo ’86 and Caryn Camiolo ’85, the Center for Community’s GOLD Program established a summer initiative to encourage SUNY Geneseo students to engage in social justice related internships. Geneseo has a long history of student engagement with non-profit and social justice oriented agencies through the Diamond Leadership Certificate in the GOLD Program, the Office of Student Volunteerism and Community Engagement, service-learning courses, and service related internships.
The Caryn Camiolo Memorial Social Justice Summer Internships have been created to encourage students to pursue service related internships by eliminating barriers to participate in what are typically unpaid experiences. These barriers include: cost of transportation, need to earn money during the summer, housing costs, and other internship related expenses. By offering up to two $2,500 stipends each summer, the Caryn Camiolo Memorial Internship Fund will help eliminate such barriers and make these experiences available to all students regardless of their financial means.
Eligibility
- Completion of at least 30 credit hours
- Good academic standing
- Enrolled undergraduate for the fall semester after the summer internship
- Strong interest or prior involvement with social justice and non-profit organizations
- Participation in the Diamond Civic Engagement workshops (Can attend in the semester after summer internship)
- Have identified an organization willing to host the student in a meaningful experience related to social justice issues. The organization must be located in the United States. Virtual or remote internships will not be considered.
- Willingness to work a minimum of 100 hours over the course of the experience
- Demonstrated financial need
Application Process
Interested students should identify an issue(s) and a non-profit agency that has a social justice focus, including, but not limited to: hunger, poverty, homelessness, affordable housing, access to education, alcohol and drug abuse, global warming, animal abuse, and/or equality for individuals with underrepresented identities. Students are required to participate in one of the GOLD workshop on Job and Internship Opportunities in Social Justice (Check GOLD site for dates and times) that will cover basic concepts of social justice, include stories from students engaged in social justice activities, and assist students in preparing for the internship. Students seeking an internship in a diverse community different than their hometown will be given preference.
Finalists will be required to provide a signed agreement from their chosen non-profit / community agency prior to being selected as an intern. This agreement will clearly define the agency's role in hosting the intern and the responsibilities and expectations of the intern (We can help you create this document).
Applications include:
- A 500 word essay on how the $2,000 grant will be used. The essay should address the social justice nature of the organization you will be working with and their community involvement, how this experience will provide you a diverse perspective, how this experience will further your personal and career goals, and how your involvement will contribute to the mission of the host agency.
- A current résumé that includes past service and volunteer experience
- An interview with the internship review committee for all finalists will be required
- The application deadline has passed for the 2021 program year. Check back next spring for our next round of internships.
Reflection
Students who are selected will be asked to complete written and group reflections over the course of the summer. Group reflections may be in person, or by phone/Skype depending on location of the internships. Funded students will be required to submit a final report, assist with future GOLD social justice workshops, complete a GREAT Day Presentation, and work toward the Diamond Civic Engagement Leadership Certificate.