Northern Illinois University
Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

1. Complete the Mellon Internship Program Application (MHIP) Form (within the priority deadlines) and the Student Agreement.
2. Await application decision from the program Internship Coordinator.
3. If accepted, meet the Internship Coordinator for internship application review.
4. If hired, communicate your internship selection to the Internship Coordinator and enroll in the required academic course.

Important Student Program Dates

Priority deadline for Spring 2027 internship applications is November 15.

November 1-14	Student applications open
November 15	Student application priority deadline
November 1-22	Community Partner interviewing
November 22-30	Student  selection process
December 1-4	Community Partner selection communication
December 4	Internship Coordinator match confirmation
January 11	It's the first week of the semester, engage with your internship host!

In 2025 NIU was awarded a five-year grant from the Mellon Foundation funding students in humanities disciplines for internships that are traditionally unpaid.

We are excited to support humanities students for meaningful paid experiences with local and regional nonprofits and internationally recognized NGOs. This is a five-year program with expectations of securing matching funds for continuation.

1. Complete the Mellon Program Community Partner Host Form to register your organization and position description(s).
2. Await application decision from the Humanities Internship Coordinator.
3. If accepted, the Internship Coordinator will confirm your active status and welcome you to the program.
4. On the dates below, receive student candidates, interview and confirm selection(s) with the Internship Coordinator.

Important Community Partner Program Dates

Spring 2027 student applications will close on  November 15.

November 1-14	Student applications open
November 15	Student applications close
November 1-22	Community Partner  interviewing
November 15-30	Student  selection process
December 1-4	Community Partner selection communication
December 4	Internship Coordinator match confirmation
January 11	It's the first week of the semester, engage with your internship host!

Key Program Features to Remember

• Students are available 10 hours per week during fall/spring terms (20 hours per week during summer).
• Students are paid by the internship program and have access to funds for transportation.
• Students are expected to have a supervisor (even if work is occasionally unsupervised).
• Students are expected to have orientation and training in advance of receiving assigned projects.
• Students are expected to have mid and end of term evaluations.

Can the Mellon Humanities Internship Program help pay for my attire for the internship?

No. Funding is strictly for pay and allowable transportation costs. If needed there are funds available for applicable childcare needs. However, we encourage use of Huskie Closet for your clothing needs.

Is the internship pay going to be given weekly?

No. The pay will be offered twice per term, at the midpoint and the end.

Can I apply again to participate in the internship program more than once?

Not likely, but it depends on the number of applications. The internship is meant to reach as many different students as possible.

If I meet eligibility requirements and have already been selected for an unpaid internship, can I receive program funding?

Yes. The internship will be reviewed for acceptance into our program and meeting our criteria for participation.

Can I participate in virtual internships?

Yes, but the internship will be reviewed for acceptance into our program and meeting our criteria for participation.

Can I participate in internships in other states?

Possibly. The internship will be reviewed for acceptance into our program and meeting our criteria for participation.

Can I participate in internships abroad?

No. This is not allowed by our funding organization.

Can I participate in an internship on campus?

Possibly. The internship will be reviewed for acceptance into our program and meeting our criteria for participation.

Can I participate in internships with private sector/for profit organizations?

No. This is not part of our agreement with our funding organization.