Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program: Faculty & Staff

Funded by an endowed gift from the Yawkey Foundation and administered through the Center for Career Development, the Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program provides eligible undergraduate Boston University students with the opportunity to apply for a living allowance stipend to support unpaid internships at nonprofit organizations. Stipend disbursement is coordinated by the Center for Career Development. 

How Can My Student Receive Internship Funding? 

The Yawkey Program is a selection-based opportunity. To be considered, students must: 

  • Meet student eligibility requirements 
  • Secure an unpaid internship at a nonprofit organization that meets internship eligibility criteria 
  • Attend a required Funded Internship Programs 101 Workshop hosted by the CCD 
  • Submit a complete application, which includes: 
  • A resume 
  • A letter of recommendation from a BU faculty or staff member 
  • Responses to short essay questions about the internship’s impact on their career development 
  • The submission of an Employer Internship Confirmation Form by the student’s supervisor at their internship site to verify the position’s eligibility 

Final funding decisions are made by a selection committee composed of BU staff members at the CCD. 

Writing a Letter of Recommendation 

If you’ve been asked to write a letter of recommendation for a student applying to the Yawkey Program, thank you—your insights are critical to the selection process. 

Letters must be submitted on official letterhead and should include: 

  • The student’s full name and BUID number 
  • Your relationship to the student 
  • A specific contribution the student has made to the BU community that you can directly speak to 
  • Observations of the student’s leadership, initiative, or commitment 
  • Reflections on the student’s character and maturity 
  • How you believe the student would benefit from participation in the Yawkey Program 

Please send all recommendation letters directly to yawkey@bu.edu. 

A Nonprofit Contact Asked Me About Interns—What Should I Say? 

Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to recruit BU students for both internships and full-time roles. Opportunities can be posted through Handshake, the university’s online recruiting platform. Learn more about Recruiting at BU. 

Please note: The Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program is not a placement program. Students are responsible for securing internships independently and may then apply for Yawkey funding if the position meets eligibility criteria. 

Can I Request a Class Presentation About the Yawkey Program? 

Yes! If you would like someone from our team to speak to your class or student group about the Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program, please reach out. 
 
Phone: 617-353-3590 
Email: yawkey@bu.edu