Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program: Employers

Boston University values partnerships with nonprofit organizations in the Boston area and beyond. The Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program provides funding and support to students who secure unpaid internships at qualified nonprofit organizations. 

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Program Overview 

Funded by an endowed gift from the Yawkey Foundation and housed within BU’s Center for Career Development, the Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program provides a living allowance stipend to eligible students completing qualified internships at nonprofit organizations. 

In addition to funding, the program includes an educational framework designed to help students plan for, engage in, and reflect on their internship experiences. 

Please note: Students must secure a qualifying internship before applying for Yawkey Program funding. 

Recruiting at BU: How can I get a Yawkey Intern? 

The Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program is not a placement program. Students are required to seek and secure their own internships. 

We encourage nonprofit organizations to post internship positions for BU students (whether eligible for the Yawkey Program or not) through our online recruiting system, Handshake. We also have a host of other opportunities to help you engage with talented BU students eager to intern or work for nonprofits. Learn more about recruiting at BU. 

Internship Eligibility 

To be considered for funding, eligible students’ internships must meet the Yawkey Program criteria and provide: 

  • Opportunities for intellectual growth and skill development related to a career path 
  • Exploration of career options and increased understanding of professional pathways 
  • Development of transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and goal setting 
  • Meaningful opportunities to address learning goals (career, academic, and personal development) 
  • Professional networking and mentorship experiences 
  • Advancement of career readiness competencies as outlined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 

Program Requirements for Students 

Before the Program: Internship Preparation Workshop 

Students attend an internship preparation workshop that focuses on professionalism and making the most of an internship experience. 

During the Program: Learning Agreement 

At the start of the internship, supervisors are asked to meet with their intern to discuss expectations, goals, learning objectives, and an action plan for achieving them. This information will be captured in the Learning Agreement, an online form completed by the student through the Sonia platform. 

Mid-internship Check-in 

A staff member at the CCD will reach out at the midway point of the internship to schedule time to connect with the student. They will revisit the Learning Agreement and discuss the intern’s progress towards meeting their specific goals and learning objectives 

After the Program: Post-internship Evaluation 

At the conclusion of the internship, students are asked to evaluate their internship experience and provide overall feedback on the Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program. 

Reflective Essay: The student will submit a 3–5-page essay, reflecting on their internship experience. 

In-Action Photo with Caption: The student will submit a photo with a caption that highlights a moment representing their internship experience. 

Program Requirements for Supervisors 

During the Application Process: Employer Internship Confirmation Form 

The Employer Internship Confirmation Form, completed by a staff member at the organization, verifies key details about the internship and the organization. 

Forms submitted by the intern will not be accepted. The form must be completed by the application deadline. 

During the Program: Learning Agreement and Supervisor Agreement 

At the start of the internship, supervisors are asked to meet with their intern to discuss expectations, goals, learning objectives, and a plan for achieving them. 

This information will be documented in two online forms submitted through the Sonia platform: the Learning Agreement, completed by the student, and the Supervisor Agreement, completed by the supervisor to acknowledge and support the intern’s goals. 

After the Program: Post-internship Evaluation 

At the conclusion of the internship, supervisors are asked to evaluate their intern and provide overall feedback on the Yawkey Program. An online form will be used for the evaluation, which will be completed and submitted through the Sonia platform.