University News
Minority Internship Program Applications Due November 9
October 23, 2007
MACOMB, IL - - Applications for Western Illinois University students at the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses who are interested in participating in the Spring 2008 Minority Internship Program (MIP) are due by Friday, Nov. 9 to MIP Director Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah, chair of African American Studies, in Morgan Hall 232 on the Macomb campus.
The Minority Internship Program is a one semester, paid internship funded by a Higher Education Cooperation Act (HECA) grant sponsored by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). The program allows fulltime junior, senior and graduate minority students to combine work and learning experiences. Participants have the opportunity to interact with real decision-makers in their respective fields, develop personal interests and expand career opportunities, while gaining academic credit. Western Illinois University is a member of the Five University Consortium along with Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Governor's State University and Northeastern Illinois University.
Internship sites are arranged by the student with the assistance of their academic adviser and Career Services Office. Interns must work between 30 and 35 hours per week and attend monthly seminars. Fulltime interns are appointed for one academic term and are paid a monthly stipend. Academic credit for enrolling fulltime in an approved internship credit course is required during the internship semester, Na'Allah explained.
"It is my hope that the financial support and mentoring available from the Minority Internship Program can make the internship experience that much more beneficial for our bright and talented students," said Na'Allah, who, along with a committee of faculty and administrators, manages the selection and appointment process for WIU students who qualify and participate in the program.
During Summer 2007, five Western Illinois MIP students completed internships in locations from Belleville, IL to Chicago. They represented several academic majors, including law enforcement and justice administration, journalism, finance and health sciences. Past internships have taken students throughout the continental U.S., Alaska and overseas to Hong Kong and Australia.
The program is designed specifically for African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native American and Alaskan Native students who are U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents to improve the students' understanding of organizational decision-making, policy-making and to empower students through career goal assessment, work experience, the establishment of mentorships and enhanced networking skills and opportunities. Undergraduates must be at least a junior with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Graduate students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.
A letter has been mailed, and an e-mail has been sent to all qualified students inviting them to apply, Na'Allah said. Internship applications for the Spring 2008 semester are available in the African American Studies (AAS) office in Morgan Hall 232. Students on the Quad Cities campus can call the AAS office, 309/298-1181, or email Na'Allah at A-NaAllah@wiu.edu for application information. Completed applications are due to Morgan Hall 232 by Friday, Nov. 9.
For more information, contact Na'Allah at 309/298-1181.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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