University News
Minority Internship Application Deadline is March 23
February 24, 2009
MACOMB, IL - - Applications for Western Illinois University students who are interested in participating in the Summer and Fall 2009 Minority Internship Program (MIP) are due by Monday, March 23 to MIP Director and Chair of African American studies Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah.
The program, which is funded by a Higher Education Cooperation Act (HECA) grant through the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), is a one semester, paid internship that allows fulltime junior, senior and graduate minority students to combine work and learning experiences. Western is a member of the Five University Consortium, along with Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Governor's State University and Northeastern Illinois University.
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, participants have the opportunity to interact with decision-makers in their respective fields, develop personal interests and expand career opportunities while gaining academic credit. Students arrange their internship sites with the assistance of their academic advisers and the 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.
"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.
This semester, three WIU students are participating in the MIP. Senior law enforcement and justice administration (LEJA) major Samuel Brown (Rockford, IL 61108) is interning with the Rockford Police Department; communication sciences and disorders graduate student Theresa Suwannapal (Winnebago, IL 61088) has a dual internship with the Rock Island (IL) School District and Genesis Medical Center in Davenport, IA; and senior LEJA major Jasmin Kennebrew (Bellwood, IL 60104) is interning in the social service department of the Circuit Court of Cook County. In the past, MIP students have interned throughout the continental U.S., Alaska and overseas, including London, Hong Kong and Australia. The opportunities and experiences are wide-ranging, Na'Allah said.
Through mentored work experiences, students improve their understanding of organizational decision-making and policy-making, and they are empowered through career goal assessment, work experiences and enhanced networking skills and opportunities.
To apply by the March 23 deadline, undergraduates must be at least a fulltime junior with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Fulltime graduate students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25.
Internship applications for the Summer and Fall 2009 semesters are available in the African American studies office, Morgan Hall 232, on the Macomb campus. An email has been sent to all qualified students inviting them to apply. Interested students who have questions about their qualifications should call (309) 298-1181, e-mail MIP@wiu.edu or visit the AAS office in Morgan Hall 232. Students on the Quad Cities campus can call or e-mail for an application or they can talk with Curtis Williams, MIP Quad Cities liaison. Also, Na'Allah is available to meet with interested individuals or minority organizations.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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