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Agencies: Are you interested in training the next generation of citizen leaders?

In its fifth year, the Hess Fellows program allows civically engaged Birmingham-Southern students to spend eight weeks during the summer working full time as an intern on a specific advocacy project for a non-profit organization.

In the past, the Hess Fellows experience has been beneficial for students and nonprofit organizations alike. Hess Fellows are driven, hardworking students with a sincere interest in social change; they have the skills and abilities to make substantial contributions to your organization in return for the chance to learn about the advocacy process under your leadership.

Through the 8-week internship process, Hess Fellows learn not only about creating social change but also about a specific issue and organization. By the end of the process, the Hess Fellow will walk away with a clearer sense of how your organization's advocacy efforts affect the surrounding community and learn about similar advocacy efforts in the nation and throughout the world.

Basic expectations for the Hess Fellow internships:

• The organization will submit a work plan for the intern, including specific tasks and projects, before the internship begins.
• The organization will designate a staff mentor for the intern by May 1st and provide work space and a computer for the Fellow. The staff person and intern will meet at least once a week throughout the summer.
• The Hess Fellow will have the opportunity to learn about his or her specific organization's issues in depth, focusing on a designated advocacy project, as well as becoming knowledgeable about the organization's mission and fiscal operations
• The Hess Fellow will have the opportunity to learn about the organization's specific goals, challenges, and successes.
• The Hess Fellow will have the opportunity to attend a variety of staff/board meetings and will learn about the organization's relationship with its constituents.
• The Hess Fellow contact person from the organization will communicate with the intern in the Spring concerning preparation, project responsibilities, and dates of internship. Interns will work forty hours per week for eight weeks during the summer. If housing is necessary, the organization will provide suggestions.
• If desired, the organization will offer input on student applicants in February by reviewing applications. Birmingham-Southern faculty and staff will assess student applications and assign internships based on a written application, interview, input from participating organizations, and student interest in the organization. Phone interviews for student placements are available at the participating organization's request.
• The organization will complete a written assessment of the student and program at the end of the internship period.

We hope that your organization is interested in joining with us as we educate the next generation of citizen leaders. If your organization is interested in participating in the Hess Fellows program by hosting a summer intern, please complete the on-line Agency application by November 19.

Hess Fellows Program Timeline

Review important dates and deadlines for agencies interested in hosting a Hess Fellow.

Agency Resources

View sample work plans, tips for managing interns, and other tools to help your organization successfully host a Hess Fellows.

 

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