Community Impact Summer Internship- Host Site Information

Program Overview 

The Community Impact Summer Internship connects UC Merced scholars in the Guardian Scholars and/or Underground Scholars Programs with community-based organizations for an 8-week summer experience. Host sites partner with the program to provide meaningful, hands-on opportunities for students while advancing their organization’s mission and impact. 
 
Students complete a minimum of 80 hours between June and August and are supported through regular check-ins and program guidance. There is no cost to participate as a host site. 

Role of Host Sites 

  • Provide a meaningful work experience aligned with your organization’s mission
  • Assign a supervisor to guide and support the student 
  • Offer regular feedback and mentorship 
  • Help ensure the student can complete at least 80 hours over the program period 
  • Collaborate with program staff as needed 

Benefits for Host Sites 

  • Receive support from a dedicated student intern for 8 weeks at no cost 
  • Advance projects, programs, or services that support your community 
  • Build capacity to serve more individuals or expand initiatives 
  • Gain fresh perspectives and ideas from interns 
  • Contribute to the professional development of emerging leaders 
  • Help shape a pipeline of students interested in community-based work and service 

Host Site Requirements 

  • Be a community-based organization serving individuals facing economic, social, or systemic barriers 
  • Provide a safe and supportive learning environment 
  • Designate a supervisor for the student 
  • Submit a host site application and role description 
  • Commit to supporting the student throughout the 8-week program 

Host Site Application

  • Please complete this application form to formally indicate your interest in serving as a host site for interns. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

  1. Is there a cost to participate as a host site? 
    • No. There is no cost. Students receive a stipend through the program. 
  2. How are students matched to host sites? 
    • Students apply and are matched based on their interests, skills, and career goals, as well as your organization’s needs. 
  3. Can we propose our own project? 
    • Yes. Host sites are encouraged to propose projects that align with their mission and provide meaningful learning opportunities. 
  4. How many hours will the student work? 
    • Students are required to complete a minimum of 80 hours over the 8-week program. Please note that a small portion of this time will be dedicated to program requirements, as scholars will meet with our staff bi-weekly for 30-minute check-ins (approximately 1 hour per month total). 
  5. When will this internship begin?
    • The internship will take place between the weeks of June 1 and August 10. The program operates on a rolling basis, so specific start dates may vary. Program staff will communicate confirmed start dates at least one week in advance. 
  6. Can I request more than one intern? 
    • Yes, you will be able to indicate the number of interns you would like to host on the application. However, placement is not guaranteed and will depend on the number of available scholars and alignment with host site needs. 
  7. What support will host sites receive? 
    • We will provide a system for tracking student hours and progress, and our team will be available to answer questions, offer guidance, and address any concerns as they arise. 
  8. Who should I contact with questions? 
    • You will be assigned a primary program staff member who will serve as your main point of contact. However, all program emails will include the full team, and we encourage you to reply all. This helps ensure timely and streamlined communication, especially if someone is out of the office. 
  9. What is expected of the supervisor? 
    • Supervisors should provide guidance, regular check-ins, and feedback to support the student’s growth. 
  10. Can we request a specific student? 
    • While preferences may be considered, placements are based on overall fit and program priorities. 
  11. I have participated in other UC Merced programs that offer internships. Can I still participate in this one? 
    • Yes, you are welcome to participate. Please note that this is a new and separate program, so processes, expectations, and timelines may differ from other UC Merced internship programs you may have participated in previously. 
  12. What happens at the end of the program? 
    • Students will participate in a final showcase on August 14th where they present their work and learning. 
  13. Will I be able to attend the showcase? 
    • Yes, we hope you can attend and join us in supporting our scholars as they present their work and reflect on their experience.