Connecting Interns with DCNP Members
This program offers a proven process to help connect undergraduate interns from Northern Illinois University with DCNP-member
organizations. Students build their resumes and DCNP members benefit from the interns’ 120 hours of service during the semester. Beyond the benefit of this structured process, each participating organization also receives a $575 grant to pay the intern a stipend – these funds are generously provided by the Douglas C. and Lynn M. Roberts Family Foundation.
The Internship Program is a collaboration between the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership, the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies, and Career Services at Northern Illinois University, supported by the Douglas C. and Lynn M. Roberts Family Foundation.
Through this partnership, we can develop a local leadership pipeline while also building the capacity of participating DCNP-member organizations!
Visit our archive of Intern Spotlights!
Program Process
- DCNP-members can apply to participate in the Internship Program each fall and spring. The application is sent via our e-newsletter to all current DCNP members.
- Participants are selected to match the number of students that are recruited.
- Orientation training is held to familiarize intern supervisors with the program, requirements, and expectations.
- Intern resumes and cover letters are provided to participating intern supervisors.
- Supervisors rank the interns in preferential order. Interns also rank the organizations by preference at this stage.
- Interviewing groups are established based on rankings from both supervisors and students.
- Interviews take place.
- Supervisors and students rank each other once again after the interviews.
- Final placements are determined based on rankings plus factors such as schedules and availability.
- Internships begin and stipend checks are issued to organizations so the funds can be passed on to the interns.
Outcomes
More than 28,200 internship service hours have been completed through this program to date. When multiplied by the value of volunteer time per hour in Illinois ($28.54), this translates to an economic impact of $756,881.
Some students are hired by the organizations they intern with after the program concludes and past participants have shared their gratitude for this opportunity. Here are a few examples:
“I was able to utilize the skills I had learned throughout my coursework leading up to the internship. It felt like I was finally in the driver’s seat, taking control of the skills I had learned and implementing them.”
“I see this internship as a selling point for when I start my future career. This experience will set me apart from other applicants who have not had the same opportunity.”
“I am so grateful to be part of this opportunity. Thank you for providing such a life-changing experience to students.”
“I can honestly say, I wouldn’t be where I am today without my experiences as a DCNP intern.”
“This Internship Program was the highlight of my college career and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunities it provided me.”
Internship supervisors have also shared their feedback:
“The quality of our intern was outstanding and she was able to provide new and fresh ideas for our social media campaign.”
“The program is well-planned and expectations were clearly defined.“
“Our intern was a valuable and important part of our team. I believe she’ll be an asset to any organization that she works for in the future.”
Questions about the Internship Program? Please contact us.
