Connecting Interns with DCNP Members
This program provides a proven way to connect undergraduate interns from Northern Illinois University with DCNP-member organizations. Interns gain valuable experience and build their resumes, while DCNP members benefit from 120 internship hours during the semester. In addition, every participating organization receives a $575 grant to fund the intern’s stipend—generously supported 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 strengthen the capacity of participating DCNP-member organizations while developing a local pipeline of future leaders.
Visit our archive of Intern Spotlights!
Program Process
- Application
- Interested DCNP-members apply each fall and spring; online application sent in our e-newsletter.
- Selection, Orientation & Pre-Ranking
- Participants are selected through competitive process. Students and supervisors receive orientation training. Supervisors review student resumes and cover letters; both students and supervisors rank each other based on who they would like to interview.
- Participants are selected through competitive process. Students and supervisors receive orientation training. Supervisors review student resumes and cover letters; both students and supervisors rank each other based on who they would like to interview.
- Interviews & Final Ranking
- 20-minute, round-robin style interviews occur. Students and supervisors rank each other again afterwards.
- Final Matching
- Placements are determined based on rankings, schedules, transportation, and availability.
- Internships Begin
- Internships start and stipend checks are issued to organizations to pay the interns. Support provided by DCNP and NIU throughout the duration of the experience.
Outcomes
To date, participants have contributed more than 35,640 internship service hours (through spring 2026). At the estimated Illinois volunteer time value of $33.76 per hour, this equates to an economic impact of $1,203,206.
Some students are hired by the organizations where they intern, and participants often express deep gratitude for this opportunity. For example:
“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 also share 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.
