The Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Award applications are open now for juniors, seniors and graduate students of any major who seek to further their career development through undertaking self-initiated unique internship opportunities. The award provides students with financial support to pursue meaningful, hands-on experiences that would otherwise be financially out of reach.

The awards typically range from $1,500 to $6,000, and the funds can assist with internship-related travel, accommodations, living expenses and required materials.

Applying for the 2025-26 Clements Internship Award

This year’s application period closes Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 11:55 p.m. Applicants are responsible for developing and obtaining their own internships before submitting the application for a Clements Award, as well as securing a faculty or staff sponsor letter. Students must also complete a Handshake application and the Clements Internship Award Qualtrics Survey by the application deadline. Visit the Career Services Clements Internship Awards webpage for complete details.

Exploring New Terrain

The 2024-25 Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Award enabled  Elizabeth Henson ’25 to kick off her post-grad life in Alaska to intern with the Juneau Icefield Research Program (JIRP) for eight weeks, where she conducted glacial research and learned mountaineering skills.

“I really enjoyed every part of the program. The faculty, staff and students were great. Everyone was so motivated to be there, and I learned so much from everyone,” says Henson, who graduated with a degree in geology last May. “We had lectures throughout the summer, both about mountaineering skills and topics in glaciology. We were also able to help with a variety of research projects, from short day trips to multiday work.”

The largest project Henson was able to work on during her time with JIRP involved glacial isostatic adjustment, the slow, ongoing movement of land due to the removal or addition of major ice sheets.

“As the ice sheet is melting and losing mass, the land beneath starts to rise up since there is less weight sitting on top of it, so the elevation of the [Juneau Icefield] area is changing and impacts local sea level,” says Henson. “There are a few historical GPS points scattered along the icefield where elevations were measured back in the 90s. Our team went out and remeasured them to look at uplift levels as the icefield has been melting.”

In between the important scientific research she helped conduct, Henson’s internship with JIRP allowed for unique and fun outdoor experiences as well. “All of the camps were on nunataks [mountain peaks that protrude from ice fields or glaciers], so we were able to ski right out of camp,” says Henson. “There were countless ski days. I got to go on a few hikes and check out some glacial lakes. I went in a few crevasses and ice caves. I got to go to some of the most beautiful places and do some of the coolest things.”

Henson’s summer internship with JIRP proved to be incredibly beneficial for her future professional endeavors. “I learned so much and made so many connections to help guide my career,” she says. “I talked to a few professors about grad school and have that as a possibility in my future. I also learned about some jobs in Antarctica that I might apply for, and I have people willing to write letters of recommendation for them. I am so grateful to have had this experience!”

For questions about the Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Award, visit the Clements Internship Award webpage, email Career Services or call 315.443.3616. Students are also encouraged to learn more about the annual Internship Funding Award, with applications scheduled to open Tuesday, Feb. 10.