Keithina Montgomery ’21 fulfilling an internship dream to work for the National Football League (NFL) Network. [The image was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and does not reflect current public health guidelines.]
“Many of the ‘cookie cutter’ internships out there do not fit a student’s interests either in scope or location,” shares Karen McGee, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications assistant dean of student success and Clements Internship Award Committee member. “Awards such as the Clements Award give students the opportunity to create their own experience, working in fields and with industry leaders around the world, and to not limit themselves to the internship postings ‘on the wall,’ so to speak.”
From supporting costs associated with internship-related travel, accommodations, living expenses, internship credit requirements and required materials, the Career Services team and cross-campus partners work to support students in achieving their internship goals through financial award opportunities. Award highlights include the Clements Internship Award and the Internship Funding Award.
“My experience from receiving the Clements Award allowed me to embark on an opportunity I never thought would be financially affordable. Internships and their affordability are intimidating. Applying, interviewing, budgeting food and travel expenses, and housing if necessary, especially for first-generation Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) students who have extenuating financial circumstances can be difficult,” shared Davian Thomas ’22. “This perceived intangibility is untrue with the help of said scholarships and opportunities. There are resources on campus that are readily available, such as the Clements Award, that aid students in their desired interests. My time with Broadway Dreams over the summer was truly unforgettable and something I saw not possible for years.”
Traditionally, awards are offered on an annual basis. With approaching application deadlines, students are encouraged to learn more and apply. Additionally, the Career Services team and campus partners are available to support students if they have questions, would like resume support, practice interviewing, guidance finding internships and more.
“The Clements Internship Award is extremely important. As a low-income student, I deeply appreciated the opportunity to pursue my dream internship and not have to worry about financial barriers. I applied to LA’s Writopia Lab as a summer filmmaking mentor. Writopia Lab is an award-winning non-profit that runs the country’s best creative writing workshops for kids ages six to 18. Because of this internship, I had the unique opportunity to start a small filmmaking program at LA’s Writopia Lab,” shared Justine Hastings ’21. “I would not have been able to do this otherwise due to financial concerns surrounding housing and transportation. I hope that others know that they don’t have to sacrifice their dreams and goals due to financial barriers, but they can seek out support and apply to amazing resources like the Clements Internship Awards. If you’re a junior, senior or masters student and you have your eye on a unique internship, definitely check out the Clements Internship Award.”
Clements Internship Awards
The Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Awards are intended to enable Syracuse University students to undertake unique internships that they have developed on their own initiative and that would not be possible to undertake without financial help. With several awards made each spring semester, Clements Awards typically range from $1,500 to $6,000.
“I was really in a position where I was not going to be able to take my dream internship due to financial hardships, but Career Services and Syracuse University made it possible for me through the Internship Funding Award!,” shared Keithina Montgomery ’21. “Being awarded this great opportunity allowed me to not worry about my financials and gave me flexibility to fulfill my dream to work for the National Football League (NFL) Network!”
Internship Funding Award
This award was established to support funding in the form of meeting cost of credit for students when required by a company, and/or to provide support for living expenses associated with summer internships. Applications are reviewed on a bi-weekly basis for qualifying summer internships and award amounts may vary.
For questions or to request accommodations, email Career Services or call 315.443.3616.
