Thanks to the generosity of Communication Arts alumni, the department has funds to support students who undertake summer internships during their undergraduate careers. Internships can be very valuable educational experiences and steppingstones to future careers. Unfortunately, completing an internship can also be a financial challenge, so the Communication Arts department is committed to providing resources to make these opportunities more accessible. Applications are typically due in the spring semester. Comm Arts majors will be notified of the deadline by email.
Eligibility
Communication Arts majors who are applying for summer internship positions and have need for financial support are encouraged to apply for funding. Priority will be given to applicants who have
- senior or junior standing as of Fall 2024 and haven’t received internship funds in the past
- excelled in their work as Communication Arts majors
- a demonstrated need for financial support to be able to complete an unpaid, non-profit, or public sector internship or an internship requiring significant relocation and cost of living expenses, such as relocating to Los Angeles or New York for the summer
The internship should last a minimum of six weeks and requires at least 20 hours per week for a minimum total of 120 hours of work.
Award recipients must enroll in classes for the upcoming Fall semester. Spring and Summer graduates are not eligible.
How to Apply
Students complete the online application via the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH). As part of the online application, students answer questions about their personal and professional goals, need for financial support, and anticipated internship expenses. They also upload their résumé and provide contact information for a Communication Arts professor, instructor or teaching assistant who will serve as a reference for them (though no formal letter is required).
Award Information
Students with successful applications may receive financial commitments up to $4000. Before any promised funds can be released, successful applicants must first submit documentation that they have successfully secured an internship position. These funds cannot be used to pay for tangible purchases (like clothes/uniforms, computer equipment) that students will be able to continue to benefit from when the internship is over. Internship funds are not meant to supplement salary received from an internship; for example, if a student is making a lower salary for an internship than they would make in a summer job, internship funds are not meant to make up the difference.
Once documentation has been provided, expect funds to take approximately 2 weeks to be dispersed to e-fund accounts, and 4-6 weeks for paper checks.
Deadline to Apply
Applications are typically due during the spring semester.
Questions?
Questions are welcome and can be directed to Academic Advisor Mary Rossa (mary.rossa@wisc.edu) or Careers Committee chair Lyn van Swol (vanswol@wisc.edu).