UCS Scholarship for Unpaid Internships - Summer 2024

University Career Services - Scholarship for Unpaid Internships

The Scholarship for Unpaid Internships is open to all Mason students (undergraduate AND graduate) who plan to participate in an unpaid internship and meet the criteria listed below. The Scholarship for Unpaid Internships is designed to provide financial support to students completing an UNPAID internship who may incur costs associated with the internship (e.g. transportation, childcare, materials, or lost wages from missed paid employment) that can be a challenge in obtaining valuable internship experience. Students may receive up to $2,000 per semester/term. Note: Research positions are not eligible for this scholarship. Please visit OSCAR or your academic department for information about research funding.

Preference in selection is given to students completing their FIRST internship/career experience in their chosen career field or industry AND/OR demonstration of financial hardship incurred by taking on an unpaid internship experience.

Minimum requirements

• Minimum 2.0 GPA
• Currently enrolled, degree-seeking student at George Mason University during the time of the internship

Application materials

• Current Resume
• Letter of Recommendation (academic or professional) that supports your application for the scholarship. If your recommender would rather send their letter directly, contact rtruog@gmu.edu for a Dropbox link.
• Short Answer Questions (maximum 250 words per question. Please upload in the same file as your Letter of Recommendation. Be sure your name is prominently displayed. 

1. What type of internship are you seeking and why?
2. Will this be your first internship in your preferred field?
3. Why is participating in an internship important to your career goals at this time?
4. This scholarship is intended to support individuals who would not be able to participate in an unpaid internship without receiving additional monetary support. Explain in detail how receiving this scholarship would make it possible for you to participate in an unpaid internship. Describe your financial needs.

Undergraduate Student Veterans: 

Please indicate your military status and what branch you served in your application. Additional funding for undergraduate Veterans (DD-214 required) has been provided by a generous donation from the Colonel Tom Johnson Family Scholarship for Veterans Endowment.

Application Cycle: Summer 2024

We will be collecting applications in March 2024 for internships that will take place during the summer 2024 academic term (~May to August).

Applicants will be notified of the selection committee's decision approximately 30 days after the application deadline.

Important things to know

• Students can apply for the scholarship before securing an internship; selected recipients will be asked to provide proof they have secured an internship before any monies will be paid to their student account (Internship Verification Form).
• Internships can be for academic credit or not-for-credit.
• This scholarship is considered financial aid and receipt of an award may have an effect on your existing financial aid package.
• Awards are paid to your Mason student account and will be applied to any outstanding balance on your account first. If there is not an outstanding balance, then the monies will be provided to the student by the Student Accounts Office.
• Spring awards will be paid out in early June.
• International students/non-residents ARE eligible for the scholarship; however additional paperwork may be required after you have been selected and the amount may be subject to taxes.