Middlebury Social Impact Scholars Program

Connecting students to social change in Monterey, California

About MSIC 

The Middlebury Social Impact Scholars Program (MSI Scholars) program is a Conflict Transformation partnership-based experiential learning program that connects students to social change through unique experiential learning opportunities. A select cohort of MIIS graduate students (Scholars) and Middlebury College (Interns) and are matched with a community partner focused on impact within a local/regional context. This experiential learning program focuses on six pillars: adaptability, commitment, inquiry, narrative, reflection, and partnership. In partnership with organizations, MSIC members gain knowledge, skills, and dispositions for purposeful careers in social impact. Students engage in community-based research, partnership development, and mentorship relevant to the community partner and communities with whom they work, preparing them to become purposeful global citizens in the field of social impact. 

By participating as a MSI Scholar, MIIS students will:

• Demonstrate leadership and collaboration skills by engaging in intern and cohort mentorship (methods, reflections, deliverables)
• Explore models of partnership for social impact
• Reflect upon and explore their contribution to the mission of the community partner, the MSIC cohort, and the greater good of the community in which they are placed
• Provide an end-of-summer summary about cohort/community partner engagement and recommendations for the future

Summer 2025 Community Partner: Civil Rights Office of Monterey County

The Civil Rights Office develops and utilizes equitable tools and practices to help advance civil rights policies in the County of Monterey.

This year’s cohort will focus on developing and deepening programs focused on language access, immigrant workforce development, and income inequality.

MSIC Scholars Details

This is an in-person internship. 

A $2500 funding award will be provided. Housing at Munras on the MIIS campus or a housing stipend  is included for Scholars, if of interest.  Project work is estimated to be 35 hours per week.

Skills and Experience: 

• Experience facilitating group processes;
• Research and data analytical skills are preferable, but not required;
• Survey design and/or implementation experience;
• Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders;
• Spanish proficiency is preferable.

Program Dates:

Monday, July 14 – Thursday, August 14, 2025 (arrive in Monterey on Sunday, July 13 and depart on Friday, August 15).  

*Some in-person and/or online training may be required prior to July 14 and will include a debrief in Fall 2025.

Program Fees:

Participant cost is covered through acceptance into the Middlebury Social Impact Corps program. This includes extensive training, mentoring, housing, and an on-going student support system. 

How to Apply:

Applications Due: Thursday, March 27 , 2025 at 11:55pm PDT

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and complete the MSIC January 2025 Scholar Application.  Please note in your letter of interest that you have completed the Google form application prior to submitting. Applications will be considered once all materials have been submitted.

If you have questions please contact Dr. Netta Avineri, MIIS Intercultural Communication Professor & Chair, MSIC Faculty Director, or Dana Anderson Middlebury College Innovation Hub Associate Director, Creativity & Innovation.