This summer Claremont McKenna College (CMC), will again sponsor many of its students to engage in meaningful summer internships throughout the world.  This highly successful program reflects tremendous donor commitment to the value of experiential learning and leadership development as key elements of fulfilling the CMC mission:

To “educate its students for thoughtful and productive lives and responsible leadership in business, government, and the professions…” 

More information about CMC can be found at www.claremontmckenna.edu and additional internship information can be found at www.claremontmckenna.edu/csc/ or www.claremontmckenna.edu/kli/ (Kravis Leadership Institute).

120 of 130 sponsored internships in the summer of 2007 engaged students in the work of social sector organizations, including 48 internships abroad.  While many CMC students can and will work in for-profit organizations, the focus of this particular program includes an appreciation for social responsibility and the critical role of the social sector organizations in our modern societies.

Students participating in the CMC summer internship program commit to the completion of far more than work hours in order to receive sponsorship and academic credit.

Student Requirements:

• Develop a unique internship proposal and apply prior February 29, 2008
• Propose the topic and partial bibliography of an 8-12 page research paper
• Complete a minimum of 200 hours work over a minimum of 2 calendar months
• Participate throughout the internship in an on-line discussion site
• Ensure that a supervisor evaluation is completed (ideally with an outbrief)
• Submission of quality research paper within one week of completion of internship

Academic Requirements: 

Please note that the academic requirements, and specifically the research paper, are considered critical components of a successful internship.  Students are paired with CMC faculty readers who determine the awarding of one-half course credit.  The research and writing of this paper are expected to be completed in conjunction with the summer internship.  The intent behind the paper includes a serious understanding of a leadership related topic connected to the nature of the internship as well as a challenge to the student’s ability to integrate his/her internship experience with relevant research.  This academic study also serves to support the depth of understanding that the student brings to his/her work with the internship organization.

In exchange for the high expectation of performance expected of CMC students, participating organizations share a commitment to the success of a CMC sponosored internship.

Organization Requirements:

It is expected that the organization will identify an internship supervisor who will:

• Challenge the student with meaningful responsibility
• Assist the student, as requested, with refinement of paper bibliography and topic
• Share visibility and understanding of organizational leadership dynamics as possible
• Communicate any concerns with CMC program administrators
• Complete a supervisor evaluation, preferably with a face-to-face outbrief