A Summer of Learning and Growing

As sunnier days signal the end of classes, new opportunities emerge for Trinity University students to work hard on their goals. Tigers looking to secure summer internships need look no further than Trinity University's Funded Internship Programs.

Supported by the Center for Experiential Learning and Career Success (C ELCS), Trinity's funded summer internships are 10-week-long, grant-funded programs that provide students with professional development, free housing on campus, and a competitive stipend. Students can receive one hour of internship credit and can enroll for up to 6 internship credits towards their degree, meaning they can both advance their academic path and their career path at the same time. This year, 39 students are interning with these unique Trinity programs.

Jennifer Rames, the assistant director for internships and course projects, and Karla Lara, the assistant director of marketing for CELCS, believe internships are one of the most valuable experiences students can have during their college careers.

"Internships allow students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, develop key career-readiness competencies, and gain hands-on experience that employers highly value," says Rames. She goes on to explain how, "according to the National Association of College Employers (NACE), internship experience is one of the top factors employers consider when evaluating candidates, and is strongly linked to positive career outcomes after graduation."

One of the most exciting parts of the internship experience, however, happens at the very end of their 10-week experience. Dressed in their most professional wear, students gather on the first floor of the Center for the Sciences and Innovation (CSI). There is an anticipatory buzz in the air as students look over their poster or slide presentations, re-reading every detail, image, and graph for what seems like the hundredth time. Finally, this is the moment they have been waiting for all summer-to show their peers, faculty members, and symposium attendees what they learned and discovered. Here, surrounded by the support of their mentors and the Trinity community, students relish in the end of their internship experience, and the beginning of their academic and career journey.

Beyond strengthening a resume, internships also allow students to explore career paths, build professional networks, gain confidence, and develop skills to prepare them for success beyond college. These programs also leave a lasting impact with the nonprofit partner organizations and the communities they serve.

Learn more about Trinity's Funded Internship Programs below.

Arts, Letters, and Enterprise (ALE)

Led by Music Professor Carl Leafstedt, Ph.D., and Business Administration Professor Jacob Tingle '95, Ed.D., the ALE program gives students the tools to connect real-world experience in their areas of interest. ALE encompasses a wide range of studies, such as the arts and theatre, business, government, nonprofit work, and technology.

ALE internships reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the program. Students intern for many companies and organizations locally in San Antonio and nationwide, such as the San Antonio Museum of Art, BBG Advanced Therapies, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, the Children's Bereavement Center of South Texas, and more.

MAS/ALVAREZ Grants

Sponsored by the Mexico, the Americas, and Spain (MAS) program, the Alvarez Summer Internship Grant program supports students with a grant to complete internships with nonprofit organizations that serve the Latino community.

To apply, students submit a two- to three-page written proposal, conducting their own research to identify an appropriate nonprofit organization, obtain a letter from the organization granting the internship, and secure a letter of support from a Trinity faculty member.

Faculty and staff in CELCS and MAS support students through this process. In advising appointments, CELCS helps students refine their internship ideas, select potential host organizations, develop application materials, and navigate the proposal process. MAS Program Associate Elseke Membreño-Zonteno, Ph.D., is also available to provide program-specific feedback and guidance.

SPARK Internships

Internships through SPARK, which stands for support, partnership, advocacy, resilience, and knowledge, offer Trinity students the opportunity to intern with faith-based organizations.

Sponsored by Trinity University's Chapel and Spiritual Life (CSL), SPARK interns work alongside local faith communities, organizations, or nonprofits based in San Antonio that promote values of compassion, equity, and justice. Students develop valuable hands-on skills in advocacy, community service, leadership, and interpersonal work while being mentored by experienced faith leaders.

Donahue Internship

The John Donahue Student Award Scholarship funds opportunities for students to conduct research or community-based service projects that advance social justice. This award commemorates former Trinity Anthropology Professor John Donahue and his lifelong commitment to social justice.

This award's financial support extends throughout the academic year and summer, allowing students to dedicate their time to social justice work. During the summer, students receive accommodations and income to undertake internships focused on community projects and social justice work in San Antonio, elsewhere in the U.S., or abroad.

Stinner Internship

Each year, the Department of Religion awards one student a Peter Stinner Fellowship and Internship. This summer program provides the student with the financial support to intern with executive directors at social justice, advocacy, and community-based nonprofit organizations in San Antonio.

Through this internship, the student gains professional, educational, and hands-on experience in fields that advocate for human rights and community welfare.