CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2008
The John G. Winant Fellowship
Supporting Undergraduate Internships with Nonprofit Organizations and Government Agencies in New Hampshire
"Before my Winant Fellowship at AIDS Response Seacoast, my understanding of HIV/AIDS was limited to a strictly theoretical plane. One of the rewarding aspects of this fellowship was translating an abstract concept into a lived reality that is manifest in the people I’ve encountered and the passion I now possess for this work."
- Cait Vaughan, English Major and Winant Fellow ‘07
About the Fellowship
The Winant fellowship program was established at the University of New Hampshire in 1982 in memory of the late New Hampshire governor, John G. Winant, to encourage the professional development of undergraduates with a strong commitment to public service.
The fellowship pays a generous stipend for a summer internship with a New Hampshire nonprofit organization or government agency, recognizing exceptional students with an interest in the nonprofit and public sectors and providing valuable work experience in the field of public service.
Fellowship recipients receive a stipend of $3250 for full-time summer work with a nonprofit organization or government agency of their choice, and recipients are recognized for their award in university publications.
Who Can Apply?
To be considered for a Winant Fellowship, the applicant must be a junior or senior student by September 2008 in good academic standing at the University of New Hampshire and a resident of New Hampshire.
It is the aim of the fellowship to support students who promote the ideals held by Winant: I can honestly say that I have no greater ambition in life than to be useful to my fellowman.
The fellowship is awarded and administered by the UNH Carsey Institute and applicants are chosen by an independent review panel.
How Do I Choose My Internship Host?
Fellows can work with any non-profit organization or government agency in New Hampshire that assists families and communities, defined broadly. Students that would like to apply for a fellowship, but haven’t already selected a host, can contact the Carsey Institute for advice on locating a suitable agency or organization.
Students are encouraged to visit the United Way’s Volunteer Action Center at www.volunteersolutions.org and UNH Advising and Career Counseling’s internship search engine at www.unh.edu/uacc/internshipsearch.html to locate organizations that would welcome a summer intern. The New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits at www.nhnonprofits.org offers information on their member organizations.
Former host organizations and agencies include:
- A Safe Place
- Artists in Residence
- AIDS Response Seacoast
- The Chase Home
- Department of Elderly Services
- Dover Children’s Home
- Keene Public Library
- Manchester Boys’ and Girls’ Club
- Nashua Children’s Association
- New Heights
- NH Attorney General’s Office
- NH Bar Association
- NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
- NH Department of Agriculture
- NH Division of Corrections
- NH Governor’s Office
- Newmarket Recreation Dept.
- Portsmouth District Court
- Sexual Assault Support Services
- Somersworth Youth Safe Haven
- Summerbridge Manchester
Testimonials:
“The experience that I have gained and the relationships that I have made (through the Winant Fellowship) not only benefited the children I worked with, but have also benefited me as a person and as a professional.” -Anna Wood, Theraputic Recreation Major, Winant Fellow ‘07
“I believe I have laid the groundwork for future musicians. None of my campers this summer amazed me with their musical talent, but about 100 campers amazed my with their passion for music, and in the long run they will eventually amaze themselves.” -Jessica Cawley, Music Major, Winant Fellow, ‘06
“After having received and completed the Winant internship, it is apparent that it will have a lasting effect on my future goals and career plans. My internship with the State’s Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice gave me a close and personal view of juvenile detention programs, rehabilitation programs and laws…I have been awarded an experience that not many will have.” -Kathryn Fazio, Psychology and Justice Studies, Winant Fellow ‘04
How Do I Apply?
Applicants must be accepted for service as a summer intern with a public organization or agency in New Hampshire by the application deadline (See “How do I chose my internship host?” for more details).
Write a 1- to 2-page proposal with the following materials:
- A description in 2 to 3 paragraphs of what you hope to accomplish in your summer work.
- Any relevant information regarding your commitment to public service, relevant academic or extracurricular experience, and career goals.
- Provide the name, position title, mailing address, telephone number, and email address of the internship supervisor.
- List the names and contact information of two (2) UNH faculty members who can provide an evaluation of your activities at UNH.
- Enclose an informal copy of your most recent transcript.
Past recipients of the Winant fellowship are discouraged from re-applying.
Please send the completed application to Amy Sterndale, Communications Director, at the Carsey Institute, Huddleston Hall, by the deadline of March 31, 2008. Submit all materials, electronically if possible, to amy.sterndale@unh.edu or call 862-4650.
Please remember to include your full contact information and student ID # in the proposal.
Contact Curt Grimm with questions at curt.grimm@unh.edu or call 862-2821.