Yawkey Program: Faculty and Staff
Funded by an endowed gift from the Yawkey Foundation and housed in the BU Center for Career Development, the Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program gives eligible students the opportunity to apply for living allowance stipends so that they may accept qualified, unpaid internships at nonprofit organizations. The stipends are disbursed by Boston University. The program has an educational framework to help students plan for, engage in, and reflect on their internship experience.
How can my student get internship funding?
The Yawkey Program is a selection-based program. To be considered, students must
- Be eligible (see student eligibility details)
- Secure an unpaid internship at a nonprofit organization (see internship eligibility details)
- Attend the required presentation
- Submit an application, including a resume, letter of recommendation, letter of intent from the organization, and answers to short essay questions on the impact and importance of the internship on the student’s career development
Recipients are chosen by a selection committee of faculty and staff.
I have been asked to write a letter of recommendation. What does this entail?
Your candid remarks will be of great help to the selection committee in evaluating Yawkey Program applicants. Letters must be written on letterhead and should include the following:
- The student’s name and BUID number
- Your relationship to the student
- Contributions made by the student that you can directly speak to, whether in the classroom or another context
- Leadership potential and/or commitment to a project demonstrated by the student
- The student’s character and maturity
- How you believe the student will benefit from participation in the Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program
Students may have a second (optional) letter of recommendation submitted on their behalf. Optional recommenders must be a BU faculty or staff member. All recommendation letters should be emailed directly to yawkey@bu.edu.
I have a connection at a nonprofit who has asked me about interns. What can I tell them?
Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to recruit at Boston University for both internships and full-time positions, including posting open positions through the campus recruiting system (Handshake).
Learn more about campus recruiting at BU.
The Yawkey Program is NOT a placement program. Students are required to apply for internship positions independently and can then apply for funding once they have secured a qualified internship.
Can I request a class presentation about the Yawkey Program?
If you have any questions, please contact the Yawkey Program staff at 617-353-3590 or yawkey@bu.edu.