Title: Emma L. Bowen Foundation Paid Summer Media Internships

Location: National

Website: http://emmabowenfoundation.com/index.php/about-our-program.html

Description: The Emma L. Bowen Foundation was created in 1989 to prepare minority youth for careers in the media industry. The Foundation’s program is unlike traditional intern programs in that students work for partner companies during summers and school breaks from the summer following their senior year in high school until they graduate from college. During the four-year program, students have an opportunity to learn many aspects of corporate operations and develop company-specific skills. Corporations have an opportunity to train and mentor students with the option of full-time employment upon completion of their college degrees.

Students earn an hourly salary and matching funds for college expenses. Academic excellence is also a key component of the program—students are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average to remain in good standing. The Foundation staff works closely with corporate partners to monitor each student’s academic and work progress. An annual summer conference, a community service program and a mentoring program are also provided to further enhance the student’s knowledge and experience. Resource guides for both students and corporate supervisors are provided to maximize the student’s experience while in the program.

This unique, multi-year program prepares a diverse group of talented young professionals to enter the workforce with specific job-related skills, knowledge of the corporate environment and a strong foundation for future advancement. Students work in a variety of functional areas (e.g., marketing, sales, finance, public relations, human resources, technology, news, web design, promotion, etc.) and rotate each summer. Currently, we have 260 active students nationwide and more than 450 graduates. Approximately 70-80 new students join the program each year; in 2011, 108 students were added.

Responsibilities: If you are selected for the Foundation’s work/study program, you will be expected to work at your sponsoring company every summer for a minimum of eight weeks (40-hour workweek) until graduation from college. You will also be expected to participate in all Foundation activities for which you are eligible including our summer conference and the Link Mentoring Initiative. We will expect you to adjust any other commitments (school, family events or vacations, team sports, etc.) to accommodate your work and program obligations. As noted, all Foundation students must maintain a 3.0 GPA while in the program and are expected to earn their undergraduate degree in four years unless otherwise approved in advance by the Foundation. The work/study program is a unique opportunity and we hope you will maximize the experience.

Qualifications: The partner company and the Foundation’s staff work together to recruit students through local high schools, colleges, and academically-based pre-college enhancement programs. A Work/Study Application is provided to qualified candidates. Minority students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better and an interest in the media industry as a career are eligible to apply. Foundation staff reviews Work/Study applications, teacher recommendations, and academic records. Qualified finalists are presented to the partner company for selection.

To apply: Visit the Emma L. Bowen Foundation website.