Who is eligible? Sophomores and juniors from any field who have an interest in urban social-justice issues are encouraged to apply.
How long is the summer internship? The internship is eight weeks long and runs from the first week of June to the last week of July.
How many hours will I work each week? You will work a total of 38 hours per week. Four days per week will be spent at the placement organization, and one day will be spent attending a CUSP seminar.
How much will I be paid? You will be paid $8 an hour for the 38-hour work week. Your maximum gross income for the summer will be approximately $2,400. Taxes will be deducted from this amount.
Where will I live? Will the program pay for my housing? The Cornell Urban Scholars Program will fully pay for your housing in New York City during the summer internship. You will live at the 92nd Street Y, located at Lexington Avenue and 92nd Street. The 92nd Street Y has excellent facilities, staff, and security. You will live in a double-occupancy, dormitory-like room with a full kitchen on every floor. You will be responsible for the cost of food for the duration of the program. While in NYC, you will receive two months worth of Metrocards for use on public transit.
What is the application process, and when will I find out if I am accepted?
Applications are due at the Cornell Urban Scholars Program office (108 West Sibley Hall) by November every year. Applicants will be interviewed during the month of November. You will be notified about your acceptance in the first week of December. Check this website and campus notices for exact dates.
How many students apply each year? How many are accepted? About 100 students apply each year, and 27-30 undergraduate students are accepted into the program.
Can I get university credit for participating in the undergraduate summer research internship? While you will not receive credit for your summer internship or the weekly summer seminar, you will receive three credits for participation in the field preparation course, and three credits for participation in the optional Fall Urban Policy Research Seminar.
Can I participate if I am studying abroad during the spring before the summer internship? No. Our experience suggests that active participation in field preparation is critical to the success of the summer internship. Therefore, all undergraduates participating in the Cornell Urban Scholars Program must attend CRP 3310, Social Justice and the City, in the spring prior to their internship.
Are there other aspects of the Cornell Urban Scholars Program besides the summer internship? Yes.
- In the spring semester, urban scholars are required to take a three-credit field-preparation course. In this class, you will prepare for the summer internship by addressing topics related to service-learning and action research, social-welfare issues in New York City, and the process of developing a learning contract.
- Right before you start your summer internship, there is a three-day orientation in New York City where you will learn about New York City's neighborhoods and community-based organizations.
- On Fridays during the summer internship, you and the other urban scholars will participate in a Weekly Reflective Seminar and field trip led by Cornell University faculty. This is a non-credit seminar.
- Upon returning to Cornell in the fall following your summer internship, you can participate in an optional three-credit Fall Urban Policy Research Seminar. The course will help you transform your summer internship experience into a published article.
