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General Information The CUSP summer program for undergraduates offers Cornell students the opportunity to complete a paid internship with one of New York City's most innovative nonprofit organizations or government agencies that serve low-income children, families, and communities.
Eligibility Requirements |
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In the spring semester prior to participation in the summer program, students take CRP 3310, Social Justice and the City. In this three-credit class, students learn about central theories, methods, and issues related to experiential education, service-learning, action research, and sustainable development.
Placement Process
In consultation with CUSP staff, students choose a public service organization to work with from a placement directory of over 75 New York City nonprofits and government agencies. Students may also suggest other organizations or request staff to search for organizations with specific focus areas. Student resumes are sent to selected placement organizations, and on-site interviews are scheduled. In early May students are taken to New York City for an interview with their top placement choice. Placement confirmation is determined by both the student and the placement organization.
Program Orientation
During the first week of June, students arrive in New York City for a three-day orientation to NYC neighborhoods and their most important socio-economic, historic, and geographic features.
Paid Internship
Students are paid $8 an hour for a maximum of 38 hours per week -- four days at the placement organization and one day participating in a reflective seminar. Internships are eight weeks in length -- from the first week in June to the last week of July.
Housing Stipend
Students receive full housing support for the entire internship period with accommodations at the 92nd Street YWHA (Lexington Avenue and 92nd Street). The Y is located in a beautiful neighborhood near Central Park and boasts comfortable facilities and a friendly staff. For more information, visit 92ndStY.org.
Weekly Reflective Seminar
The purpose of this course is to support students in the process of integrating academic inquiry into professional activities. The seminar also offers each student opportunities to critically assess how the internship is increasing insights into team work, career goals, and issues of social justice.
Weekly Field Trips
Students take weekly field trips to six of the most innovative nonprofit organizations and municipal agencies in the city. These visits improve student awareness of the types of organizations working to meet human-service needs and promote social justice.
Final Presentation and Reception
During the final week of the program, students and participating organizations are invited to a reception in honor of the important contributions that students and their community partners are making to economic and community development in New York City. Representatives from the August Hecksher Foundation, city officials, and Cornell alumni are also invited.
Post-Internship Course
Students have the opportunity to take a post-internship course, CRP 3320, Urban Policy Research Seminar. This course will assist students in translating their internship or fieldwork experience into compelling articles suitable for an academic and/or popular audience.
