BSU offers multiple funding opportunities to help students advance their careers and financially support their internship pursuits. Students can submit their applications throughout the year which are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please review the requirements and various funding options below.
Internship Funding Requirements
- Any BSU student may apply for funding. Priority is given to undergraduates but graduate student applications are considered on a case-by-case basis unless otherwise stated.
- Students must be in good standing with the University, both academically and in conduct.
- Students must have a secured internship and it must be unpaid.
- The internship must last at least 10 weeks during the fall and spring semesters and at least four weeks during the intersession or summer semester.
- Students are eligible to receive a maximum of two internship stipends from our office during their time at BSU.
- If a student has a balance on their current E-Bill, the stipend money will be applied to that first before any direct deposit is made.
- Internship funding operates on the fiscal year from July 1st through June 30th of the following year.
The State University Internship Incentive (SUII)
The MA Department of Higher Education offers funding for credit-bearing internships, practicums, and field experiences to full-time, undergraduate students who are permanent residents of Massachusetts with a cumulative 2.75 GPA, and who have the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file for that academic year. SUII makes it possible for a student to consider a credit-bearing, non-paid internship during the fall, spring, or summer which might otherwise present a financial hardship. Apply here under the “General Internship Funding Application”.
The BSU Foundation
Thanks to the commitment of our university administration and generous donations from the Bridgewater State University Foundation supporters, students can apply for a stipend award for unpaid internships. This stipend is intended to provide additional financial support so that students do not have to sacrifice valuable work experience for lack of financial resources. Funding is available for undergraduate students who are participating in unpaid internships, credit-bearing and non-credit. Apply here under the “General Internship Funding Application”.
The John Joseph Moakley Public Service Internship Award
The John Joseph Moakley Public Service Internship Award will benefit an undergraduate student or students enrolled full-time as a junior or senior. Preference will be given to Political Science students with a 3.3 GPA or higher who intend to participate in a public-sector internship that is otherwise unpaid. Residency in Massachusetts is required, with special consideration given to residents of the Ninth Congressional District as it was configured as of 2001 (Boston, Braintree, Brockton, Canton, Dedham, Easton, Medfield, Milton, Needham, Norwood, Randolph, Stoughton, Taunton, Walpole, and Westwood). If for unforeseen reasons none of the above criteria can be met, this award is to be given in the name of John Joseph Moakley to students from an academic and geographic area that most closely resembles this stated intention. Apply here for the “John Joseph Moakley Public Service Internship Fund”.
The Dr. Guy C. Clifford Public Service Internship Fund
The Dr. Guy C. Clifford Public Service Internship Fund benefits an undergraduate student or students enrolled full-time in their junior or senior year. Preference will be given to Political Science majors with 3.3 GPA or higher who intend to participate in a public sector internship that is otherwise unpaid. Apply here for “The Dr. Guy C. Clifford Public Service Internship Fund”.
The Dr. Jordan D. Fiore, ’40, Internship Fund
The Jordan D. Fiore, ’40, Internship Fund will benefit an undergraduate student or students enrolled full-time as a junior or senior in a major related to the Humanities including Art, English, History, Music, Philosophy, Spanish, Art History, Studio Art, Theater Art, Theatre Education, French, Foreign Languages, and Dance. Preference will be given to students with a 3.0 GPA or higher who intend to participate in an otherwise unpaid internship with a placement related to the application of their education in the Humanities. Apply here for the “Dr. Jordan D. Fiore, ’40, Internship Fund”.
The Tinsley Public Service Internship Award
The Tinsley Public Service Internship Award will provide funding to assist a Bridgewater State University student in completing an approved, unpaid, credit-bearing summer internship. Preference is given to students with an interest in public service, non-profit, government, social services, or education. Applicants must be enrolled for the subsequent fall semester as a full-time junior or senior. The link to apply for this summer internship award will be posted in the spring of 2025. If you are interested or have questions in the meantime, please contact Jessica Creutz at jcreutz@bridgew.edu.
The Bruce A., ’68, and Patricia (Quinn), ’67 Bartlett Internship Fund
The Bruce A., ’68, and Patricia (Quinn), ’67 Bartlett Internship Program supports BSU students majoring in mathematics and science to complete internships in their field of study, reducing financial barriers that may make it challenging for students to participate in internships. Bartlett Internship funds (up to $6,000) have helped transform unpaid or lower-paid internships into $20 per hour paid internships, pay for travel, housing, or other costs associated with taking an out-of-state internship, and enable students to complete for-credit internships that count in their major. Bartlett Internship applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the academic year and can support internships during any fall, spring, or summer semester. Apply here for the “Bruce A., ’68, and Patricia (Quinn), ’67 Bartlett Internship Fund”.
How to Apply
Follow the corresponding application link and complete your selected application in full. Not sure what to apply for? When in doubt, apply for the general application here titled “General Internship Funding Application”. Once you have applied, please know that the applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. If you are eligible, you will receive an award confirmation email with your award amount. The money will then be disbursed through your student account/eBill. Be sure to check your eBill for final notice.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What information do I need to apply?
Below are some key pieces of information needed to apply.
- Name of organization where you will be interning
- Internship title
- Name and title of your onsite internship supervisor
- Onsite supervisor email
- Clarification on if you are receiving academic credit or not
- Internship medium (remote, in person, or hybrid)
- Semester the internship will take place including start and end date
- Number of hours per week, number of weeks, and total number of hours you’ll be interning
- Description of the organization where you will be interning
- Detailed list of duties, responsibilities, and projects you will be working on at your internship
- Description of what you hope to learn from your internship
Am I guaranteed funding?
There is no absolute guarantee that you will receive funding just by applying. Each year the university receives money from the State University Internship Incentive program which is then matched by the BSU Foundation. However, there can be changes at the state house that affect the level of funding we receive impacting the amount of money we have to give out to students. However, we have been able to give out over $6.5 million since 2013 showcasing that internship funding is an important priority at BSU to support our students.
How are funding decisions made?
The decisions are made based on a variety of factors. Each application is individually reviewed to determine your general eligibility for funding based on the criteria stated for whichever internship funding source you applied to. Applications are reviewed and disbursed on a rolling basis so if you are eligible and there is money still left in the funds, you are likely to receive a stipend.
How much money can I anticipate receiving in a stipend?
Internship stipend amounts vary based on a variety of factors. For the SUII and BSU Foundation, the internship stipend can range. Key considerations on the amount you receive include whether or not you are doing the internship for credit or non-credit. If for credit, the stipend usually covers the cost of credit for the internship course. If for non-credit the amount may be slightly less. Other things considered include whether or not you have transportation costs in order to get to your internship site such as commuter rail, subway, bus, or long mileage by car. A final consideration is how significant your financial need may be. Please note that an internship stipend is not considered a salary or hourly wage.
When will I get my stipend?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis so you can expect an update on your application roughly within 3-4 weeks after the last day of Add/Drop for the semester in which you are interning. If you are eligible, you will receive an email notification and the money will be disbursed through your student account. Be sure to check your eBill for final notice.
How will I get my stipend?
Internship stipends are disbursed through your student account/eBill. If you have direct deposit set up, you will receive the money deposited into your direct deposit account. If you do not have direct deposit set up, you will receive a check in the mail. Students can sign up for direct deposit via eBill which is safe, reliable, and easy.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my application?
If you have questions about a completed application, you can contact Jessica Creutz, Staff Assistant to the Vice President of Outreach and Engagement, at jcreutz@bridgew.edu.
