Apply now for a Summer 2027 Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty (SHECP)!

Looking for a meaningful summer internship that connects your interests with real-world experience? 

The Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty (SHECP) offers students the opportunity to explore potential career paths, gain valuable professional experience, and make a difference in communities across the country. Through hands-on internships with nonprofit organizations, students work alongside community partners addressing challenges related to poverty and inequality.

This nine-week summer internship program (June 1–July 31, 2027) includes a virtual training academy, eight weeks of full-time work with a community partner, and a concluding annual conference. Students are matched with opportunities that align with their interests and professional goals.

Internship opportunities are available in areas including:

• Education and youth outreach
• Healthcare and public health
• Law, advocacy, and public defense
• Food and housing security
• Community and social services
• Immigration and refugee support

Financial Support: SHECP provides housing (typically shared with a cohort of fellow interns), a $1,250 living stipend to help with expenses, and transportation to the annual conference. Juniata College's Super Internship Fund can help cover travel costs to the internship location and home.

Eligibility and Academic Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years old by June 1, 2027, be in good academic standing, and plan to continue their undergraduate studies in Fall 2027. Graduating seniors are not eligible.

Students selected for the internship are required to enroll in PY 190: Poverty Studies Seminar with Dr. Poole during Spring 2027. The course will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:20–4:45 PM.

Application and Selection Process: Students interested in participating must first complete this application through Juniata College. Juniata will review applications and select students to move forward with the SHECP Summer Internship Program.

Students selected by Juniata will then be directed to SHECP to complete the registration process, meet individually with SHECP staff, and review available internship opportunities. Students will identify their preferred placements and locations, and SHECP will work to match them with a community partner based on their interests, qualifications, and organizational needs.

Please note: Students are applying to participate in the overall SHECP internship program, not for a specific position or location. While student preferences are considered, individual placements and locations cannot be guaranteed.

APPLY HERE: SHECP INTERNSHIP APPLICATION BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2026.