Purposeful Work Internships

Start thinking about: what are you curious about, which skills would you like to work on this summer, what are your budgetary needs, whether you’d like to be in-person, remote, or hybrid, where you’d like to live, etc…

As a starting point, check out:

  • ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Summer Funded Opportunities
    • You can find more about all the funding sources at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ for low or unpaid summer internships
  • PW Employer Partner Program
    • Through this program, employers provide strong mentorship, meaningful summer work, and opportunities to network across industry. Many more opportunities will be added weekly.
    • Deadlines vary so check back often as this is updated on a rolling basis as soon as we receive confirmed details from our Employer Partners
    • Already secured an unpaid or low paying internship and need additional funds? Consider applying .
    • Make sure your profile preferences and career interests are up to date to inform the algorithms
  • See a few other starter search engines below:

PW 2026 Internship Competitive Funding

Eligibility:

  • ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ sophomores (2028) and juniors (2027) who have received an offer for an unpaid or low-paying internship will be eligible to apply for funds.
  • To apply for Purposeful Work 2026 Competitive Internship Funding you must (resume reviewed by PW, short answers, budget and employer verification form) by the Funding Application deadlines (March 1, 2026, April 1, 2026, and end of April 2026)

Funding Amounts:

  • Internship funding awards will range from $2500 to $5000 to support internships ranging from 250 to 300 hours. 
  • A thoughtful application and budget will be very helpful for the committee’s consideration.

Click here for the application form on Handshake

*Please note- each round has a new application link on Handshake.

Purpose

Through the Purposeful Work Internship Programs, students explore interests, deepen skills, and build networks during the summer. Students learn about and experience preparation for the overall process of life and work exploration.

Approach

The Purposeful Work approach to summer internships gives students the tools they need to deepen what they learn through their internship, as well as access to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½-specific paid internships with employer partners in diverse industries and locations, and the chance to apply for a summer stipend for any unpaid or low-paying internship.

Benefits

Through the programs, students benefit from application feedback, goal setting, and reflection activities designed to help maximize their experiences, strengthen their skills, and build connections within their site and across industries. 

After an enriching and reflective experience, students return to campus ready to connect their summer experience to their studies and present on what they’ve learned during their time in a professional environment.

Components of the program include:

  • Comprehensive and personalized learning experience
  • Career Counseling that will help strengthen application materials through the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Center for Purposeful Work
  • Participation in weekly virtual cohorts to encourage reflection and discussion of personalized goals with fellow ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ students
  • Post-program presentations to reflect on their summer experience and pay their knowledge forward.
PW Intern Insights
Internship FAQs

Quick Links:

Questions? Email purposefulworkinternships@bates.edu.