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How to Get Started

Generous funding allows the Academy to support humanities students by providing stipends for unpaid internships, particularly in non-profit, government, and public service fields

Step 1

Come and explore internship opportunities with our help!

Step 2

Enroll in an Internship class at ODU (zero or credit-based)

Step 3

Apply for a Mellon Foundation Stipend

Step 4

Get started on your ePortfolio

The Application Process

  • What is the purpose of the Monarch Internship and Co-Op Office (MICO) and the Monarch Humanities Internship Academy (MHIA)?
    MICO and MHIA serve as the central unit for supporting work-based learning initiatives at ODU. We provide advising support to students, collaborate with employers, and work with academic departments to expand work-based learning experiences.
  • Who can I contact for more information or help with my application?
    For general inquiries or application assistance, contact the Monarch Internship & Co-Op Office at internship@odu.edu.
  • How do I enroll in the UNIV 068 course?
    Contact the Monarch Internship & Co-Op Office at internship@odu.edu. This course requires a minimum of 50 hours and can be enrolled anytime during the semester.
  • Who is eligible for the Mellon Foundation Humanities Internship Stipend?
    Humanities students majoring in specific programs such as African American & African Studies(BA/BS), Organizational & Interpersonal Communication(BA), Asian Studies (BA), Art History (BA), Cinema Production, Theatre (BA), Philosophy (BA), Visual Studies (BA), Political & Legal Studies (BA), Applied Language Studies (BA), Religious Studies (BA), Creative Writing (BA), History (BA), Journalism (BA), Literature (BA), Technical Writing (BA), Professional Writing (BS), Cinema & TV Production (BA), French, German, Japanese, Spanish, World Cultural Studies/World Languages and Cultures (BA), Communication Studies (BA), Women's & Gender Studies (BA/BS), and Media Studies (BA) are eligible.
  • What are the expectations for students who receive the stipend?
    Stipend recipients must complete a for-credit internship course or UNIV 068, create and share an ePortfolio, and complete an Internship Exit Survey.
  • Where can I find instructions and support for creating my ePortfolio?
    Once accepted, you will be enrolled in a Canvas course that provides all the instructions and materials you will need, including detailed ePortfolio guidelines. ePortfolio support can be found by visiting www.odu.edu/asis/eportfolio or contacting eportfolio@odu.edu.
  • What types of internships qualify for the stipend?
    Internships at government agencies, public service fields, or nonprofit organizations qualify for the stipend. These positions must be unpaid or modestly compensated.
  • Do I need to be registered for an internship course to apply for the stipend?
    Yes, students must be enrolled in a for-credit, department-based internship course such as COMM 368, PHIL 368, SPAN 369, or UNIV 068, a zero-credit, tuition-free course facilitated by the Monarch Internship and Co-Op Office that offers transcript recognition.
  • What support is available if I haven’t secured an internship yet?
    ODU provides two ways to get help locating a nonprofit internship: The Monarch Humanities Internship Academy offers one-on-one meetings with staff to discuss internship interests, curricular requirements, and career goals. You may contact the MHIA office to schedule an appointment by calling 757-683-5627, by sending an email request to internship@odu.edu, or by following this link and completing a brief questionnaire. Internship Coordinators in your department can help find relevant internships. Contact the Chair of your Department if you are unsure who your coordinator is.
  • What steps do I need to take to apply for the stipend?
    To apply, students need to complete an online application, which takes about 10 minutes and requires a resume and internship offer letter. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and should be submitted with a two-week processing period in mind.
  • How much is the stipend, and what does it cover?
    The award offers students the equivalent of $15 per hour up to a maximum of $5000 to support unpaid internships.
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ePortfolio Grant Requirements

ePortfolio Guidelines

The ePortfolio assignment is designed to help you document and reflect on your learning experiences during your work-based learning (WBL) experiences. This process will enable you to demonstrate your professional skills, articulate your growth, and showcase how your experience has prepared you for future academic and career endeavors. By creating an ePortfolio, you will develop valuable skills in self-assessment, professional identity building, and digital literacies, which are essential for success in the humanities and beyond.

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To receive a monetary stipend, interns must document and reflect on their learning experiences through an ePortfolio. You can create a new ePortfolio or add the required materials to an existing one. Your ePortfolio should demonstrate your professional competencies and identity while showcasing the role of your internship in preparing you for your next steps. This comprehensive approach not only highlights your achievements but also prepares you for future opportunities by emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and development.

ePortfolio Student Spotlight

Roland Davis

Summer 2024 Mellon Internship Reflection

Cozi Jones

Summer 2024 Mellon Internship Reflection

Faith Grant

Summer 2024 Mellon Internship Reflection

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