Find Funding

We aim to support as many students as possible, but funding is limited, so awards are made through a competitive review process. We encourage you to have a backup plan in case you don’t receive funding.

Funding decisions are typically shared by email about one month later (late April/early May).

What makes a strong application?

Strong applications clearly explain why this internship is a great fit for you and how it supports your goals. In your essay, be sure to:

• Describe what you hope to learn and the skills you’ll gain
• Connect the experience to your academic interests, values, and future plans
• Show that you’ve thoughtfully planned your internship

Start early. Don’t wait until the last minute. Taking time to reflect and write a clear, focused essay makes a big difference.

What the committee considers

Applications tend to be more competitive when students:

• Demonstrate financial need or receive financial aid
• Have longer internships (typically 8 weeks or more)
• Are juniors or senior Febs
• Submit a clear, compelling essay
• Have met with a CCI or CTLR advisor to discuss their plans

Any combination of these factors can strengthen your application.

Please note: internships should be one continuous experience, not multiple short experiences combined into one application.

Remote, hybrid, and in-person internships are all eligible for funding.

International internships are allowed for College-funded or College-sponsored experiences, but they require advance approval by the Global Operations Committee and travel registration, even if you’re traveling to your home country or doing a remote internship while abroad.

Step 1: Get travel approval (if required)

If you are traveling outside the U.S. (including to your home country), your destination’s U.S. State Department Travel Advisory level determines what approval is needed.

Check your destination’s travel advisory on the State Department website.

• Level 1 country or Level 2 country with a Middlebury School Abroad
  → No additional review required
• Level 2 country without a Middlebury School Abroad
  → International Activity Review Form required and check the State Department Travel Advisory page
• Level 3 or Level 4 country (including your home country, whether your internship is in-person or remote)
  → International Activity Review Form required and check the State Department Travel Advisory page
  → Funding may be denied based on a College risk assessment

Important:
Submit the International Activity Review Form at the same time as (or earlier than) your funding application so the Global Operations Committee has time to review your request.

Step 2: Register your travel (required for all students)

If you are traveling outside the 48 contiguous U.S. states, including international locations, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico, you must complete the MANDATORY Travel Registration Form.

This allows Middlebury to:

• Know where students are located
• Communicate with you in an emergency
• Provide assistance if needed

Review 4 Simple Steps for Safer Travel for guidance.

Plan ahead

International internships often take more time to arrange, especially if:

• A visa is required
• You’re coordinating travel after a study abroad experience

Health, insurance, and registration requirements

If you receive internship funding and your internship is outside the U.S., you must:

• Register your travel online
• Have health, medical evacuation, and repatriation insurance

Insurance details:

• If you don’t already have coverage, you must enroll (approx. $75/month)
• International students interning in their home country do not need to purchase the insurance, but must still register their travel

You’ll receive specific instructions with your funding award notification.

Health & safety reminders

• Check CDC travel guidance
• Consult Parton Health Center and/or your health care provider about recommended vaccinations

If you’re unsure where your destination falls or want help planning next steps, reach out early, we’re here to help you navigate the process.

International students should stay up to date on ISSS Travel, Regulatory, and Information Updates, as changes to immigration or travel guidance may affect your summer plans.

Below is an overview of what to know, especially if you are in F-1 status.

Students on an F-1 visa may participate in paid or unpaid summer internships. If the internship is unpaid, you may apply to receive internship funding from the College.

If participating in a paid or unpaid internship in the US or with a US employer, you will apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). To be eligible for CPT:

• you must have been lawfully enrolled as an F-1 student for a minimum of one full academic year,
• the internship must be related to your major (or intended major)
• you must also enroll in a course to earn credit that will allow you to be eligible to apply for CPT.

International students in F-1 status:  Visit ISSS’ web site for more information about CPT, including a list scenarios that will indicate whether you need to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization.

If you determine you will need CPT, please see here for more information about the summer credit option.  

Please see instructions in previous FAQ about international internships if you plan to do an internship in your home country or anywhere outside of the US.  

A First-Year Explore Grant supports students who want to explore a career interest or field through a summer experience with an organization. Students receive a $1,000 grant from the career center to help support their internship.

Program basics

• Grant amount: $1,000
• Length: At least 4 weeks
• Time commitment: Minimum of 25 hours per week
• Format: Remote, in-person, or hybrid internships are allowed

Who is eligible?

• First-Years and First-Year Febs
  → Eligible for the $1,000 First-Year Explore Grant
  → Not eligible for the $4,000 competitive grants
• Sophomore Febs
  → May apply for either a First-Year Explore Grant or a $4,000 grant
• All First-Years and Sophomore Febs
  → Eligible to apply for CCI-Select or cohort internships (including MiddWorks for VT internships), which come with guaranteed funding

Required advising before you apply

Before submitting a First-Year Explore Grant application, you must complete both of the following:

1. Meet with a Peer Career Advisor (PCA)
   • Attend Quick Questions to have your résumé approved
     • We recommend doing so before applying to positions
   • PCAs can help you create a résumé or strengthen an existing résumé
2. Meet with an advisor
   • Schedule an appointment with a CCI advisor via Handshake
   • For Health Professions or Science Research experiences, email Mary Lothrop or Hannah Benz at CTLR to schedule an appointment

To be eligible for Summer Funding from the CCI, your internship must:

• Connect to your academic interests, career exploration, or personal goals
• Meet minimum time commitments (varies by grant)
• Be secured and accepted before you apply
• Include a Career Center-approved résumé (reviewed and approved by a Peer Career Advisor). This must be done BEFORE submitting your application on MiddApply (résumés approved last year still qualify as long as you have updated your résumé with new experiences)
• Take place while you are enrolled and returning to Middlebury

Self-directed projects, independent research, or faculty research are not eligible for CCI funding. Check out other Centers!
Students may not have already received a $4000 competitive grant from the career center or be participating in another CCI-Select/Cohort internship this summer. (Exceptions may apply for short-term Arts Grants.)

Review the Quick Guide to CCI’s 2026 Competitive Summer Funding for full details and next steps.

Ready to Apply?

Follow these steps in the Quick Guide, then submit your application through MiddApply once materials go live in February.

Questions? Email internships@middlebury.edu. We’re happy to help.

Yes, depending on the project, there are several options for funding self-guided projects, research, or entrepreneurial ideas.

Check out:

• The Innovation Hub for funding related to self-directed summer projects
• CTLR’s website for funding related to research experiences
• Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Climate Action Funding for projects related to climate and justice

If you’re unsure whether your experience counts as self-directed or organization-based, reach out early. We’re happy to help you figure out your best funding options.

Yes. You must have:

• Received an internship offer
• Accepted the offer
• Committed to completing that internship

We will verify the internship with your supervisor before you can be awarded funding. You cannot transfer awarded funding to a different experience.

Professional expectations

CCI expects students to conduct themselves professionally during the internship search. Once you have accepted an internship offer, you should:

• Withdraw applications from other employers or organizations
• Decline interviews for other positions
• Discontinue your internship search

If you renege on an internship offer

• You cannot revise your funding application or submit a new one
• You will need to forfeit your funding

Exception:
An exception may be granted if an employer rescinds your internship offer.

Because we expect a large number of applicants, CCI cannot guarantee there will be funding available to support late applications. Planning ahead and starting your internship search early is essential.

What you can do before the deadline

If you are applying to internships with later hiring timelines, consider the following:

• Let employers know you have the opportunity to apply for internship funding with an early April deadline
• Ask whether:
  • You might receive a decision by April X, 2027 (TBD), or
  • They can indicate whether you are a strong candidate

If you don’t have an internship by April X, 2027 (TBD)

If you need funding and do not have a confirmed internship by April X, you should plan for alternative options, which may include securing a paid position.

Limited exception for late applications

This exception is very limited and dependent on available funding.

If you secure an internship after April X, you may submit one late funding application by April XX.

Important details:

• No applications will be accepted after April XX
• Late applications will be placed in pending status
• Applications will be reviewed only if funding remains available (no guarantees)
• Late applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis, depending on remaining funds
• The process is more competitive than the original application round

For questions about late applications, contact Jill MacArthur.

If you’re unsure about your timing or want help strategizing, connect with a CCI advisor as early as possible.

Because we expect a large number of applicants, CCI generally does not accept late funding applications. Planning ahead and starting your internship search early is essential.

What you can do before the deadline

If you are applying to internships with later hiring timelines, consider the following:

• Let employers know you have the opportunity to apply for internship funding with an April 2 deadline
• Ask whether:
  • You might receive a decision by April 2, or
  • They can indicate whether you are a strong candidate

If you don’t have an internship by April X, 2027

If you need funding and do not have a confirmed internship by April X, you should plan for alternative options, which may include securing a paid position.

Limited exception for late applications

This exception is very limited. You must reach out to Jill MacArthur regarding late applications.

If you secure an internship after April X, you may submit one late funding application by April XX.

Important details:

• No applications will be accepted after April XX
• Late applications will be placed in pending status
• Applications will be reviewed only if funding remains available (no guarantees)
• Late applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis, depending on remaining funds
• The process is more competitive than the original application round
• If awarded, funding may not be deposited until mid–to–late June

Before submitting:
Be sure your résumé has been approved prior to submitting your application.

For questions about late applications, contact Jillian MacArthur.

If you’re unsure about your timing or want help strategizing, connect with a CCI advisor as early as possible.

Yes. There are several types of experiences that the career center typically does not fund, along with a few limited exceptions outlined below.

Experiences the career center typically does not fund

• Classes, trainings, or fee-based programs
  (except Arts Grants), including:
  • Third-party internship providers
  • Retreats, workshops, or programs that charge a participation fee (e.g., yoga retreats)
• On-campus summer undergraduate research with Middlebury faculty
  → These positions are funded through the Undergraduate Research Office (CTLR)
• Paid internships
  → Exception below for very low-paid internships
• Internships supervised by a family member
• Experiences funded by another Middlebury office or program
  → Exception below for Cross-Cultural Community Engagement grant

Limited exceptions to be aware of

Fee-based experiences (limited cases)

We may consider funding only if:

• The majority of the experience is an internship, and
• The internship portion alone meets minimum time requirements:
  • 8 weeks at 30 hours/week, or
• The participation fee is primarily to cover housing costs

Low-paid internships (supplement grants)

The career center does not fund fully paid internships, but may provide a supplement grant for very low-paid internships, defined as:

• Less than $4,000 total compensation for an 8-week (or longer) experience
• Not available for Explore Grants

How this works:

• You must apply using the $4,000 grant application
• Explain your compensation clearly in your application narrative
• If selected, we may award a supplement so your total summer compensation equals $4,000

Example:
If your employer pays $2,000, we may award a $2,000 supplement.

**IMPORTANT

Any compensation you receive, such as:

• Housing or transportation stipends from your employer, or
• Support from organizations like Posse

will be deducted from your grant to ensure equity across awards.

For questions about low-paid internships, contact Jill MacArthur.

Except for Arts Grants, the career center typically does not fund classes, trainings, or experiences with organizations that charge a fee for participation, e.g. third party internship providers, yoga retreats, etc. We may make exceptions if the majority of the experience is an internship and the internship portion itself, without the curricular portion, meets the minimum time requirements for funding (8 weeks long and 30 hours per week) or if the fee is charged mainly to pay for housing.  

We do not fund on-campus summer undergraduate research positions with Middlebury faculty because these positions are funded by Middlebury’s Undergraduate Research Office in the CTLR.  

We do not fund paid internships unless it is a very low-paid internship (i.e. less than $4000 for an eight-week experience or more). In this case, we may choose to provide a supplement grant to bump you up to the equivalent of $4000 (not available for Explore Grants).  For instance, if you are receiving a $2000 from your employer, you may apply for funding and if you are selected for funding, we might award you a $2000 supplement grant so that your total compensation for the summer would equal what other students are receiving from us. Students in this position should use the $4000 grant application form and explain your situation and financial compensation in your narrative. If you are receiving any compensation from your employer such a housing or transportation stipend, or from an organization that supports you such as Posse, you can expect that we will deduct that amount of money from your internship grant in order to make your award consistent with what other students are receiving. Contact Jill MacArthur if you have questions about a low paid internship. 

We do not fund experiences where a family member is serving as your supervisor.

An affiliation agreement is a written contract detailing the legal obligations of both the school and the experiential learning site to facilitate experiential learning for students. Middlebury College does not enter into such agreements, meaning you would not be able to accept an internship that requires an affiliation agreement for participation.

No. You do not need to submit a budget as part of your funding application.

However, CCI strongly recommends using the Budget Planning Template (see next FAQ) to estimate your summer expenses and determine whether the grant amount you’re applying for, typically $4,000 or $1,000, will make the experience financially realistic for you.

Why budgeting matters

Using the budget template can help you:

• Understand the true cost of your internship
• Decide whether an unpaid internship is feasible
• Determine whether a paid internship or summer job might be a better option

Some students use the template and realize that an unpaid internship is not financially workable for them and that’s an important insight before applying.

How grant amounts work

CCI offers set grant amounts, which gives you flexibility and decision-making power over your summer plans.

Keep in mind:

• If your costs are higher than the grant, you’ll need to cover the difference (for example, through savings or a part-time job)
• If your costs are low (e.g., living at home or completing a remote internship), the grant may help offset lost summer wages

**IMPORTANT note on competitiveness:

Applications from students not receiving financial aid who are applying primarily to offset lost wages tend to be less competitive.

Think of CCI grants as support to help make your internship possible, not necessarily full funding for all summer expenses. If you have questions about planning or affordability, a CCI advisor can help you think through your options.

Yes! Creating a summer budget and thinking carefully about how much money you’ll need, is an important part of planning your internship and a valuable learning experience in itself.

Use the Budget Template to plan your expenses and estimate your total summer costs.

Budget planning guidelines

Below are general guidelines to help you think through common expenses. Actual costs will vary based on your location and situation.

Food

• A typical food budget is approximately $75–$125 per week
• Costs may be higher in major cities or if you eat out frequently

Housing

Housing costs can vary widely and often make up the largest expense of a summer internship.

• University-sponsored internship housing (e.g., NYU housing in NYC) can be very expensive and may exceed your entire funding allocation
• At the same time, plan for safe and reasonable housing, not sleeping on someone’s floor

Tips for finding housing:

• Start your search early
• Explore options like Airbnb, short-term sublets, or house-sitting
• Use your networks, including Middlebury Alumni Communities in various cities

**Typical housing costs range from $800–$2,000+ per month, depending on location.

Transportation

Be sure to budget for:

• Travel to and from your internship location
• Local transportation, such as:
  • Subway or bus passes
  • Train fare
  • Gas and tolls
  • Daily commuting costs

Other funding and support

It’s okay if your internship provides limited financial support, such as:

• A subway or transit pass
• Help with housing
• Daily lunch passes

You must disclose all forms of support in your funding application so CCI can calculate your award accurately and equitably.

If you’re unsure how to estimate costs or want help thinking through your budget, a CCI advisor is happy to help you plan.

Once you’ve reviewed all the information on this page and completed the steps in the Quick Guide, you’re ready to apply.

Before applying, make sure you have:

• A CCI-approved résumé (Visit Quick Question drop-in hours)
• A completed essay
• Any additional paperwork required for international internships (see the International Internships FAQ)

All required forms and templates are linked on this page.

How to submit your application

Applications are submitted through MiddApply.

• Log in to MiddApply using your Middlebury username and password
• Select CCI Application for Funding/Credit
• Complete all required questions
  • Copy and paste your essay into the application
  • Upload your CCI-approved résumé
• Carefully read the Internship Funding Agreement
  • This document outlines important conditions you must follow if you accept funding
  • Sign the agreement only after reading it in full

Important communication reminder

• All application-related communication will be sent via email
• Check your inbox, clutter, spam, and junk folders daily
• Failure to respond to emails may result in your application being declined

If you run into issues or have questions before submitting, reach out early so we can help you stay on track.

Below is what to expect after you apply, including notification timing, payment details, and required next steps.

When you’ll hear about funding

• Funding decisions will be sent via Outlook email by end of day Friday, May 1, 2026
• Be sure to check your Middlebury inbox, spam, junk, and clutter folders, as application emails may be filtered

**IMPORTANT: Failure to respond to emails by stated deadlines may result in your award being withdrawn.

When you’ll receive your funding

If you are awarded funding and complete all required steps on time:

• Funds are typically deposited in early to mid-June
• Make sure your direct deposit information is entered correctly

Plan ahead:
Because funds may not arrive until mid-June, you may need to:

• Budget carefully at the start of the summer, or
• Arrange to start your internship later to align with the payment schedule

Direct deposit & payment issues

• Incorrect or missing direct deposit information will result in delayed or withheld payment
• If you do not see your funds by early to mid-June, contact the Accounts Payable Office at ap@gmhec.org

Important notes for international students

• All funded interns must attend a mandatory pre-internship training meeting Tuesday, May 5th at 6:00 PM in Dana Auditorium 
• Attendance is required and will be recorded
• Students who do not attend risk losing their funding or sponsorship

If you have an extenuating circumstance (such as study abroad), contact Jill MacArthur in advance.

Grant requirements

All grant requirements are outlined in the Internship Funding Agreement.

• You will be asked to read the agreement carefully as part of your funding application
• Accepting funding means you agree to all terms and conditions in the agreement

If you have questions after receiving your award, reach out early. We’re here to help you stay on track.

Do I still need to submit a funding application if I’m selected?

Yes. If you are selected for a CCI-Select, MiddWorks for Vermont, or other Cohort internship (all posted in Handshake), your internship includes funding from CCI but funding is not automatic.

Funding is contingent on:

• Submitting a funding application in MiddApply
• Completing all required paperwork
• Meeting eligibility criteria (outlined below)

Eligibility requirements

To receive funding, you must:

• Be in good academic and judicial standing
• Be an enrolled student in Spring 2026 and Fall 2026
• Have at least one semester remaining after the summer
• Not be planning to transfer in the fall

A final eligibility check is completed with class deans and other administrators.

Funding timeline

• Funding will be deposited in your account by approximately June 6, pending final eligibility confirmation
• You will receive an award email from internships@middlebury.edu with instructions on how to submit your funding application

**IMPORTANT: Please wait for your award email before applying, or contact internships@middlebury.edu if you have questions.

Housing eligibility (select cohorts only)

• MiddWorks for Vermont cohort interns working in-person or hybrid with Vermont-based organizations may request:
  • Middlebury campus housing or
  • Burlington-based housing (after accepting the internship offer)
• Vermont Business Strategy and Consulting Cohort interns are also eligible for on-campus housing

More information about Summer 2026 housing fees and dining plans will be posted separately.

**Note: CCI provides Residential Life with a list of confirmed, funded students approved for summer housing.

Program requirements

All funded students are expected to:

• Attend the mandatory pre-internship training meeting
• Complete a mid-internship reflection
• Submit final evaluations
• Complete a Career Readiness Inventory
• Submit a photo and a donor update letter

MiddWorks for Vermont and diiVe interns may have additional required meetings or activities.

If you’re unsure whether your internship qualifies as a CCI-Select or cohort experience, or if you have questions about next steps, contact internships@middlebury.edu for guidance.