The Springfield Way Internship Program

Program Details

The Springfield Way works with community partners to develop meaningful internship experiences that benefit the community partner while offering a learning experience that allows interns to understand Springfield more fully. In addition to the work experience, students take an internship class that structures learning that augments the work experience.

During the summer, interns work 20 hours per week for five weeks. Prior to the start of the work, interns have a two-day opening conference. The last day is a closing symposium which allows us 1) to recognize the contributions made by students and community partners during the summer program and 2) to engage in program reflection which informs the design of The Springfield Way.

Students are paid $15 per hour for the 100-hour internship, a total of $1,500. Eligible students also receive an additional $250 to partially offset the cost of the internship course.

For the program, students apply to be part of The Springfield Way cohort. Finalists will be interviewed, and selected students are then matched with internship opportunities.

Eligibility

Students must be enrolled in an academic program (undergraduate or graduate) offered by the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.

SUMMER 2024

Program Dates

  • Opening Conference: May 29-31, 2024
  • Internship Dates: June 3 - July 11, 2024
  • Internship class meets Thursday mornings, 9-11 a.m.
  • Closing Symposium: July 12, 2024

Information Sessions

If you are interested in the program, please join us for an information session. The information sessions are held in Siceluff Hall, Room 124. If you wish to join via Zoom, email Alan Tinkler for the link.

  • Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 5-6 p.m.
  • Monday, February 26, 2024, 3-4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 4-5 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 21, 2024, 4-5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 2-3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 3-4 p.m.

Application Process

To apply, students should email the following materials as attachments to AlanTinkler@MissouriState.edu. To assist with generating the materials, please use resources that are available at MSU’s Career Center.

  • Cover letter. Please explain why the internship program appeals to you and how it aligns with your academic/personal interests.
  • Résumé
  • References. Provide the name and contact information of two references to be contacted should you be selected as a finalist.

Please note that you are applying to be part of The Springfield Way internship cohort. Finalists will be interviewed, and successful finalists will be matched with one of the internships. In your cover letter, please confirm your availability for the program dates and indicate the internships that interest you, which will help during the matching process.

The application deadline is March 29, 2024.

Internships

The Springfield Way has identified internships at the following community partners. Each internship is designed to offer a meaningful learning experience while also building organizational capacity.

Contact Information

For more information, please reach out to Dr. Alan Tinkler or Dr. Katie Hoegeman.

Person item component: AlanTinkler@missouristate.edu
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Person item component: CHoegeman@missouristate.edu
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Donate to support The Springfield Way

Donor support allows us to fund the internship stipends and tuition support, so please direct some of the charitable giving to "The Springfield Way."

Giving via cash or credit card is a convenient way to donate for the majority of alumni and friends. This contribution is easiest and provides a charitable income tax deduction for those who itemize.

Donate to The Springfield Way

Give by mail by sending a check or money order to the following address. Please reference The Springfield Way in the letter or on the info line, so your donation is applied to The Springfield Way. 

Missouri State University Foundation 
Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center
300 South Jefferson, Suite 100
Springfield, MO 65806