Up to Us Professional Pathways Internship Stipend Program Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who is eligible to apply for the Up to Us Professional Pathways Internship Stipend?

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the award: 

  • You will have completed an Up to Us Campus program (Campus Compact, Campus Competition, Leadership Bootcamp/Workshop or Fiscal Challenge).

  •  by June 2026 and joined the Up to Us Professional Pathways LinkedIn group

  • You have applied for or secured an internship in public service or fiscal policy, including in a government, nonprofit, media, think tank or policy organization.

  • You have not received the Net Impact Civic Engagement Scholarship during the summer 2026 cycle.

 

  1. Will all eligible applicants receive a stipend? 

Unfortunately stipend funds are limited and not all applicants will be awarded an internship stipend. The exact number of stipends awarded will be determined by the availability of funds, but we expect to award up to 18 stipends this year.

 

  1. Can I still apply if I’m waiting to hear back from an Internship? 

Yes. You are welcome to apply while you are still in the process of securing an internship. However, stipend awards are contingent upon obtaining an eligible internship. If selected, you will be asked to provide confirmation of your internship before funding is finalized.

 

  1. Do I need to complete one of the three Gateway programs to apply?

You must be a participant in one of the Up to Us Gateway programs (Campus Competition, Campus Compact programs, Leadership Bootcamp/Workshop, or Fiscal Challenge) to be eligible for the Professional Pathways Internship Stipend. Participants may apply while they are still completing their campus program; however, applicants must have completed their Gateway program to receive the stipend. This ensures the stipend supports students and recent graduates who have engaged with the Up to Us learning ecosystem.

 

  1. Can I apply for Net Impact’s Civic Engagement scholarship and the Professional Pathways Internship Stipend?

Yes. Students and recent graduates may apply to both opportunities. However, recipients may not receive funding from both programs for the same internship period. This approach allows us to extend support to as many students as possible.

 

  1. Are International students or professional eligible to apply? 

No. International students and professionals are not eligible to apply.

 

  1. Is the application open to all Up to Us participants or limited to a specific cohort year(s)? 

     The application is open to eligible alumni from any cohort year of the Up to Us Gateway       programs (Campus Compact, Campus Competition, Leadership Bootcamp/Workshop or     Fiscal Challenge).

 

  1. What is the amount of the internship award?

Each award recipient will receive between $2,000 and $3,000

 

  1. How do I apply?

Click here to fill out the application. The application collects the following:

  • Contact and demographic information

  • Professional Experience (resume)

  • Internship Information

  • Three short answer prompts (100-300 words max)

 

  1. What type of employers are acceptable?

  2. Your internship employer must be a local, state, or federal government office or agency, or an eligible organization operating within the fiscal policy or broader public interest space.

  • Eligible employer types include:

  • Federal Government

  • State Government

  • Local Government

  • Nonprofit Organizations

  • Media Organizations

  • Think Tanks or Research Organizations

  • Others. 

  • If your internship falls outside of the categories listed above but you believe it meaningfully advances your interest in public service or fiscal policy, you are encouraged to apply and explain how the opportunity supports those goals.

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  1. What types of internships are acceptable? 

For the purposes of this award, internships must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Fall and Spring Internships (part-time): Must be at least 10 hours per week and last a minimum of 12 weeks

  • Summer Internships: Must be at least 15 hours per week and run for a minimum of 8 weeks

 

  1. What does a strong application look like?

Strong applications are well organized, thoughtfully composed, and present a compelling narrative about the values that drive your public service aspirations. They should also clearly explain how the internship opportunity will support your professional growth and strengthen your ability to create meaningful change. 

 

  1. Are there any conditions for accepting the award?

To receive this award, the recipient must sign an acknowledgement letter and complete a W9 form. Award recipients will agree to submit their headshot and biography, which may be shared through the Up to Us Leadership Network newsletter, website, and social media. In addition, recipients will be asked to submit a brief reflection following their internship describing their experience and what they learned. Recipients may be required to participate in a short zoom check-in and will complete an exit survey upon internship completion.  

 

  1. When are applications due?

Award applications will be considered in three cycles: fall, spring, and summer. The deadlines for 2026 are as follows:

 

Apps Open 

Apps Close 

Summer 

February 23 

April 17 

Fall 

June 1 

September 4 

Spring 

September 28 

November 20 

 

  1. When should I expect to hear back?

Approximately 3 weeks post-deadline.

 

  1. When will I receive the funds?  

Typically within one month after decisions are announced, assuming eligibility has been confirmed.