Summer Experience Funding Application Guide

As a new requirement, students must schedule an appointment through Handshake to meet with a career advisor and refine their resume before their Summer Experience Funding application can be processed by the review committee.

Schedule My Resume Review Now

Before applying for funding, ensure that you have accepted an offer with an organization or program. Once you have secured your placement, your offer letter must provide the following details about your summer experience:

• Organization Name, Location, and Website: Include the name of the organization, its location, and its website.
• Supervisor Contact Information: Provide the contact details for your supervisor or the person you have been in correspondence with.
• Duration of the Experience: Specify the total length of your summer experience.
• Weekly Hours: Indicate the number of hours you are expected to work each week.
• Start and End Dates: List the start and end dates for your summer experience.
• Compensation: Specify any wages or stipend from the organization, or indicate if the experience is unpaid.

You will be asked to upload this letter or acceptance email in your funding application.

• Essay: Explain in detail how this summer experience will enhance your career readiness, professional skills, and how it relates to your future goals. (300 word count)
• Resume: recently reviewed resume by CED Career Advisors
• Acceptance or Confirmation Letter or Email From the Host Organization
• Job Description: provided by the host organization or job posting you applied to

Note to Conservatory/Double Degree Students: completing a musical performance or pre-professional music training program, without a job description, will need to provide a detailed experience description.

If applying to summer music festivals or equivalent summer musical experiences:

• Email confirmation or registration receipt(s)
• Name of an Oberlin reference: primary studio instructor or other Oberlin faculty member

You will be asked to enter a total dollar amount, as well as cite sources for projected expenses, which will include:

• Travel: Costs associated with getting to and from your internship location: plane, train, bus, etc. 
• Local Transportation/Commuting: Daily commuting expenses such as public transit or fuel.
• Housing/Rent: Accommodation costs for the duration of your experience: use credible websites to estimate housing or landlord estimates.
• Food Expenses: Ranging from $100/week in lower-cost areas to $135/week in higher-cost areas.
• Program Fee(s): Include any fees directly related to your program or experience, such as for musical performances, festivals, fee-based programs, or research opportunities. Cite your sources for these fees by hyperlinking to the program's cost breakdown or providing email confirmation from the program director or coordinator.
• Income: How much income (ONLY hourly wage or host organization's stipend), if any, will you receive from the host organization
• Other Scholarships or Grants: list the amount and the department/external source providing the amount, if applicable
• Statement of Financial Need (optional)

*This cost of living database may be helpful while calculating or estimating summer expenses in a specific city or country*

To apply for Summer Experience Funding, begin by ensuring that your application is completed in one sitting.

Accurately provide all required details, including information about your accepted offer, the organization, and your summer experience. Be sure to attach any necessary supporting documents, such as offer letters or acceptance confirmations. Before submitting, thoroughly review all entries for accuracy and completeness, as incorrect or missing information could delay the processing of your application. 

Please Note: Incomplete submissions may not be processed