Summer Experience Funding: FAQ

We’ve put together a short video to walk you through everything you need to know to successfully navigate the Internship+ program. It covers the Summer Experience Funding main page, the Application & Expectations Guide page, and the FAQ page: including where to find all the materials and downloadable documents you’ll need to apply once you’ve secured a summer opportunity. Watch anytime and prepare at your own pace!

Students will not be able to complete the application without accepting a summer experience first. The application requires you to upload the offer letter and job description.  Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Rather than selecting particular funds, students will be required to answer a series of screening questions on the funding application. The answers will help staff determine which fund(s) are the best fit for each particular summer experience.

We realize that a number of organizations may provide a student with the career-related experience they want for the summer, but it is best to focus on one organization in the application.

Students will need to have fully accepted a summer experience before applying for funding. 

Specific questions about Summer Experience Funding can be sent to internships@oberlin.edu.

You may also schedule an appointment via Handshake with a career advisor.

Funding does not cover the following ineligible expenses:

• Professional Clothing: Any costs associated with purchasing work attire.
• Software or Hardware: Expenses for computers, software, or other technical equipment.
• Rentals: Fees for renting cars, equipment or tools needed for the internship.
• Lost Wages or Compensation: Compensation for wages lost while participating in the internship.
• Other Personal Living Expenses: Personal expenses not directly related to the internship, such as utilities, entertainment, or personal care items.
• Tuition to Other Institutions: Summer Tuition for courses or classes provided by other academic institutions.

Make sure to exclude these items from your budget to ensure your application meets the funding criteria.

Due to the complexity associated with the required award payment processing steps, all applications will be reviewed through Friday, May 2, 2025. (Funding applications submitted after Friday, May 2, 2025, will be reviewed based on the availability of funds.)

Regardless of when you apply, your application will be reviewed based on the funds' eligibility criteria and your need level as identified by the Office of Financial Aid once you apply. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee that your funding request will be approved. This program is limited, competitive, and awards are based on demonstrated student need.

For help in completing your Summer Experience Funding application, in-person and virtual appointments are available with our career advising staff via available appointment times through Handshake.

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email from CED staff. Funds will be directly deposited 7–12 business days after that. To avoid delays, go to Oberview, search for ‘Direct Deposit Allocation’ and ensure your bank account information is accurate and active under the Accounts Payable section, not Payroll. Significant delays may occur if this is not set up correctly.

Here is a helpful guide to help you set up or update your direct deposit information in Oberview.

No, Internship+ is focused on unpaid opportunities only. The funding you receive will be based on the amount requested on your itemized budget worksheet, up to $4000 for eligible expenses. 

Please note that funding is limited, need-based, and competitive, and applying does not guarantee approval.

To be eligible to apply for summer funding, you must first accept your offer. This means you need to upload a job description and an official acceptance or confirmation letter from your organization as part of your application.

We understand that committing to an opportunity without confirmed funding can be difficult. However, funding decisions are made only after a complete application is submitted, and applying does not guarantee that funding will be awarded. We recommend that students carefully consider their financial ability to commit to the opportunity in case funding is not granted.

Summer Experience Funding applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning February 3 through May 2. After your application has been submitted and you receive a confirmation email from CED, you can expect to hear a decision approximately 3 weeks after that date.

Funds will be disbursed by direct deposit to students beginning mid April and continuing through June.

Selection committees will make funding decisions based on:

• Financial need
• Eligibility criteria listed for each fund
• Quality of application materials
• Eligible expenses listed in the application budget

Your funding will be directly deposited into your account before you start your internship. Students must ensure their Direct Deposit Allocation in Oberview is accurate and updating the accounts payable section (not the payroll section) of their student account.

Here is a helpful guide to help you set up or update your direct deposit information in Oberview.