Overview
What is Changemaking Internships?
The Changemaking Internships program is a Federal Work-Study program that connects students with local non-profits with the goal of creating leaders dedicated to improving the community and strengthening the partnership between community organizations and Miami Dade College. For a copy of the Changemaking Internships Student Handbook (Contact the Changemaking Internships program at cmi@mdc.edu ).
How is this different from being a volunteer?
The key differences between Changemaking Internships and volunteering are the time commitment, pay, and tasks. Volunteers often commit a short period of time of service or do so to complete service-learning hours for a course. Changemaking Interns instead make a longer-term commitment to non-profit organizations and work between 10-20 hours a week there. Also, volunteers are not paid for their service while Changemaking Interns earn $14 an hour for their work. Lastly, the tasks interns undertake resemble that of an apprenticeship or entry-level job rather than a normal volunteer opportunity.
What skills will I be developing?
As an intern, you will grow personally and professionally. Through your work with your assigned non-profit and the professional development workshops you will complete as part of the program through iCED, you will gain skills such as leadership, communication, responsibility, non-profit management, community organizing. In addition, you will be able to earn the Civic Action Award, which will greatly enhance your resume.
Which community partners are hosting Interns?
A detailed list of community organizations hosting Changemaking Interns can be found on the Changemaking Internship website. The general criteria for an intern host site is a non-profit organization that is addressing a community issue and combating poverty. All host sites need to meet our standards of service, provide general liability coverage for the intern, and be in consistent contact with iCED. Participating host organizations are located across the county and address a myriad of issues from youth development, to environmental awareness, to community well-being, to immigration rights.
Eligibility
Is receiving financial aid and Federal Work-Study a requirement?
Yes, applicants must qualify for Federal Work-Study and receive the Work-Study Grant as part of their Federal Student Aid package.
How many hours will I need to work?
The number of hours an intern is able to work is determined by their Federal Work-Study grant. Interns are expected to work between 10 and 20 hours at the partner site and 1 to 5 hours a week on campus/remotely.
Is there a GPA requirement?
To be eligible for Federal Work-Study positions, you must have at least a 2.0 GPA and be enrolled in at least 6 credits.
What if this is my first semester at MDC and I don’t have an official GPA?
First-semester students are encouraged to apply if they qualify for Federal Work-Study funding, can meet the time commitment, and want to make an impact on their community.
Will I need to travel outside of campus?
The majority of the Changemaking Internship positions will require working at a site or office off-campus. Also, between 1 and 5 hours are required each week on-campus for training, workshops, and other activities, some of which can be done remotely.
Do I have to be a full-time student?
No, applicants need to be enrolled for at least 6 credits.
Can I do the Fellowship for one semester?
No. The Changemaking Internships program is requiring at least a two-semester commitment for this term. This commitment is designed to maximize the intern's impact at their host organization and provide a worthwhile professional experience that will assist them in looking for similar social impact jobs in the future.
Can I work from home?
The host organization will determine whether the intern position will be remote, in-person, or hybrid. Also, it is possible that some of the 1-5 hours that are required to be completed on campus may be completed remotely.
Application Process
How do I apply?
Students seeking to learn more about the program should fill out the interest form, located here under the Changemaking Internships tab on iCED’s “Students” page. Applicants will then be contacted by an iCED staff member within 3 to 4 days through phone or email.
The iCED staff member will have assessed the applicants' eligibility and, if they are qualified, will schedule an interview. If selected, iCED will refer the applicant to one or more community partners for an interview. An applicant being hired is contingent on qualifying for Federal Work-Study, and interviewing and being accepted by the host site.
How long is the application process?
From filling out the student interest form to beginning work at a host organization, it could take between two weeks to a month. It depends on how quickly all the steps of the process can be completed by you, by MDC, and by the host organization.
Can I choose which non-profit to work with?
The iCED office has a list of all participating host sites that applicants can review here. During interviews, the iCED staff will recommend certain positions based on the job description and location of the host site, the applicant’s schedule, interests, and preferences. iCED is committed to ensuring host sites receive applicants who are interested in the work of the organization and can commute to the workplace on a consistent basis.
Do I need to undergo a background check?
Each host site has its own internal onboarding process, and the applicant must abide by all of the host agency’s requirements. A Level 1 background check is required by MDC’s financial aid office for any Federal Work-Study position. If there are any questions or concerns related to this, applicants should contact their campus iCED staff.
Do I need a letter of recommendation?
A letter of recommendation from a teacher, a community leader, or a past supervisor will be requested when formally applying through the Federal Work-Study website.
Working as an Intern
How much will I be making an hour?
$14 per hour.
How do I submit my hours?
Digital timesheets will be due to iCED every 2nd Friday of the month by 10.00 p.m. Interns must email their timesheets to their home campus iCED director, the Changemaking Internships Coordinator cmi@mdc.edu AND Yasmin Solito ysolito@mdc.edu. Timesheets that are turned in late or that are not emailed to all three recipients may not be approved on time, resulting in the intern being paid late. All interns are responsible for remembering to turn in their timesheets on time and following the correct processes.
What kind of duties will I be responsible for?
Duties and responsibilities will vary depending on the partner and role. You are expected to do work akin to an undergraduate studies.
Will I be earning credits for my Internship?
No. As a Federal Work-Study position, you will be earning a wage but not credits nor community service hours.
Who do I call if I’m late or can’t show up to work?
You will contact your host site supervisor.
How do I get paid?
Paychecks will be distributed through direct deposit. If you do not have a bank account, a check will be distributed.
Who will be my supervisor?
The immediate supervisor will be the site host coordinator. The Changemaking Internship Coordinator also supervises interns, as does the iCED Director of your home campus.
Will I be compensated for my commute?
No, interns are only paid through their Federal Work-Study grant for the work they do on and off-campus.
Will I be paid for my break?
Interns working between four and five hours in one day are entitled to a paid 15-minute break. Interns working five or more hours in one day must take a 30-minute break.
Who do I talk to about my concerns on the job?
Interns should first contact their immediate supervisor at their assigned organization. Feel free, however, to contact the local iCED department or the Changemaking Internships Coordinator for any concerns.
Is there a uniform policy?
There is no official uniform policy. However, students will need to use personal discretion and discuss this with the site supervisor. Business casual is recommended.