Rutgers Scarlet Service Internships in NJ, NY, PA

Students selected to participate in the Rutgers Scarlet Service Internship (RSSI) Program will:

• Complete an in-person internship: Students will intern for a minimum of 150 hours over 10-12 weeks during the Rutgers Summer Session at a public service nonprofit or government office.
• Participate in a three-credit course: Students will enroll and complete a 10-week virtual internship course designed to explore and engage with the topic of public service and civic engagement while building their career readiness and professionalism skills. This course will have mandatory class sessions on Zoom from 11:00am-1:00pm on five Fridays during the Rutgers Summer Session. It is estimated that a total of 5-10 hours of coursework will be required outside of these synchronous session over the duration of the summer.
• Attend Scarlet Service events: Students are expected to attend multiple in-person and virtual events during the upcoming Spring and Summer semesters, including one field trip to local government and one event the following Fall. The virtual interview period to be matched with an internship site for the summer will take place during February and March.

• Selected students and employers will participate in virtual interviews in February and/or March. Following interviews, students and employers will rank their placement preferences and the RSSI Program administrators will use the rankings to assign summer placements.
• Many students are matched with their first, second, or third internship preference. Internship placements between students and employers are typically finalized between 2-3 weeks after the initial interview, and no later than the end of April.
• Internship opportunities available through the RSSI Program will be shared with only selected students in late January.

The internship course is a 3-credit, pass/no credit, virtual and synchronous internship course. This course is meant to ground students’ experience in their public service internships, providing them with the theoretical foundation and professional and civic skillset to thrive in their internship site and their communities. Through readings, reflections, and virtual discussions, students will explore and engage with the topics of public service and civic engagement while building their career readiness and professionalism.

• Stipends and Experience: Accepted students receive $5,000 for completing a minimum of 150-hour at a hands-on summer internship in public service where they make a difference, contribute to solutions to societal problems, view American life from a fresh perspective, and develop a better understanding of their responsibilities as citizens. Rutgers stipends are paid in two installments as long as students are making satisfactory progress towards internship goals.
  
  *Note: Students are responsible for applicable taxes.
• Knowledge and Scholarships: Accepted students participate in a 10-week virtual internship course designed to explore and engage with the topic of public service and civic engagement while building their career readiness and professionalism skills. Scarlet Service students also receive a scholarship to cover the expense of the 3-credit course.
• Networking and Events: Meet talented students from across Rutgers University who have a passion for making the world a better place. Accepted students will participate in multiple events and field trips at the beginning, middle, and end of the program where they will hear from guest speakers from the world of public service and build fellowship with one another. After their summer internship experience, students will share their stories and experience at a celebration event with the broader university community.

The application process is open to current Rutgers University sophomores and juniors* from all schools who will have 61-91 credits completed by the end of the upcoming Spring semester. Applicants must have an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and be in good standing with the university. Applicants must also have the ability to travel to an internship site in New Jersey, New York City, or Philadelphia region, and have a passion for community engagement and/or public service.

Transfer students are eligible to apply without a current Rutgers GPA. GPAs will be checked following the posting of Fall grades to determine eligibility.

*Note: Students who participated in previous RSSI Program cohorts are not eligible to reapply.

Yes, international students eligible for Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) can apply to the program. This includes the fulfillment of at least one academic year in the United States.

International students should confirm their eligibility for CPT with Rutgers Global.

Yes, undocumented students are welcome to apply. Rutgers Scarlet Service is open to all students regardless of immigration status. Please email rssi@echo.rutgers.edu with any questions or visit the following resources:

• New Brunswick Office of the Dean of Students
• Newark Office of Undocumented Student Services
• Camden Center for Advising and Academic Success

• Candidates will have to complete an application form, attach a resume and unofficial transcript, and respond to the essay prompts. The application form also asks for the names, titles, and contact information of one academic or professional reference.
• Student applications will be reviewed by a selection committee and program administrators. All applicants will be notified of their status in the program by mid-January.

No. Students are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the internship site. No travel allowance will be provided in addition to the $5,000 stipend.

During the fall semester, students can register for RSSI info sessions on Handshake to learn more. Any questions can be directed to Heather Escalona Benitez, Senior Assistant Director, at RSSI@echo.rutgers.edu.