Funding the Bucknell Public Interest Program

Coleman Launched as a pilot program in 2001, BPIP consists of Bucknell alumni, faculty, and administrators working together to educate students about non-profit careers and provide more occasions for students to experience non-profit opportunities and network with those in the non-profit sector.

Through the BPIP Internship Fund, students who might not otherwise be able to participate in an unpaid summer internship with a non-profit organization will have an opportunity to gain valuable experience in a field of interest. Generously supported by alumni, parents and the (alumni) board the Internship Fund provides $2,500 stipends each summer to underclass students who secure full-time internships at nonprofit, public interest, or governmental organizations.

Interns must apply for the funding; the number of students selected and the amount of support provided will ultimately depend upon the applicant pool and the funding available each year. Students are encouraged to search for internship opportunities which coincide with their passions and interests.

As a summer intern with the University of Pennsylvania Health System, Kelly Walker ’08, had an opportunity to work on a state grant application, as well as represent the health system at a meeting with local foundations who service the area through jobs, training, healthcare, amongst a variety of other areas. She states, “My internship has been so rewarding in just this short amount of time. As a result of networking I was offered an opportunity to work in the department full-time (upon graduation) and go to graduate school part-time”. Through opportunities like Kelly’s, Bucknell students are able to gain real world experience while making a difference in someone else’s life.

BPIP relies on a network of alumni and parent volunteers who are actively involved with nonprofit organizations that might have meaningful internship opportunities for Bucknellians.

For more information, contact the BPIP Program Director at 570-577-1238.