Summer Internship Program (SIP) - For Mentors
Mentor Agency Application Info
What is the Summer Internship Program?
The Summer Internship Program (SIP) is an initiative of The Winnipeg Foundation designed to build on the voluntary sector experience high school students receive through the Youth in Philanthropy program. During SIP, students gain meaningful summer employment and learn about all facets of a local charity's operations, while organizations increase their capacity to undertake important, short-term projects. The program was launched in 2005 and feedback has been inspirational.
A SIP host organization provides the intern with a main project to work on over 8 weeks from the beginning of July to the end of August as well as a wide variety of day-to-day operational tasks. Hosts also give staff support by identifying one or more mentors who work closely with the intern, monitor their activities, and provide insight into careers in the non-profit sector.
About the Program
- Successful host organizations receive a grant which covers the intern's wage and provides a modest administrative stipend.
- The mentorship component is key; your intern comes away from the experience with a new understanding of the voluntary sector thanks to your guidance and knowledge, and you will get so much out of the experience of mentoring a student!
- The Winnipeg Foundation's staff matches successful intern applicants with positions at host organizations. These matches are based on the needs of the organization, the demands of the position and the qualifications and interests of the intern.
- All jobs must provide short-term assistance to the organization while offering the intern a meaningful opportunity to gain skills, experience and an understanding of the voluntary sector.
- Host organizations are responsible for providing training, guidance and mentorship to students.
- A typical work week is 35 hours, Monday to Friday. We recognize that from time to time, special events may require interns to have a more flexible work schedule. If this occurs, interns must be given time off in lieu of overtime worked.
- Intern positions pay over minimum wage plus Mandatory Employment Related Costs (Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, Vacation Pay).
- Successful host agencies are notified at the end of May.
Eligibility
To host an intern your organization must:
- Be a registered charitable organization.
- Have received a grant from The Winnipeg Foundation.
- Have a specific project for the intern to work on that will provide career-related experience (note: the position must not result in the lay-off, reduction of hours or dismissal of current employees or volunteers, or replace employees who have previously been laid-off or dismissed).
- Designate a staff member(s) to supervise the intern’s work and provide mentorship.
- Be willing to host a group of interns, mentors and Foundation staff one time during the summer for a tour and presentation on your organization’s work.
- Create a job opportunity that provides an intern with job experience as well as an introduction to the many facets of working in the voluntary sector.
- Submit a brief final report on the organization’s experience with the program.
How to apply
The application process for mentors starts in early March with an application due date of Friday, April 6th, 2012. Questions? For information about previous host organizations or job descriptions, please contact . . . .
Joanna Fultz
Youth in Philanthropy Convener
The Winnipeg Foundation
Phone: (204) 944-9474 ext. 248
Fax: (204) 942-2987
Email: jfultz@wpgfdn.org
