Applications are now being accepted for the Portland Internship Experience, a new program that connects University of Oregon undergraduate students with 30 preselected internship sites.

Students accepted into the program will be able to apply to one or more of the internships. Those who interview and are selected by the site will receive a philanthropically funded $5,000 stipend from the UO for the 10-week summer experience. An application and professional references are due Feb. 15

“This program was designed to create access by removing financial barriers, curating the internship opportunities, and supporting students to make the most of their experiences,” said Jane Gordon, vice provost for Portland. “We ended up having requests for more than 100 internship positions and were able to select an exceptional group of small businesses, nonprofits and educational organizations that are working to effect change in the community.”

This year’s theme, “Student Recovery Corps,” focuses on social justice, community-building, racial equity and economic recovery. The internships are open to all majors and have a range of focus areas such as communication, business, public policy and education.

“A meaningful internship can have a tremendous impact on a student,” said Paul Timmins, executive director of the University Career Center. “They are able to apply the classroom to a career experience, while gaining professional mentors and connections. Students in the program will also be paired with a UO mentor and will work on specific career skills and enrichment.”

Students will work up to 40 hours per week between late June and early September. They will also receive an orientation, as well as professional development and support services from the university and will have the chance to participate in social gatherings and events with other students in the program this summer.

More information, including the application process and frequently asked questions, is available on the Portland Internship Experience website.