Erie County Community Foundation once again is pairing college students with area nonprofits in an effort for students to gain valuable real-world experience, according to a news release.
The 2026 Community Links Summer Internship Program application is available at https://www.eriefoundation.org/internships.
Since 2013, Erie County Community Foundation has teamed with local nonprofits and municipal organizations to offer college students real-world experience in nonprofit organizations.
From creating marketing campaigns at the Parkvue Community, measuring water samples at the Erie County Health Department, or helping with puppies and kittens at the Humane Society of Erie County, student interns can give back to their community, earn money for school, and gain real-world exposure to the nonprofit workplace, the release said.
How it works
• Local college undergraduates, recent graduates and graduate students are paid for a 10-week summer internship with Erie County nonprofits and public organizations.
• Students are paid $15 and hour based on a 40-hour work week.
• Students gain first-hand knowledge of the Erie County nonprofit community, its leadership and organizations.
• A committee at the Community Foundation pairs student applicants with Erie County organizations, based on applicant’s area of study and agencies looking for that skillset.
Previous interns have worked for various organizations, including: Sandusky Library, Back to the Wild, city of Sandusky, Parkvue Community, Huron City Schools, Erie County Economic Development Corp., Main Street Vermilion, Humane Society of Erie County, and Ability Works, among others.
This is a great opportunity for college students to gain real-world nonprofit experience, and for employers to conduct important short-term projects while meeting talented future employees, the release said.
Students are encouraged to apply at: https://www.eriefoundation.org/internships.
Completed application materials must be received by Feb. 9, the release said.
Individuals will be notified by phone if selected for an interview, and the Community Foundation will select finalists by the end of February and announce interns shortly thereafter, according to the release.
The 2026 Community Links Summer Internship Program is made possible by donations from Randolph and Estelle Dorn Foundation, Sidney Frohman Foundation, Murray and Murray Charitable Foundation, Mylander Foundation, Sam S. and Rose Stein Foundation, Rhonda Watt, Wightman-Wieber Foundation and Erie County Community Foundation.
For more information, contact Randy Wagner at randyw@eriefoundation.org or call 419-621-9690.