I. Definition

An internship is defined as a set of experiential learning activities sponsored by an educational institution and typically occurring in an off-campus setting. The experiential learning portion of the program involves a broad spectrum of the various activities and functions of the mentor organization providing the student with a greater opportunity to be directly involved with what is being studied in preparation for their chosen career.

II. Objectives

The objectives of the internship program are: to encourage students to expand their education beyond the classroom, to give students an opportunity to apply classroom theories to the solutions of actual problems, and, to enable students to sample real-world situations thereby clarifying career goals.

III. Benefits

Internships are unpaid; however, the C.S. Lewis Foundation will --

* offer suitable housing with a local family

* provide local transportation, if needed

* offer written evaluation and academic credit, if needed

* provide supervision

* and provide letters of reference for post-internship job searches.

IV. Eligibility

University students who wish to participate in the C.S. Lewis Foundation Internship Program must be at least of Sophmore level and in good academic standing. Post- Graduate students are also welcome to apply for participation in the internship program.

V. Length of Commitment

The internship should be for no less than 4 weeks or more than 24 months in duration. Additionally, an intern must commit to a minimum of 30 hours of on-site involvement per week.

VI. Opportunities

Administration
Interns assigned to this area will be asked to carry out a variety of tasks, on an as needed basis, while providing administrative and program support to the offices of the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Operations. This internship is particularly appropriate for undergraduate students and recent graduates who have a myriad of interests and would enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. Strong writing, analytical, and reading comprehension skills, quality workmanship, and a flexible work style are all essential to this internship.

Development
Though development interns are not directly involved in raising financial support, they do learn valuable fundraising, public relations, and non-profit marketing skills while assisting in the implementation of a broad range of strategies designed to meet the Foundation’s annual and long-range funding goals. Assignments may consist of foundation, corporate and donor research and follow-up, coordination of itineraries and travel as well as design and preparation of development materials. Strong writing, analytical, and reading comprehension skills as well as quality workmanship and a flexible work style are all essential to this internship.

Public Relations
Public Relations interns will be immersed in the daily operations required to forward and maintain media coverage of events sponsored by the C.S. Lewis Foundation. Intern assignments may include preparation and distribution of press clippings, assistance with press calls and mailings, audio tape and videotape production and dubbing, the development and distribution of press packets, the provision of media-related information services to the general public as well as the archival of all photos and news clipping related to the work of the Foundation.

Publications
Depending on skills and experience, publications interns will be assigned to a variety of tasks. These tasks may include but are not exclusive to: Internet research, web site development, proofreading and editing, publication production, and assistance with desktop publishing.

Conferences and Events
Interns interested in assisting with Conferences and Events are assigned to a specific program based on the individual’s motivations and may be involved in the following: coordination of travel and accommodations as well as other logistical support; program development; marketing and promotional efforts; conference production; and, serving as a liaison between staff, speakers and participants. This internship offers an excellent opportunity to learn how meetings and conferences are planned and executed.

Computer Services
Computer Services interns will assist with gathering background information for the further development and enhancement of The Foundation’s current intranet computer system. Review of current hardware, software and document management tools would be just one of the components involved in a Computer Services Internship. A working knowledge of computer systems and a strong interest in computer technology from an organizational perspective are essential.

VII. Application Process

The Process
A combination of several factors will determine when and if a firm internship offer is made. The following factors are all considered in the review and selection process:

* Suitability: Highest consideration is given to those applicants who demonstrate a strong interest in the mission of the C.S. Lewis Foundation.

* Knowledge and Skills: The level of knowledge and skills an applicant will bring to The Foundation are particularly important within the context of a specific internship position.

* Internship Objectives: An internship represents an investment of time and energy both on the part of the intern and the Foundation. Therefore, the Foundation will give strong consideration to our ability to meet the internship objectives set forth by the applicant.

* Applicant Pool: Timing of the application, relative to the number of available openings, can effect one’s chances of being selected. Our summer program (May through August) draws the largest pool of applicants. The fall (September through December) and winter-spring (January through April) primarily draws students who are combining their internship experience with academic studies. Recent college graduates seeking unpaid work experience are given equal consideration for placement throughout the year.

* Availability: In addition to the timing factor discussed above, placement options are also largely determined by the length and hours of service an applicant can commit to the internship.

Cover Letter and Resume
A one page resume should summarize work experience and extra-curricular activities. The cover letter will serve as a writing sample while also giving the applicant an opportunity to introduce him or herself to The Foundation. The questions below are offered merely as guidelines. Each question does not require a thorough answer, and the cover letter need not follow this particular format.

* Why do you wish to intern with the C.S. Lewis Foundation?

* What prior skills, knowledge, and work experience are relevant to the internship positions that are of greatest interest to you?

* What are your post-internship plans and long-term career goals?

* What do you hope to learn or gain from your internship experience?

Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation must be provided with your application for internship and should include at least one reference from a professor/advisor/administrator who has interacted with you in the college or university setting. Individuals providing such letters will be utilized as references and may be contacted by The Foundation.

Application Form
Each individual interested in pursuing an internship with The C.S. Lewis Foundation must complete the application form provided. Please indicate your top three preferences for internship placement, your dates of availability, and the length of time you can commit.

VIII. What to expect

Within ten days of receipt of your application materials, we will acknowledge your application by e-mail or telephone. Your application materials will then be copied and distributed to the appropriate divisions for further action. Division coordinators will contact you directly for a telephone interview if they wish to consider your application further. Within one month of receipt of your application, you should expect an update indicating whether or not your application remains under consideration.

To request an application form, please contact:

C.S. Lewis Foundation
P.O. Box 8008, Redlands, CA 92375
Fax: 909/335-3501
E-mail: info@cslewis.org