Funding Students Who Make an Impact Around the World
The Center for Civic Engagement and the Career Development Office provide qualifying students with Community Action Awards each summer to support them as they pursue community-facing and public-oriented internships. CAAs provide funding for participation in unpaid internships that address issues impacting traditionally underserved populations around the world. Each award application is reviewed by a Selection Committee composed of faculty and staff members. Typically, awards range from $1,500 to $4,000 (depending on availability of funding) to support student efforts to engage with communities locally, nationally, and internationally.
Deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 14, 2027
Early Decision Deadline is Friday, April 2, 2027
Community Action Award 2026
The Bard Center for Civic Engagement and Career Development Office sponsor Community Action Awards that help cover costs associated with unpaid summer internships that support pre-professional experiences. Undergrads identify an internship site and apply for funding. Applications are currently closed.
Awards:
$4,000 awards for 8+ week-long internships (the equivalent of approximately 250 hours)
$3,000 awards for 8 week-long internships (the equivalent of approximately 200 hours)$1,500 awards for 4 week-long internships (the equivalent of approximately 100 hours)
PLEASE NOTE:
Final award amounts may be adjusted based on estimated costs for the internship site (for example, international vs. local). Some smaller amounts of funding are available to cover expenses related to unpaid internships. Each award is taxed.
FAQ's:
1. Am I eligible?
All Bard undergrads with at least one more semester at Bard are eligible, as long as they are pursuing a community-based, public-facing internship in one of these fields: civic engagement, education, government, social justice, human rights, media, public policy, the arts, or social entrepreneurship.
What if I’m graduating in Spring 2027?
All recipients must return to Bard for at least one semester after the internship. If you won't be returning, you cannot apply. However, students continuing into a Bard graduate program still qualify.
What If I’m studying abroad in Fall 2027?
Students studying abroad during the fall semester still qualify, since that counts as returning to Bard.
What If I’m a BHSEC/Simon’s Rock student?
BHSEC and most Simon's Rock students are not eligible. Simon's Rock BA candidates transferring to Bard Annandale become eligible only after they've started their undergraduate program there.
What if I previously received a CAA?
You can apply again, but your application will only be considered after first-time applicants have been reviewed.
2. How can I find a site or an internship?
The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE, [email protected]) has contacts at many internship sites, as does the Career Development Office (CDO, [email protected]). We also encourage you to research organizations in your field of interest. If you already have an organization in mind, check whether they have a formal internship application process.
What other resources are available?
Idealist.org and CDO's Handshake database both list internships, and CDO holds an annual summer internship fair in early April. Watch CDO's Weekly Round Up Newsletter and social media in mid-spring for updates. CDO Career Advisors are happy to meet with students about internships that align with the CAA, but please be aware that they are first-come, first-served appointments, so be sure to book in advance.
3. How do I know if a site is appropriate?
Most funded students work at governmental offices/agencies, NGOs, educational programs, media-based community centers, or community-based nonprofits. A successful site is community-oriented and public-facing, regardless of its 501(c)3 status.
What about a remote internship?
The CAA is meant to support an on-site internship experience. If you're pursuing a remote internship, you must specifically explain how it meets CAA standards (for example, how it is public-facing, community-oriented, and serves traditionally underrepresented populations).
4. Can I apply for multiple sites?
Yes. Please submit a separate application for each internship site so you can fully answer each site's specific questions.
5. What won't the CAA fund?
The CAA does not fund research internships or individual civic engagement student-run projects. It also cannot be used to cover tuition or certificate program costs, and it cannot be used to pay an internship site directly to host you.
6. If I haven't heard from an employer yet, or I'm still deciding where to intern, can I apply?
Yes. If you haven't heard back, the Selection Committee will accept screenshots showing you have submitted your internship application. If you're awarded a CAA, we will contact your supervisor at the internship site to provide confirmation that you've received and accepted the internship offer before funds are released. Final award amounts may be adjusted based on estimated costs for the actual site (for example, international vs. local).
7. How are Community Action Award winners determined?
A committee of faculty and staff from various departments reviews applications.
8. What about housing and other pre-internship costs?
If you have a local internship, you can live on Bard's campus for the summer as long as you meet all Bard Residence Life summer housing deadlines; the CAA can be used to cover your on-campus housing costs.
What if I can’t cover pre-internship expenses?
If you can't pay out of pocket for other pre-internship expenses (flights, housing, etc.), schedule an appointment with Elena Sniezek or Jacqui Cook to discuss your specific needs.
9. Do I need to keep the CCE/CDO updated once I'm a CAA recipient?
Yes, we want to hear from you.
- During the summer: Meet 1 to 3 times (depending on internship length) with the CAA student fellow, and feel free to send occasional updates to CCE/CDO staff.
- As summer ends and fall begins: Submit an evaluation form within two weeks of the internship's end.
- During the summer and fall: Design and submit one social media post for the CCE/CDO Instagram, and create a poster to present at the fall semester event.
10. I have other questions, who can I ask?
Email the Center for Civic Engagement ([email protected]) or the Career Development Office ([email protected]).
Deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 14, 2027
Early Decision Deadline is Friday, April 2, 2027
Recent Internship Sites
Community Action Awards Highlights
Through these experiences, students understand firsthand how community and civic engagement can be powerful tools to redefine and rebuild a more knowledgeable, driven, and just community.