Check out some real examples of Semester in Detroit internships!
The Basics:
Each U-M student accepted into the program works closely with the Directors to choose a compelling and challenging internship opportunity with a Detroit-based organization (non-profit, museum, school, small business, elected official, and more). During the program, students earn academic credit for working 16 hours per week at their internship site (200 hours during fall/225 hours during spring) on a specific project designed by the organization. In addition to the internship credit, SiD students also enroll in a required internship reflection seminar taught by Acting Director, Craig Regester and Acting Associate Director, Rion Berger.
The Process:
U-M students first need to apply and be accepted into the Semester in Detroit program (see the Apply Now page for more information on application timeline). After being accepted into the program, SiD students meet with the Associate Director to begin the internship placement process. Fall participants will finalize internship placements by early July. Spring semester internship placements will be finalized by early April. In most cases, SiD students get their first or second choice of internship.
Students accepted into Semester in Detroit choose internships from an array of Detroit community and cultural organizations. The interactive selection process is guided primarily by the student’s interests and the community’s agenda. Successful student applicants play an active role in choosing from among substantive community projects (not simply miscellaneous tasks) where they spend 16 hours per week throughout the semester.
Previous program participants have:
- developed the capacity of a community collaborative on Detroit’s eastside to promote an ambitious Greenway development;
- assisted community organizing efforts in southwest Detroit focused on increasing parental involvement in local school community organizations;
- learned skills in radio journalism while contributing to the community-based mission of a Detroit public radio station;
- promoted collaboration between Detroit’s newest art museum and neighborhood-based community arts organizations.
