Kentucky Scholar Intern Program to be Launched in Eastern Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 22, 2016) — In line with the University of Kentucky's strategic vision of transforming student lives through self-discovery, experiential learning and deep community engagement, UK is launching the Kentucky Scholar Intern (KSI) program for a select number of exemplar undergraduate students this summer.

The KSI program is designed to match exceptional undergraduate student leaders to the needs of the most under-resourced communities in eastern Kentucky by providing five-month internship opportunities with nonprofits or local/state government agencies. 

The program offers students a unique and immersive experience working directly with partner agencies and service providers in the region while simultaneously earning academic credit.  KSI will provide opportunities for students to obtain real-life experiences, build problem-solving skills, and learn new cultural competencies while engaging deeply in the communities of eastern Kentucky. 

KSI originated out of UK’s Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) program where students helped design and structure the program through writing a business plan in the spring of 2015. The KSI concept was a national finalist at the April 2015 "Service Year + Higher Education Challenge" in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Franklin Project at the Aspen Institute, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the National Committee on Citizenship, and the Lumina Foundation. 

The KSI program application is available to rising juniors and seniors from any academic discipline. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.4 or higher and special consideration will be provided to candidates from the 38 "economically distressed" counties identified by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The inaugural summer/fall 2016 cycle of the program will begin on July 15, 2016, and will conclude on Dec. 15, 2016. Partner agencies in the region are currently being identified and include the Center for Rural Development, Christian Appalachian Project, Forward in the Fifth, IDEA Center of Excellence, and Pine Mountain Settlement School.

Academic credit may be earned through a combination of service learning (EXP 396, etc.), distance learning, research credit, capstone projects, practicums or through courses offered in partnership with regional colleges and universities (with approval from a student’s faculty advisor/sponsor). Students must submit an academic plan as part of the application process which outlines how they would incorporate the KSI program into their course of study.

Upon nomination and acceptance into the program, students will be paired with UK faculty ("KSI Faculty Fellows") to receive close support and guidance during the academic period of their internship in order to ensure the most fulfilling and successful experience possible. For their support, KSI Faculty Fellows will receive a $500 stipend during the academic period.

The KSI program will identify and help facilitate various housing options and living arrangements for interns, but interns are ultimately responsible for their own housing, such as signing a lease and paying rent/utilities. Housing options may vary by location and could include homestays or group housing. To help cover housing, utilities, food, transportation and incidental costs, interns will receive a monthly subsistence allowance of $1,000 for five months. However, the subsistence allowance is unlikely to cover all living and travel expenses.

To become a part of this innovative program, students will need to complete an online application which includes approval of their academic plan by their academic advisor. Applicants will also undergo an interview process with UK and partner agencies. Interviews will be scheduled in March, and formal announcements of Kentucky Scholar Interns are expected to be made by the end of March.

An information meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, in the William T. Young Library basement (Presentation U area). All interested students are invited.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2016. For more information, see the KSI website at: www.uky.edu/UGE/CNP/KSI.

For more information, contact CNP Program Director Todd Stoltzfus at todd.stoltzfus@uky.edu.