“Life changing.”

“A blessing and a privilege.”

“The highlight of my time as an undergraduate.”

“Icing on top of a delicious cake.”

These are just a few of the ways that student participants have actually described the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership’s (DCNP) Internship Program. Started in 2014, this program provides the opportunity for undergraduate students from Northern Illinois University to gain experience by interning with DCNP-member organizations.

To-date, this program has placed 107 students with 40 different organizations throughout DeKalb County. These interns have completed more than 12,840 combined service hours in our local communities.

The Internship Program is a collaboration between DCNP, NIU’s Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies, and NIU Career Services. Financial stipends of $575 are paid to the interns and are made possible through generous support from the Douglas C. and Lynn M. Roberts Family Foundation.

Each student is required to complete at least 120 hours through their internship and local organizations appreciate the diverse skills these young professionals offer:

“Our intern’s communication, organization, and technology skills are a great asset to YSB’s programs that serve at risk youth in DeKalb County,” states Diana Hulst, Executive Director of DeKalb County Youth Service Bureau.

Rob Glover, Executive Director of Glidden Homestead, said, “The interns we’ve hosted have strengthened our ability to inspire our members and donors and connect the community with their history.”

“There isn’t a task our intern hasn’t quickly mastered,” said Tails Humane Society Executive Director, Michelle Groeper. “I have no doubt that this young woman will be successful in whichever career she chooses to pursue.”

Notably, alums of this program often say the Internship Program not only developed their professional skills, but it also helped them gain acceptance to graduate school and successfully land a job after finishing at NIU. In fact, some past participants have elected to stay in the area and can be found working at places such as the Egyptian Theatre, Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, and the DeKalb County Community Foundation! Others are currently completing graduate-level internships with CASA DeKalb County, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, City of DeKalb, and more.

The Internship Program is just one way that DCNP works to strengthen the nonprofit sector through leadership, professional development, and collaboration. To learn more about this exciting and unique program, check out the photos and profiles provided below!

Brian Joanis’ internship at Fox Valley Older Adult Services – Read more>

Kelsey Peterson’s internship at the Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association – Read more>

Maalik Phipps’ internship at the Ellwood House – Read more>

Brandon Pugh’s internship at the Egyptian Theatre – Read more>

Jill Sobie’s 3 different internship experiences – Read more>