New Holy Cross Summer Internship Program Offers Free Labor to Worcester Agencies

WORCESTER, Mass. – The College of the Holy Cross is offering a new summer internship program. The SPUD Internship Program, made possible through a generous grant from the Lilly Foundation, gives Holy Cross students the opportunity to work full time during the summer in non-profit, social service agencies in Worcester.

Sponsored by the Holy Cross Chaplains' Office and the College's largest community service organization, SPUD, Student Programs for Urban Development, the internship program draws its life from the call in the College's mission statement to consider "What is our special responsibility to the world's poor and powerless?" as we dedicate ourselves to "the service of faith and the promotion of justice." The SPUD Internship Program provides students with a summer work experience through which they can explore how their gifts and talents can best be put at the service of the most vulnerable. In addition, the program encourages students to examine their work in response to a vocational call from God.

The $2 million Lilly Grant, awarded to the College in December of 2001, makes it possible for Holy Cross to fully subsidize the SPUD Internship Program at no cost to the social service agencies. The students receive a $4,000 stipend from Holy Cross for their work.

Students participating in the program had to complete an application and interview process before being accepted and matched with a site. In addition, they are responsible for providing weekly journal entries that reflect on their experiences in the work-place. The interns work ten 40-hour weeks in high responsibility positions.

For example, Megan Conlon '03, is working at the International Rescue Committee on Main Street in Worcester, where she helps refugees find housing, employment and education. She recently implemented a GED preparation class where she teaches basic language skills to a group of refugee women.

Her classmate, Lauren Schnare '04, is spending her summer at the Rape Crisis Center. Her involvement includes providing hotline support and facilitating group therapy sessions and one-on-one counseling to victims of violence and rape.

In addition, Margaret (Katie) McGarrity '04, is working with Alzheimer's patients at Clark Manor where she organizes and facilitates activities for the residents.

The Lilly Grant has also made possible other summer internship programs that are dedicated to social service, including the Ministry Internship Program, also sponsored by the Chaplains' Office.

Below is a complete list of the SPUD Internship Program sites:

International Rescue Committee Abby's House Worcester Youth Center Big Brother/Big Sister Aldersgate United Methodist Church Multimedia Clubhouse Rape Crisis Center Campfire USA Clark Manor Friendly House Family Shelter Burncoat High School