Stanford Programs Empower Underclassmen to Secure Summer Opportunities

As winter quarter progresses at Stanford University, underclassmen are prioritizing the search for summer internships, fellowships, and research opportunities. The university offers various programs designed to support students in securing these vital experiences, which encompass fields ranging from public service to technology and the humanities.

One of the key initiatives is the Cardinal Quarter, managed by the Haas Center for Public Service. This program connects students with campus and community partners for paid public service opportunities during the summer and throughout the academic year. Sofia Furbeck, a peer advisor for Cardinal Quarter and a member of the class of 2027, reflected on her experience: “Freshman year, I just had no idea what I was doing. I knew I wanted to be on the pre-med track, but I don’t think I really knew what that meant.” Her involvement in Cardinal Quarter broadened her understanding of potential paths, exposing her to diverse options in public service and education.

Princess Awambu, a member of the class of 2028, shared her experience with the application process for Cardinal Quarter. “The application process was pretty simple,” she stated. “I simply had to express my interest and why I wanted the fellowship.” Awambu was motivated by her passion for tutoring children and successfully applied for the Menlo-Atherton High Education Partnership Fellowship, which she completed last summer.

Another student, Liliana Karesh from the class of 2029, has already secured a summer position with Climate Resilient Communities. She will focus on proposing policy recommendations and supporting resident-led governance in the Bay Area. “I think the application is very approachable, and it’s not too daunting,” Karesh noted, highlighting her prior connection with the organization as a contributing factor to her success.

Expanding Academic Horizons Through Summer Programs

In addition to public service opportunities, Stanford offers undergraduate summer programs that emphasize academic enrichment and interdisciplinary study. The Sophomore College (SoCo) is a notable example, providing a three-week immersive experience for rising sophomores. This program, slated for September 2023, focuses on individualized mentorship and hands-on learning experiences across various locations, including Alaska and Hawaii. Dayo Mitchell, the SoCo program director, emphasized the importance of fostering mentorship within the program. “You can’t force mentorship, but you can create situations that encourage mentorship to blossom,” he explained.

Mitchell shared stories of students whose experiences in SoCo have profoundly impacted their academic journeys. One transfer student cited his SoCo class as the reason he decided to stay at Stanford, while another student began pursuing a Ph.D. after engaging with her SoCo professor during a field trip. Edwin Hernandez, a class of 2029 student, expressed enthusiasm about applying for SoCo, stating, “I saw all the different ways you can engage with your field of study outside the classroom.”

Promoting Civic Engagement Through Stanford in Government

The Stanford in Government (SIG) program offers a pathway into government and public policy through dedicated fellowship opportunities. According to Tracy Nguyen, Vice Chair of Fellowships and Stipends at SIG, the program aims to create a culture of civic and political engagement on campus. “SIG’s mission is to offer opportunities for Stanford students to engage with and pursue policy as public service,” she noted.

SIG provides nine-week fellowships where participants conduct policy research for publication, assist executive leadership teams on inter-departmental projects, and support events featuring global leaders. Nguyen highlighted the program’s unique approach: “SIG’s Fellowship and Stipends program is distinctive for how deeply it engages and challenges students, offering real opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to public policy.”

With application deadlines for various programs approaching, students at Stanford are actively engaging with an array of campus initiatives and external organizations as they finalize their summer plans. Dayo Mitchell remarked on the significance of experiential learning: “Learning beyond the classroom helps students understand what a topic is really like on the ground. It has helped students decide to go into a particular field and introduced them to contacts that later evolve into internships.”

As underclassmen navigate their summer options, Stanford’s comprehensive support systems provide valuable resources and connections that can shape their academic and professional futures.