In This Issue

• Internship and job opportunities

• Funding opportunities

• Grad school resources

• Internship Spotlight: Ava Parsons (CCP)

Internship & Job Opportunities

Inclusion of any internship opportunity listed here does not constitute MSU’s/JMC's endorsement or support of any candidate, party or ballot measure.

Hal and Jean Glassen Scholars Program 
Interested in natural resources, conservation and public policy? Participants in the Hal and Jean Glassen Scholars program are placed with a natural resource-related agency or organization in the Greater Lansing area while enrolled in ANR 491: Special Topics in Agriculture and Natural Resources. Program will run May 11-Aug. 11. Students from any major are eligible to apply. Apply by Jan. 15. Learn more and apply via MSU College of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

MSU Center for Survivors: Volunteer Opportunities 
MSU Center for Survivors are now recruiting volunteers for their Spring 2026 Training Class. The Survivor Advocacy & Crisis Intervention (SACI) Team provides essential support, advocacy, and crisis services to the MSU campus and greater Lansing community. Volunteers gain knowledge and learn valuable crisis intervention skills. This volunteer opportunity is open to anyone. Hybrid training schedule includes online self-study and 4 in-person training sessions. Flexible scheduling is available for volunteers. Apply by Jan. 18. 

MSU Extension: Showcasing Impact with Evaluation Reporting & Communications Internship
This full-time summer internship in East Lansing offers hands-on experience in evaluation, reporting and communications with MSU Extension. Students are paid $15/hour. Apply by Jan. 20 via Handshake.

MSU Extension: Tribal Governance Summer Internship 
This full-time summer internship based in Harbor Springs offers hands-on experience in tribal governance programming with MSU Extension, including relationship building, outreach, evaluation, and support for economic development, food sovereignty, and land management initiatives. Students are paid $15/hour. Apply by Jan. 20.Learn more and apply via Handshake 

MSU Extension: AgVenture for Youth and Adults Summer Internship 
This full-time summer internship in Mason County offers hands-on experience supporting coordinated youth and agricultural programming with MSU Extension, including program planning, field days, data collection, and outreach and marketing materials. Students are paid $15/hour. Apply by Jan. 20. Learn more and apply via Handshake 

Habitat for Humanity Spring 2026 Development Internship  
This Lansing-based internship provides an opportunity for hands-on experience in nonprofit development and management. The intern will assist the Development Director in daily operations, events, and outreach efforts to support organizational goals. Key responsibilities include development support, event coordination, and administrative tasks. This is an unpaid internship though college credit may be given. Students must enroll in SSC 493 for 3 credits. Flexible time commitment with a minimum of 15 hours per week. Apply by Jan. 26. Send your resume to Cathy White to apply and learn more (gamperca@msu.edu).   

Habitat for Humanity Spring 2026 Marketing & Communications Internship  
This Lansing-based internship provides an opportunity for hands-on experience in nonprofit marketing and communications. The intern will assist the Marketing & Communications Specialist with social media management, content creation, and administrative support for organization-wide outreach. This is an unpaid internship though college credit may be given. Students must enroll in SSC 493 for 3 credits. Flexible time commitment with a minimum of 15 hours per week. Apply by Jan. 26. Send your resume to Cathy White to apply and learn more (gamperca@msu.edu).   

Acton Institute Emerging Leaders Program 
The Emerging Leaders Program is an eight-week (June 3-July 29) summer leadership development internship designed to equip students to thrive at a high level. Each domestic participant will receive a $4,500 stipend plus housing at Grand Valley University – Downtown Campus. Apply by Feb. 13. Learn more and apply via Acton Website.

2026-2027 Undergraduate Research Ambassadors
Ambassadors facilitate workshops, assist at UURAF, and represent the Undergraduate Research Office at events and programs throughout the academic year. Apply by March 8 via Handshake.

Benson for Governor Campaign: Spring Internship Opportunity 
The Jocelyn Benson for Governor campaign is seeking interns to support its Political, Communications, and Digital teams. Interested applicants should email their resume to (raenah@jocelynbenson.com). Applications are rolling but applying as soon as possible is recommended. Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.  

Joey Andrews Campaign Internship 
The Joey Andrews State Rep Campaign Internship will take place May through November 2026. It offers hands-on experience supporting a political campaign, with opportunities available both in person and virtually. If interested, please fill out the Internship Interest Form via Google Forms.

Research Data Associate (Remote)  
Are you studying Public Policy and seeking research work this spring? AidData at William & Mary is seeking remote, part-time Research Data Associates for spring 2026 to support three interconnected projects within the Tracking Underreported Financial Flows (TUFF) Unit. Associates will systematically review and extract key information from government information from documents, NGO reports, academic literature, media articles, and other materials. Workloads will vary based on project timelines with an average of 25 hours per week. Pay for this position ranges between $15 to $25 per hour. Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to Ameya Joshi (ajoshi@aiddata.org).

Flint Summer 2026 Study Away 
The Flint Study Away internship is a credit-bearing summer internship program where MSU undergraduate students live, work, and study within the City of Flint for eight weeks. Internships cover a range of disciplines, such as policy, justice, arts, and community development. Areas of placement include Economic & Housing Policy, Public Defense & Legal Support, Human Resource & Labor Relations, and more. To apply and learn additional programs details, contact Cathy White (gamperca@msu.edu)  

CWGI Internship 
CWGI is a campaign fundraising and compliance firm based in Lansing. CWGI provides bookkeeping, compliance services, fundraising, and event planning for conservative state and federal candidates. Interns provide support for scheduling, bookkeeping, event planning, and other tasks. This internship is paid. Hours are negotiable, and school credit can be arranged. Email a resume, cover letter and three references to amanda.cwgi@gmail.com to apply.

Michigan Senate General Services Courier 
Essential job functions include attending senate sessions, receiving and delivering documents, assisting with postal duties, and performing other duties. Interns work 25 hours per week (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) with a salary of $15 per hour. Please note that this opportunity will not count towards the JMC Field Experience requirement. Send cover letter and resume resume@senate.michigan.gov to apply.

Funding Opportunities

JMC Field Experience Scholarships
Applications for the JMC Field Experience Scholarships are now open. Students who are planning to do their field experience (internship for credit via MC 400 & 401 or approved equivalent) in Spring 2026 are eligible to apply. Apply via Qualtrics by Jan. 31. Learn more online.

Phi Beta Kappa Public Service Scholarship 
In recognition of the Society’s 250th anniversary in 2026, 20 undergraduate scholars will receive a $7,600 academic scholarship and participate in an educational conference experience that highlights pathways into local, state, and federal government work. This scholarship is open to current sophomores, juniors or seniors who will take courses in the next academic year. Membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Society is not required for this scholarship. Apply by Jan. 20 via Handshake.

Grad School Resources

Spring Spartan Pre-Law Weekend 
Join the College of Law for a weekend full of events as you prepare for your journey to law school and the legal profession. Register to attend via MSU College of Law 

• Spartan Pre-Law Roadmap 
  Jan. 23, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the College of Law room 471. Meet faculty, staff, and students, tour the law school, attend a mock class, and learn how to prepare for law school. 

• Face of Justice Networking Reception 
  Jan. 23, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the College of Law room 343. Network with attorneys and judges and explore diverse career paths in the legal field. 

• LSAT Free Practice Test (Kaplan) 
  Jan. 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the College of Law room 471. Take a free LSAT practice test and receive feedback to help guide your test preparation. 

Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
The LSAC Plus, Guided Journey is a free, year-long (about 14 month) cohort-based support program designed to help aspiring law students — especially those who face structural barriers or systematic challenges — successfully navigate the law school journey from preparation to application. Applications for the Plus, Guided Journey 2026 close on Jan. 31.

Learn more about JMC’s field experience requirement on the JMC website. Students interested in planning their internship can connect with JMC Field Experience Coordinator Lauren Michalak (schedule an appointment with her via student.msu.edu).

Internships Spotlight

Ava Parsons is a JMC senior majoring in Comparative Cultures & Politics:

“In May 2025, I started working at the Michigan Senate for Senator Erika Geiss as a legislative intern. Throughout my internship, I’ve had the privilege of working on proposed legislation, connecting with constituents, and engaging with Detroit and Downriver communities in meaningful ways. I’m happy to share that I will be returning to Senator Geiss’s office this spring to continue my internship.

“My favorite part of this internship is my ability to connect with constituents one-on-one and provide them with action items on how best to get involved and mobilize within their communities. I thoroughly enjoy researching local grassroots organizations and putting constituents in contact with organizations that align with their political passions. I'm excited to continue my work and learn alongside Senator Geiss and her team this semester!”

Have a suggestion or submission for this newsletter? Contact Jane Deacon (locket20@msu.edu).