Pathways Internship Program (PIP) Information

PIP is a guaranteed career-related experience for the summer after your sophomore year! See eligibility requirements below.

The College of Arts & Sciences Pathways Internship Program provides funding for first-generation students to pursue a career-related experience of their choice during the summer after their sophomore year. Selected students will work closely with Arts & Sciences Career Development during the school year to ensure they find an appropriate career-related experience. In return, Arts & Sciences will provide a Summer Experience Grant up to $8000 for an unpaid/minimally paid experience and cover the Student Contribution (as designated by Financial Aid) for the following academic year.  

Eligibility

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PATHWAYS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM, STUDENTS MUST:

• Be currently enrolled in a degree-granting program in the College of Arts & Sciences at Cornell and working towards their bachelor’s degree. 
• Not be on a leave of absence
• Be graduating in December 2025, May 2026, or December 2026
• Be a first generation college student (as defined by Cornell Admissions)
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above
• Have received financial aid at Cornell University

COMMON ITEMS THAT ARE INCLUDED IN PIP FUNDING:

• Travel to and from summer experience location at the beginning and end of the summer
• Living expenses if living away from home, such as rent and groceries
• Commute to/from summer experience site: public transportation/gas
• Professional attire or uniform if that is expected for the experience
• Student Contribution for financial aid the following academic year
• Professional Development opportunities during the academic year

EXPENSES NOT COVERED BY PIP INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):

• Clothing other than a required uniform or professional attire
• Insurance
• Personal travel
• Entertainment
• Gym membership
• Purchase of a vehicle
• Tuition

STUDENTS WHO PURSUE THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCES WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR PIP FUNDING:

• Fee based programs - any program that charges tuition or a fee. Exceptions may be made for programs in the performing arts, on a case-by-case basis. (Students outside of performing arts: if you believe that your experience should qualify, please contact us to discuss)
• Cornell in Washington, Practicing Medicine, Cornell Pre-Law Summer Program, Global Health minor programs, or any other college-based program charging tuition/program fees (at Cornell or any other university) Exception: Cornell in Hollywood
• Personal research projects
• Personal projects or personal entrepreneurial ventures
• Taking classes, at Cornell or elsewhere
• Research that is supervised by a graduate student. Research experiences must be supervised by a Principal Investigator or faculty member.

Priority will be given to students who are:

• First generation, first-year student status
• Demonstrated high financial need
• Interest in social sciences or humanities
• Intending to pursue a summer experience away from Ithaca and/or their hometown
• Intending to pursue a summer experience that is unpaid or minimally paid

Requirements

• Meet frequently with your career counselor
• Complete all career related assignments throughout the program
• Complete at least 10 summer experience applications
• Complete and submit a summer budget
• Complete a career-related summer experience
• Complete and submit summer reflection

Contact A&S Career Development at as_careers@cornell.edu with questions about this program.