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. This program is designed to support students in exploring potential career interests, whom otherwise would not have the means to do so. Selected students will work closely with the Arts & Sciences Career Development office during the school year to ensure they find a salient career-related experience. In return, Arts & Sciences will provide a Summer Experience Grant up to $8000 for an un-paid/minimally paid experience and cover the Student Contribution (as designated by Financial Aid) for the following academic year (2023-2024 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 2024, May 2025, or December 2025
• Be a first generation college student (as defined by Cornell Admissions)
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above
• Have received financial aid and have submitted their financial aid forms

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, utilities, 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
• 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, rising sophomores in 2022-2023
• 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
• Conduct 2 informational interviews or shadowing opportunities
• Identify at least 20 organizations of interest
• Complete at least 10 summer experience applications
• Complete and submit a summer budget
• Complete a career-related summer experience
• Complete and submit summer reflection