Writing Internship Program

"Education in the twenty-first century must have a view that transcends the classroom and engages students in the grand challenges and complex problems facing our society, and what better way to do this than to involve them in the pursuit of a relevant, real-world problem?"

From Peer Review (AACU): Spring 2010, Vol. 12, No. 2 "Research and Discovery Across the Curriculum" By Susan Elrod, executive director, Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL); Diane Husic, President, Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR); and Jillian Kinzie, associate director, Center for Postsecondary Research and NSSE Institute

Drake University Writing Internship Program • 2505 University Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50311

Contact: Carol Spaulding-Kruse

Achieve more for your nonprofit organization by enlisting the writing expertise of a Drake University writing or English major through the Drake University Writing Internship program. Your organization can elevate the quality and quantity of its written materials, while students receive class credit and invaluable experience using their writing in a meaningful way. The result is a win for your organization, our students and the surrounding community.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

Drake University’s Writing Internship program began in the fall of 2009 in order to provide English and writing majors the opportunity to use their writing skills as interns for various nonprofit organizations and businesses.

Interns are trained and supervised by the Carol Spaulding-Kruse, director of internships, who works closely with both students and organizations to develop and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships. Projects can be short-term or yearlong. Duties and hours are negotiated by the organization and the intern.

Drake administers the program through its membership in Campus Compact, a national coalition that promotes public and community service. Through it, partnerships are created between campuses and communities that provide nonprofit organizations with the writing expertise they need while fostering students’ professional experience and citizenship skills.

SAMPLE PROJECTS

Writing interns can provide many services. Projects that have been completed for nonprofits by Drake writing interns:

Some interns have expertise in additional areas of study, which means they can bring additional skills to the nonprofit organization they serve. In addition to writing, interns may be skilled in other areas of expertise including photography, education, journalism, marketing advertising.