Explore Funding Opportunities for Your Summer Experience

Explore Funding Opportunities for Your Summer Experience

Looking to grow professionally this summer but worried about finances? Lawrence University offers several funding opportunities to support students in unpaid or low-paid internships, independent projects, pre-professional training, and more. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, these funds make it possible for you to pursue meaningful experiences without the financial stress.


SUMMER EXPERIENCE FUNDING

Open to all majors and career paths

What it supports: Unpaid or low-paying internships that allow you to gain real-world experience and build transferable skills.

Funding can help cover:

  • Housing and transportation
  • Living expenses
  • Internship-related costs

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be returning to Lawrence for at least one term after the internship
  • Internship must total at least 30 hours/week for 8 weeks
  • Must have a named supervisor
  • Cannot combine multiple internships/projects
  • Priority given to students:
    • With demonstrated financial need
    • Doing unpaid or underpaid work
    • Who have not previously received funding
  • Please carefully read the Summer Experiential Fund Guidelines.

Important: SEF cannot be used to fund:

  • Technology purchases
  • Entertainment
  • Senior Experience projects
  • Commission-based or self-directed work
  • Lawrence University tuition

Application Instructions:

  1. Secure a qualified internship opportunity.
  2. Meet with a Career Advisor or get your resume approved via VMOCK.
  3. Submit the Summer Experience Fund application.

Questions? Contact Michelle Buchinger at michelle.m.buchinger@lawrence.edu.

All students who apply by this deadline will hear back by the end of April. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis after the priority deadline if funding remains.

Summer Experience Funding – Frequently Asked Questions

How are funds disbursed?
Stipend awards are distributed in two equal payments (unless the total award is under $1,500).

  • The first payment is issued upon approval of funding and completion of all pre-award requirements through the Career Center.
  • The second payment is issued mid-way through your experience, after completing a required mid-project check-in.

Can international students receive funding?
Yes! International students are eligible and encouraged to apply. Please work closely with the Career Center and International Student Services to ensure all required work authorization paperwork is completed well in advance. No funds will be disbursed until work authorization is approved.

Can the fund be used to purchase personal technology?
No. The Summer Experience Fund cannot be used for personal technology purchases or upgrades.

What is the maximum funding award?
The maximum award is $5,000 per student, whether supporting a single internship or a combination of funded Lawrence experiences.

Is the funding considered taxable income?
Yes, in many cases. According to IRS regulations, any award or grant not used directly for tuition, books, or related fees may be considered taxable income.

  • U.S. citizens and residents should consult a tax professional to determine how to report the award on their tax return.
  • Nonresident aliens may have taxes withheld upfront, and any applicable taxes will be reflected on Form 1042-S or W-2.

For questions about tax documentation or treatment, please contact Financial Services at Financial_Services@lawrence.edu.


KASEL TRUST FUND FOR PRE-HEALTH EXPERIENCES

Supports pre-health students pursuing training or experience in the medical field

What it supports:

  • Medical internships
  • Independent research
  • Certification/training (e.g., CNA or EMT)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Priority to students with financial need
  • Must be returning to Lawrence after the experience
  • Must outline clear learning goals

Application Instructions:

  1. Identify a qualified experience.
  2. Submit the Kasel Trust Fund application.

Deadline: Rolling—applications accepted year-round while funds remain.

Questions? Contact Michelle Buchinger.

Rolling deadline: Applications will be considered year-round as long as funding remains.


DENNIS HUEBNER PRE-LAW STIPEND

Helps juniors and seniors explore legal careers

The Dennis Huebner Pre-Law Stipend, was established in 2000 in honor and memory of Mr. Dennis Huebner ’96.

What it supports: Expenses related to pre-law internships, LSAT prep, law school application fees, or pre-law training.

Application is closed for academic year 2024-25

All students who apply by this deadline will hear back by the end of April. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis after the priority deadline if funding remains. 

Questions? Michelle Buchinger can help!  Email her at michelle.m.buchinger@lawrence.edu


Eloise Frick Cherven Fund 

Supports research and projects that broaden perspectives and benefit others

This fund was established in 1993 in memory of Eloise Frick Cherven, Lawrence University Class of 1976, by her family, friends, and classmates.

The fund supports student projects and research that pursue some line of investigation or other activity that would broaden their experience or knowledge, help others, and prove of future value. Projects in any area are eligible, though preference will be given to students majoring in or projects related to geology. 

Priority given to:

  • Students majoring in or pursuing geology-related experiences

How to Apply: Submit through the Summer Experience Funding application.

Application is closed for academic year 2024-25

All students who apply by this deadline will hear back by the end of April. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis after the priority deadline if funding remains. 

Questions? Michelle Buchinger can help!  Email her at michelle.m.buchinger@lawrence.edu


CLASS OF 1968 PEACE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE PROJECT FUND

Established to promote peace and justice through student-led or collaborative projects

In remembrance of the lifelong impact of their own experiences at Lawrence University, the Class of 1968 established this fund on the occasion of their 25th reunion to help educate future generations of students about issues related to peace and social justice.

Possible project themes include:

  • Conflict prevention
  • Promoting nonviolence and equity
  • Supporting underrepresented groups
  • Improving access to education, healthcare, housing
  • Reducing income inequality and discrimination
  • Hosting expert speakers on peace and justice topics

Application is closed for academic year 2024-25

Questions? Contact Michelle Buchinger Michelle.m.buchinger@Lawrence.edu