How to qualify for the SSII Fund

SSII Fund: Eligibility

Applicants who meet all of the requirements below are eligible to apply for the funding. Please note that an application does not guarantee funding. Awards are based on meeting eligibility criteria and the strength of the application; they are also contingent on funding availability during the application cycle.

Class year

Applicants must be currently enrolled first years, sophomores or juniors. Students on leave in fall 2025 are not eligible for funding.

Duration

Applicants can apply for either a micro-stipend or a full stipend.

Micro-stipend: Intern must work at least 20 hours per week for 6-10 consecutive weeks.
Full Stipend: Intern must work at least 30 hours per week for 6-10 consecutive weeks.

SSII internships must take place between May 16 and August 30, 2025.

Supervision

Applicants must have an internship supervisor who is not a current undergraduate student; has a minimum of two years professional experience; works full-time in their role and is not working full-time at another organization; and is available to meet with the intern regularly throughout the course of the internship.

Organization

Applicants must have an unpaid internship offer with a nonprofit or government organization committed to a social impact, civic engagement and/or public policy mission. Research opportunities at Princeton University are not eligible for SSII funding.

The following opportunities are ineligible for SSII funding:

Interning at an organization through which two other students have already received SSII funding this application cycle
Interning at an organization that requires the student to pay for placement and/or participation
Interning at an organization that intends for the applicant to continue work begun as part of a class or student group project
Returning to a internship site where the applicant has already completed a Princeton-funded internship in a previous summer (unless the scope/responsibilities of this summer’s internship are substantially different)

Location

Both in-person and virtual opportunities are eligible. International sites are not eligible for funding unless applicants are applying to a site in their country of permanent residence (citizenship status is insufficient). Consult the current guidance and guidelines from Princeton University on international travel before applying.

It is the responsibility of individual students to assess an internship’s logistics. We strongly recommend that students evaluate offers for health and safety, professional development and other aspects of the opportunity. Jessica Matzko is available to consult with students about any questions they may have regarding vetting internships and organizations.

Related resources

How do I apply?

Learn about the application process.

How to apply

Funding amount

The award amount is contingent upon the average weekly commitment.

Funding

Application timeline

A guide to assist you in securing full funding through the SSII Fund.

Timeline

Vetting your internship

A guide to help you discern whether an organization that interests you qualifies for SSII.

Guide

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the SSII Fund.

FAQs