Bonner Internship Placements

Essential to the success of the Bonner program is the partnership with community organizations, who each identify a dedicated supervisor and specialized projects for their selected student. In terms of criteria, all internship placements must meet the following criteria, in alignment with one of the values of the Center for Civic Learning and Action (CCLA): 

Respect: We seek to develop and maintain mutual and equitable relationships with all stakeholders. 

• Safety for any and all students 

  • Environment is free from physical harm and danger

  • 501c3 status nonprofit, school, governmental organization, or church 

  • Zero discrimination and harassment (e.g. national stance on inclusion, specific mission of organization) 

• Offers opportunities to build respectful relationships with people from all walks of life (residents, clients, other colleagues) 

Shared Goals: We commit to the identification and pursuit of shared goals with our partners. 

• Delegable projects are a good fit for organizational impact and an undergraduate student’s skills and schedule 

• Positive historical record hosting CEFs or can demonstrate strong fit 

• Partnership interest—organizations and leaders who have interest in engaging collaboratively (not just a one-way transaction) 

Learning: We believe that civic engagement should be informed by the critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills associated with a liberal arts education. 

• Projects are learning-oriented for a student and develops their professional skills 

• Delegable long-term projects (3+ years) that include clear goals and progressions 

• Dedicated supervisor with capacity and mentorship potential 

  • Supervisor is well equipped to work with young people (trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate) and/or demonstrates a willingness to learn/adapt 

  • Enough capacity to establish regular weekly (or biweekly) checkpoints 

  • Willing to complete documentation on time 

  • Willing to mentor a young professional (potentially their first job) 

• Supervisor is willing to participate in annual partner orientation and professional development on topics related to student supervision (usually in the summers) 

Restorative Practice: We strive to recognize and confront current and historical inequities in our communities. 

• Addresses an issue area or community demographic where there is an existing gap or an emerging need/emergency 

• Identified projects will benefit others in the community and enhance the mission of the organization 

Location 

• Organization has an office or a place for a student to work/meet with their supervisor and other staff/interns 

• Accessible for a student to participate 

Are you interested in hosting a Bonner Fellow or nominating another organization/community leader? Share your interest with the Bonner Program Director here by filling out this form:  

In 2026, there are currently 27 Bonner Fellows who serve at 17 different organizations. The placements shift from year to year based on student interest, community need, and staffing transitions. However, the list below should offer a sample of the range of internship types (i.e. take note of internship roles), issue area of focus, and skill or professional development opportunities. Further below is a list of previous or past placements to offer more context.  

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) 

• BBBS Program Coordinator  

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC) 

• CALC Collaborative Public Engagement Assistant  

Carlisle Victory Circle (CVC) 

• Youth Diversity & Civic Engagement Programming Intern (3) 

Central PA Family Support Services 

• Criminal Justice & Reentry Program Assistant (2) 

Community CARES 

• Marketing & Development Fellow  

Cumberland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) 

• Child Advocate Fellow (2) 

Cumberland County Prison (CCP) 

• Therapeutic Community Programming & Activities Intern  

Moving Circles  

• Development & Communications Project Assistant  

New Life Community / LifeWorks 

• Neighborhood Needs Coordinator  

Project SHARE & Farmstand 

• Farmstand and Food Justice Fellow (2) 

• Recruitment & Intake Intern 

Safe Harbour 

• Development & Communications Coordinator (2) 

Shippensburg Produce & Outreach (SPO) 

• Data Analytics Intern 

Supportive Partnerships for Youth (SPY) 

• Historical Preservation & Storytelling Intern 

United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County 

• Community Impact Intern 

• Success by 6 Early Childhood Coordinator  

YWCA 

• Sexual Assault Counselor 

War Peace and Justice Project (WPJP) 

• Peace-Builder Intern  

Bonner Program Coordinator—a Student Leadership Role supporting the program (2)