U Career Success

How does the Internship Step Up Fund work?

The Step Up Fund supports undergraduate students from any major who have been offered unpaid internships.

Step Up interns may receive $13/hour for up to 19 hours/week for 11 weeks—that's up to $2,717. They also meet with a career coach and complete a final project to share details of their internships with other U of U students.

If you are eligible for work-study, tick the box as indicated on the application. Work-study allows us to make funds available to more students.

A maximum of one Step Up award per student.

Where can I find an internship?

Internships with nonprofit and government organizations receive preference. Only internships within the state of Utah are eligible. Remote internships are not eligible for funding. Resources to help find them: Check out this directory of nonprofits in Utah, the Bennion Center, or even the Hinckley Institute (Utah only) for opportunities. You are also encouraged to explore on your own to find an organization that is meaningful to you and your career goals. For government work, federal, state, and local opportunities based in Utah all qualify. State of Utah positions can be found at this link. Check with your local/city government for a list of their current positions. Not finding what you want? Make an appointment with a career coach for to generate ideas that fit your goals and interests.

What are the application requirements?

First find the internship and then apply to the program. Once you receive an internship offer, you can begin the process. Only applications submitted to employment.utah.edu will be considered, also linked at the button above begining July 1. Do not apply on Handshake, although you will find the link to the correct application there.

The application survey will request:

• A resume
• A cover letter explaining how the internship furthers your future career plans or supports your major study
• Details about the internship, including organization, role, supervisor, location, start/end dates

Due to funding limitations, not every eligible student will receive an award. We aim to support as many students as possible!

What are the selection criteria?

Step Up funding is designed to give students a boost that will better position them for paid internships and jobs in the future.

Step Up recipients are selected based on the following criteria:

1. U of U undergraduates enrolled as full-time students for the internship semester
2. A cover letter stating clearly the student’s long-term career goals and an explanation of how the internship will significantly impact progress toward that career—or how it will assist in the identification of long-term goals
3. Consideration given to students who so far have limited career-related work experience
4. Consideration given to internships/organizations that benefit the community
5. Consideration given to students whose internship is critical to their approaching degree completion

The likelihood of award selection is based on eligibility, application strength, and the number of applicants. Typically, 12-15 students per semester receive funding. Students are notified of acceptance on or near August 18, 2025.

What should I expect if I am accepted?

Step Up Interns complete a project in addition to their internship responsibilities:

Share the benefits of interning with other U students by doing one of the following:

• • Write a blog with an overview and photos of your internship
  • Be interviewed by the HEY U podcast team
  • Share your internship with an idea of your own

What if I'm an international student?

International students are eligible for Step Up support for University of Utah on-campus internships only. For additional guidance, please work with a career coach or contact your academic department for potential scholarship opportunities.

Still have questions?

Stop in at the U Career Success Center in Garff 1300, make an appointment with a career coach, or email careersuccess@utah.edu.