Grow America Internship in Economic Development Finance
Working alongside Grow America professionals, student recipients of this funded internship, “learn by doing” as they immerse themselves in the socially and financially rewarding field of economic development finance.
Are you perplexed or frustrated by economic, financial, political, and social systems in the US that continue to favor some groups of individuals but limit the success of other groups of individuals?
Do you want to make a difference in the wealth gap by directly impacting the structures that provide access to capital and opportunity to individuals in communities across the nation?
If you answered “YES!” to the above questions, apply to be a part of this unique paid program.
2025-2026 Application Period Opens: April 15, 2025
Application Deadline: May 5, 2025
Application Link Coming Soon!
The Internship Experience
Distinguish yourself by working on something bigger than you, something that makes a tangible difference in the world.
The selected interns will participate in a mentored, credit-bearing (2 credits), paid four-week professional January Term internship experience completed remotely at the student’s home or at Hartwick College.
Fall Semester Preparation
Students complete the 3-credit online Grow America course, Economic Development Finance 101, for economics credit.
January Term Internship
Incudes:
- Completing an orientation to Grow America and its operations through virtual visits and conference calls with a Grow America internship supervisor;
- Working side-by-side with Grow America staff on current projects and programs;
- Completing weekly reflections on the experience submitted to the faculty mentor;
- Posting weekly on social media to highlight personal and professional exploration, growth and development;
- Expanding your professional network.
Post Internship
Interns may be invited to continue working as a full time summer intern with Grow America following their January experience.
These experiences could provide context for the student’s senior thesis project, to be completed under the supervision of a Hartwick faculty member.
Senior thesis work would be highlighted on the Grow America webpage, representing the fact that this research contributes to the body of knowledge among economic development practitioners.
2025-2026 Application Period Opens: April 15, 2025
Application Deadline: May 5, 2025
Who Should Apply?
- Current Sophomores – Juniors and advanced first year students will be considered.
- Minimum 3.2 GPA desired – students with strong statements of purpose are eligible regardless of GPA.
- Not just for business and economics – applications are encouraged from all majors.
- Grow America is particularly interested in providing education opportunities and practical skills training to students of color pursing a career in economic development or a related field.
Applications will be reviewed by a team that includes the Hartwick faculty supervisor and one representative each from the Offices of Institutional Advancement and Career Development & Network Engagement. Up to 4 J Term interns will be selected and notified in late May. The Grow America opportunity would replace any course or other experience during J Term.
Application Link Coming Soon!
"The Grow America internship makes it clear to students that one can make a social impact in interesting and unexpected ways. Every group of Fellows, starting from the first year of the program, have been inspired by the commitment of the Grow America team to making the world a better place one client and one small business loan at a time."
Carlena Cochi Ficano
Professor of Economics