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Griffiths Center for Collaboration & Innovation
Hartwick College students sitting on campus outside Clark Hall on Founders' Way

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.

Application Period Opens: April 15, 2024
Application Deadline: May 5, 2024

Apply Now on Handshake

2024 Grow America Fellows

Nuria Santos ’24

2024 Grow America Intern

Jodi Johnson ’24

2024 Grow America Intern

Logan Hoffman ’25

2024 Grow America Intern

Ben Morenus ’25

2024 Grow America Intern

"During the internship at Grow America, I had the wonderful opportunity to explore a different path towards what I want my future career to be: the ability to help others and support personal and community development. I learned more about my own personal goals, as well as a new professional route that I could travel after I graduate."

Logan Hoffman '25 - Port Jervis, NY

Three-Year Degree Program, Business Administration and Economics Double Major

"I always want to help people, something my fellow colleagues and myself had in common at Grow America. …. Being able to learn so much about small businesses lending and observe the impact it has on people’s lives has made me a better person."

Ben Morenus '25 - Homer, NY

Actuarial Mathematics and Economics Double Major

"Grow America showed me what it takes to be successful and establish trust within communities… It is very assuring to hear people talk in such a positive way about their jobs. The professionals at Grow America know that what they do is helping not only owners, but communities as a whole."

Jodi Johnson '24 - Seaford, DE

Psychology Major and Biology Minor

"The big takeaway from this experience was that if you really want something, sometimes you just need to ask for it, and it is surprising what doors this may open to you. I have been able to observe and learn how professional teams cooperate within a business, and I have realized that communication and collaboration are key for success."

Nuria Santos '24 - Bilbao, Spain

Economics and Business Administration Double Major

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.

Hartwick College students during panel discussion

Fall Semester Preparation

Students complete the 3-credit online Grow America course, Economic Development Finance 101, for economics credit.

Hartwick students presenting their work during Showcase

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.
Hartwick student and faculty member

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.

Application Period Opens: April 15, 2024
Application Deadline: May 5, 2024

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, 2024. The Grow America opportunity would replace any course or other experience during J Term.

Apply Now on Handshake

Professor Carlena Ficano

"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

Our Partner

Grow America works with small businesses and communities by directing capital to support the development and preservation of affordable housing and small business entrepreneurship. This helps create jobs and advances livable communities with social infrastructure investment.

Grow America’s President and Hartwick alumnus, Daniel March ’74, has generously partnered with Hartwick College to offer a unique paid J Term internship that provides students with valuable hands-on experience in economic development finance.

GRIFFITHS CENTER FOR COLLABORATION & INNOVATION

For more information about GCCI programs and services, email gcci@hartwick.edu or call 607-431-4009.