As an O’Neill Leadership Fellow, you can intern with a public or nonprofit organization while participating in service and professional development activities as an undergraduate student.
Develop professional skills while serving your community through the O’Neill Leadership Program
Program structure
You can participate in the O’Neill Leadership Program, formerly known as the Indiana Leadership Program, during the fall and spring terms.
You'll intern from September through April for an average of 10 hours per week. This will allow you to intern part-time with a local organization while continuing to take a regular academic course load and participate in professional development and service opportunities.
You'll also earn up to $3,000 and gain valuable professional experience.
Eligibility
All IU Bloomington O’Neill School undergraduate students are eligible to apply to the O’Neill Leadership Program. To participate, you must:
- Be a full-time student at IU Bloomington
- Be an admitted O’Neill School undergraduate student
- Be in good academic standing (This differs depending upon your major—check with your academic advisor if you have any questions regarding this requirement.)
- Have documented registration for, or completion of, V252 or H267, Career Development and Planning. BAESS and BSES students are exempt from this requirement.
Additional details
Are you interested in helping families affected by homelessness, promoting environmental sustainability in the community, or improving educational opportunities for local school children? As a fellow with the O’Neill Leadership Program, you can complete an internship and get an inside look at what it takes to run a public or nonprofit organization focused on an issue you care about.
We partner with dozens of organizations in Bloomington and throughout the state, including:
- Bloomington Economic Development Corporation
- Bloomington Montessori School
- Boys and Girls Club (Ellettsville)
- Boys and Girls Club (Ferguson-Crestmont)
- Boys and Girls Club (Lincoln St)
- City of Bloomington - Community and Family Resources
- City of Bloomington - Economic and Sustainable Development
- City of Bloomington - Housing and Neighborhood Development
- Constellation Stage and Screen
- Hoosier Hills Food Bank
- Indiana Philanthropic Alliance (various counties across the state)
- Indiana United Ways (various counties across the state)
- IU Arts and Humanities Council
- IU Integrated Program in the Environment
- IU Landscape Services
- Lawrence County Economic Growth Council
- Monroe County United Ministries
- Mother Hubbard's Cupboard
- WildCare, Inc.
- Windfall Dancers, Inc.
The O’Neill Leadership Program is an opportunity for you to explore careers and gain professional experience while supporting a public or nonprofit organization. You will:
- Gain career-building and substantive work experience with the opportunity to volunteer in the community.
- Build a professional network.
- Participate in professional development workshops.
- Satisfy the O'Neill internship requirement for graduation, once approved by the Career Hub and your advisor. Important Note: If you use the O’Neill Leadership Program to satisfy your internship credit, you are expected to continue with your internship through the end of the program date, even after you have completed the required 120 hours for internship credit.
All O’Neill Leadership Fellows will receive up to $3,000 in funding.
Apply by May 1. If you have any questions about the program or the application process, contact oneilolp@iu.edu.
Application checklist
Here is the information you’ll need for the online application:
- A cover letter that answers why you are interested in becoming an O’Neill Leadership Fellow, your personal and professional goals, and how the O’Neill Leadership Program will help you lead for the greater good.
- A professional copy of your resume. We strongly advise that you seek assistance from your career services office. If you are an O’Neill student, have the Career Hub review your cover letter and resume before you submit them.
- Acceptance notices go out in mid-May.
- You will be matched with an organization over the summer, prior to the start of the fall semester.
If you have any questions, please contact the O’Neill School Undergraduate Programs Office at oneilolp@iu.edu.
Apply by May 1!