Public Service Scholars: High School Internship Program

Students must secure an internship in a public or nonprofit sector organization, or within a private organization that serves the public good. 

Program applications for 4191.01 for Public Service Scholars High School students are evaluated on the following criteria:

• Senior standing in an Ohio high school
• Enrollment in The Ohio State University Academy (CCP).
• Completion of Public Affairs 2110 or 2120 (Concurrent enrollment may be considered on a case by case basis, with prior notice)

**In order to be considered for enrollment, students must be admitted to the Ohio State Academy prior to applying.** 

To be considered for Public Service Scholars, you must be enrolled in Ohio State Academy Program (Ohio State CCP). 

First: complete the academy application. 

• Review details of the Ohio State Academy application.
• This application will require paperwork from your high school. Review requirements carefully and discuss with your school counselor.
• Questions? Email: esue-academy@osu.edu

After enrollment in the Ohio State Academy, ask about Public Service Scholars and for information on Public Affairs 2110 or 2120 with your OSU Academy Advisor/Counselor.

Deadlines:

• Ohio State Academy applications are due several months before the beginning of a semester, you also need to check on your school's funding relationship with the Academy and current admission criteria.
• If already admitted to the Ohio State Academy, students can email the Public Service Scholars coordinator at glenn-hsip@osu.edu for questions on the application process for 4191.01 (credit for an internship).
• Deadlines for Public Service Scholars: Summer Semester before your senior year - March 1st, Fall semester of senior year - June 1st, Spring semester of senior year - October 1st. 

Information to provide for consideration for 4191.01 internship credit:

• One page resume
• Name of internship organization
• Name and contact email of organization internship manager
• Planned start date / semester you will be seeking internship credit
• List which semester you completed Public Affairs 2110 / 2120

Email this information to the Public Service Scholars coordinator at glenn-hsip@osu.edu

Where can I find the Ohio State Academy (CCP) Program application?  All information regarding the Ohio State Academy Program application can be found on the Ohio State Academy website. 

I am interested but I am not a rising senior in high school. Can I apply? Interested juniors are encouraged enroll in the Ohio State Academy Program (at any OSU campus), enroll in Public Affairs 2110 or 2120, and attend other NextGen Glenn programming.  

Do I have to be admitted to the Ohio State Academy before I apply to Public Service Scholars?  Yes, participation in Public Service Scholars requires admittance to the OSU Academy. 

Will applying to the Public Service Scholars program help my Ohio State Academy application? No, the application for the Ohio State Academy is a separate process. 

What happens if I am not admitted to the academy? Can I still participate in Public Service Scholars. Unfortunately it is not possible to participate in our program if you are not admitted to the Ohio State Academy. If that occurs, we encourage you to participate in other Glenn College High School Programs. 

Are the classes in-person or remote?  Public Affairs 2110 and 2120 are offered in person and online (offerings vary by semester). Public Affairs 4191.01 is offered online only. 

How do I enroll in 4191.01? This is an "instructor add class" which means that students must email their eligibility directly to the Public Service Scholars program coordinator to be enrolled in the course. The following information should be provided: one page resume; name of internship organization; name and email address for your internship supervisor; planned start date; semester you completed either 2110 or 2120. 

What is the time commitment for the program?  This program involves coursework averaging 3-9+ hours each week during the semester. The internship requirement is to work 80 hours over the course of the semester, which generally averages 8-10 hours per week. Internships typically occur during standard business hours (9 a.m.- 5 p.m.), so students need a class and life schedule that provides blocks of time to intern during the workweek. 

Can I take Public Affairs 2110 or 2120 the same semester as my internship? Students should take 2110 (Introduction) or 2120 (Civic Engagement) at least one semester before applying for internship credit. Concurrent enrollment in 2110/20 and 4191.01 can be considered on a case by case basis with advance notice and under special circumstances. An internship needs to be approved at least two weeks before the beginning of the semester a student plans to intern. 

What do the classes associated with Public Service Scholars program entail?  Public Affairs 4191.01 awards credit for your internship and provides professional development coursework and coaching. Public Affairs 2110 or 2120 provides an academic introduction to public affairs, public policy and/or civic engagement. 

Are there any costs associated with the program? Incidental costs of an internship may include daily travel to and from the internship site, budgeting for business casual / professional clothing, parking expenses and etc. In person classes at The Ohio State University may involve costs for garage parking or a parking pass. These costs are the responsibility of the student and should be considered before accepting an internship. Most internships for High School students are unpaid.

What does my internship site need to offer? Your internship site needs to be approved by the Public Service Scholars coordinator before it can be approved for credit. The internship must involve public service. The site needs to provide you with 80+ hours of meaningful work during the semester you are seeking credit. As part of receiving credit the internship site will also: 1) sign a work agreement outlining expectations for the internship; 2) You will meet with your manager at the mid point of the semester to discuss your progress and submit that report to your class instructor.; 3) Your manager will complete a final evaluation on your performance in the internship which will account for a significant part of your grade.  

Do I need to secure my own internship? Students must secure their own internship. Internship placements must receive approval from the Public Service Scholars program coordinator to ensure alignment with the public service mission of this program. Please note that you need to be enrolled in the Ohio State Academy before you apply to the Public Service Scholars program to seek credit for an internship.  

What are the hours for an internship? You will coordinate your exact hours and work schedule with your employer. Typically, internships occur during business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and generally average between 8 to 10 hours per week during the semester.  

How can I find an internship? 

• Ask your high school guidance counselor for ideas
• Seek resources from a librarian at your local library
• Ask your social studies or AP Government teacher for suggestions
• Check LinkedIn to see where alumni of your high school are working in the public sector
• The Idealist website is good starting place to begin a search for service focused internships

Will my internship be in-person, remote or hybrid? This depends on the organization and duties of your job. Typically, the best, first internship experience is in person.