
Humanities Scholars Work Experience
Discover Your Passion for Work
Application InformationThe HSWE program is now accepting applications for the Winter quarter.Deadline to apply: Nov. 8, 2026 |
Are You Dedicated to the Study of Humanities and Interested in a Paid Internship?
Join the Humanities Scholars Work Experience!
An HSWE internship provides experience with mission-driven work in a non-profit organization that allows you to develop your professional skills, gain an edge for transfer to a four-year university, and become a leader in your community. Choose an internship from a list of 50+ organizations located in the Santa Clara Valley and beyond.
Humanities Scholars Work Experience Info SessionsInterested in a paid, two-quarter internship in the arts and humanities? The Humanities Scholars Work Experience connects ÐÓ°ÉÊÓÆµ students with nonprofit organizations, providing hands-on experience, professional skills, networking opportunities, and an edge for four-year university transfer. Attend an upcoming information session to learn more about the program and how to apply. |
- Gain hands-on work experience, develop transferable skills, and build your resume.
- Discover the connection between work and courses in humanities-related fields.
- Experience how work can be engaging, satisfying, and transformational.
- Earn $20 per hour (tax-free).
- Engage with a faculty mentor.
- Join a community of student interns.
Applicants are selected based on their commitment to the Humanities.
Once admitted, we ask you to commit to the following:
- Complete a minimum of 100 hours for Winter quarter, and a maximum of 250 hours combined for Winter/Spring quarters.
- Enroll in a two-unit, on-campus companion course (ITRN 51) for Winter quarter, and a one-unit online course (ITRN 50) for Spring quarter.
- All subsequent courses will be online. Work with a faculty mentor to get support in achieving your goals.
- Participate in a cohort experience.
Once accepted, students will receive our Internship Handbook, which lists the descriptions of all available internships. Students will select their top three choices, and we will strive to partner students with one of these sites. We currently work with over 50 nonprofit partner organizations throughout the South Bay and beyond.
- Internships are either in-person or hybrid.
- Payment is $20 per hour (tax-free).
- Expected workload is 8-12 hours per week.
- Two-quarter commitment (Winter, Spring quarters)
- Course requirements: a two-unit on-campus companion course for Winter quarter and a one-unit online course for Spring quarter.
Please note: current internship availability may differ.
Academic fields in academia are broadly categorized into humanities, social sciences & natural/applied sciences. The Humanities Scholars Work Experience (HSWE) provides paid internships for students who have shown a commitment to the study of humanities.
The Humanities typically encompass departments focused on the investigation of human cultural production and thought. At ÐÓ°ÉÊÓÆµ the departments below fall into this category.
In order to be eligible for the Humanities Scholars Work Experience, you must:
- Be a full-time student (taking 12 units or more unless you are in your last quarter at ÐÓ°ÉÊÓÆµ).
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Demonstrate an interest in the areas of Arts and/or Humanities by meeting one of the
following criteria:
- Be in the process of earning a major or certificate in one of the humanities-related departments listed below Have completed or plan to complete 12 or more units in the humanities-related departments listed below (units can be from multiple humanities-related departments).
- Have an interest in pursuing a humanities-related career.
- Additional Information: F-1 students are not eligible.
Instructor Recommendation
You will need to ask for a recommendation from a professor in a humanities-related department. Then, you'll be prompted to submit your professor's name on the application. Once you've submitted your application, your professor will automatically receive the form to provide the recommendation.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Write a paragraph or more: demonstrate you are serious about becoming a part of our program.
- Make sure you address all the questions for both response sections. Do not use AI-generated responses on your application. Make it personal and impassioned!
- Write a paragraph or more: demonstrate you are serious about becoming a part of our program. Make sure you address all the questions for both response sections.
- Do not use AI-generated responses on your application. Make it personal and impassioned!