The Student Experiential Learning Fund (SELF) was launched in Summer 2021 to help subsidize expenses related to external internships. The fund is made possible through the generosity of several donors to ensure that cost is not an obstacle to students pursuing important experiential learning opportunities that support career exploration. SELF supports students in career building experiences, to offset potential financial hardships associated with unpaid or underpaid opportunities.
Eligibility:
- All current students are encouraged to apply, regardless of financial aid status.
- Must secure an internship before applying for funding.
- Student applicants should be in good academic and community standing.
Expenses covered by SELF:
- Transportation (mileage, train/bus fare, flights)
- Housing and rental expenses
- Living expenses (if the student must relocate to participate in the internship opportunity).
Make a Difference:
You can help a student advance their college education to the next level through career building internships made possible by SELF. Consider making a gift to support our students during this monumental journey between student to future career professional.
SELF Success Stories
Lauren Denis ’24
Media Public Relations Intern, POG Jewellery
“The SELF fund truly transformed my time abroad. It assisted me with all the stresses that can come along with going abroad. With this opportunity it allowed me to have the funding to make my time abroad less of a financial struggle.
Without the generous donations from alumni, I never would’ve been able to make my goal of studying abroad happen! I am so beyond grateful for SELF and being able to enjoy my time abroad in Ireland!” – Summer 2023
Ethan Gosper ’24
Sales Intern, Worcester Red Sox
“This summer, I acquired an unpaid internship with the Worcester Red Sox in their sales department. In this internship, my main focus was developing outbound lead generation and researching renewals on season ticket members for the sales representatives.
This internship was important to building my professional portfolio and make me the best candidate for future jobs post-graduation. Being from Connecticut and making the commute to Worcester 5-6 days out of the week is a lot of money put into my mileage and this fund has helped immensely to relieve that financial stress. Nichols College is a special place, and I am appreciative to have this opportunity backed by our generous donors.”
– Summer 2023
Emma Dix ’24
Intern in Northeast Construction, Lockton Companies
“The SELF Fund is very influential in allowing myself and peers opportunities we may not be able to achieve because of financial circumstances. The funds granted were allocated towards travel expenses and allowed me to experience a fulltime summer internship at Lockton Companies in Hartford, CT and Boston, MA.
Through this position, I was able to engage in career exposure in the insurance industry and the construction sector within it. The duality of going between locations exposed me to different projects, gain multiple perspectives on the industry, and build more professional connections.” – Summer 2024
Kevin Chetwynd ’22
Fundraising & Event Management Intern, GOAL Global
“I never thought paying for an abroad program would be possible for me until I applied for SELF funding. The opportunity to complete an internship abroad gave me real career experience in the office coupled with international business exposure that has been invaluable to me, especially as I pursue my MBA degree at Nichols.
During my time interning for GOAL Global, in under four months I helped raise over 300,000 euros for impoverished children and families across the world. I will never forget my time abroad and I am forever grateful for the outstanding alumni support I received. This opportunity is one of many reasons I am proud to be a Bison!” – Fall 2021