The Tyson Summer Community Internship Program is a partnership between United Way of Fort Smith Area and Tyson Foods to provide an invaluable opportunity for select college students to gain professional experience while making a positive impact in our community.
The program provides full-time college students an eight-week paid summer internship to assist community organizations and gain experience with diverse social issues. In addition, students will attend 90-minute educational sessions during the program to build business-related skills including leadership, professionalism, critical thinking, collaboration and interpersonal communication.
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Tyson has generously provided funding for 18 student interns to be placed at local nonprofits throughout Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan, LeFlore and Sequoyah counties. Interns will be assigned to a local nonprofit organization and receive a $3,200 stipend for the eight weeks during the summer (June 8 to July 31, 2020)
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the program, the students must:
- Be enrolled as undergraduate student who will be returning to college as a full time sophomore, junior or senior in the fall of 2020
- Must meet all the employment requirements of the hiring nonprofit organization
Student Obligations
If accepted into the program, interns must:
- Agree to responsibilities of the job and complete all eight weeks of full-time employment
- Submit written enrollment verification from their college or university confirming the student’s enrolling status to UWFSA prior to the start of the program in June.
- Attend the kickoff event and three education sessions
- Work 35-40 hours per week
- Create at least three social media posts about their experience
- Complete a post-program evaluation form providing feedback to the organization about the program and its impact.
Application Submission
Applications will be accepted between January 30, 2020 – February 28, 2020. Organizations will begin reviewing candidates in March. Please note, organizations may begin filling positions anytime after March 2, 2020.
To Apply:
- If you do not already have a login ID and password you will need to create one. Click on the link below. From the grant portal home page, click Create New Account
- You will be directed to the application dashboard and hit Apply.
- To access the application, enter STUDENT in the field located in the top right corner.
Note: Application has the ability to be saved as a draft. You can return to edit and submit final application at a later date.
You may also cut and paste the following URL into your browser:
https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=UWFSA
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods is underwriting this program to help young adults realize their potential while making a difference in our community. They are partnering with the United Way of Northwest Arkansas as the lead organization responsible for administering the program. Our combined efforts will ensure that nonprofits and college applicants have a productive and meaningful experience.
About the United Way of Fort Smith Area
Since 1928, United Way of Fort Smith Area has provided change in our area. We mobilize our community in ways that no single agency, individual, or government can to enhance the ability of people to care for one another.
United Way addresses the needs important to people who live and work in Crawford, Franklin, LeFlore, Logan, Sebastian and Sequoyah counties.
Tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working to improve the lives in our six-county area. Organizations must provide services or be based in Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan, LeFlore or Sequoyah County. Additionally, the organization must have the capacity to successfully provide a quality internship experience, including orientation, training and daily guidance.
Special consideration will be given to those organizations whose core mission is aligned with one of Tyson’s targeted themes of:
- Immigration
- Hunger Relief
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Adult literacy and education for non-English speakers
Special note: If your organization’s mission or services do not align with one of Tyson’s targeted themes, you are still eligible to apply. The program allows internships for other nonprofit categories such as art, education, health and other social welfare services.
Host Site Requirements
Community organizations selected to host a Tyson Community Intern must commit to the following:
- Process the student intern as a full-time seasonal/temporary employee
- Pay related employer taxes
- Issue a promotional story on the organization’s website about the internship. The story should acknowledge Tyson Foods and the United Way of Northwest Arkansas.
- Assist the student in creating at least three (3) social media posts about their internship experience
Grant Award
Tyson Foods is providing $70,400 to support the paid internship positions. Community organizations selected as a host site will receive one paid intern for eight weeks and an amount of $3,200 for the inter’s wages.
Applicant Submission
Organizations applying for a Tyson Summer Community Intern are encouraged to review the Application Packet before submitting an application. To create your user ID, go to https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=UWFSA
Applications must be submitted through the United Way’s grant management system by 5:00 PM Friday, January 17th, 2020.
Technical Assistance
Applicants with questions can contact Carrie Terry at cterry@unitedwayfortsmith.org or phone 479-782-1311.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods is underwriting this program to help young adults realize their potential while making a difference in our community. They are partnering with the United Way of Northwest Arkansas as the lead organization responsible for administering the program. Our combined efforts will ensure that nonprofits and college applicants have a productive and meaningful experience.
About the United Way of Fort Smith Area
Since 1928, United Way of Fort Smith Area has provided change in our area. We mobilize our community in ways that no single agency, individual, or government can to enhance the ability of people to care for one another.
United Way addresses the needs important to people who live and work in Crawford, Franklin, LeFlore, Logan, Sebastian and Sequoyah counties..
What’s the amount of the Tyson Foods grant that Host Sites will receive?
Each nonprofit will receive $3,200 per intern.
How long is the internship?
The internship is eight consecutive weeks in length, from June 8 to July 31, 2020
Can I adjust the dates of the internship?
No. The student internship is June 8– July 31, 2020 The Host Site may elect to extend the internship, but will be responsible for paying the student additional wages for any work outside the designated internship program period.
Will the student intern be a contract employee/independent contractor?
No. Students will be treated as a full-time seasonal employee and subject to FICA and income tax withholdings.
If I had a Tyson Community Intern last year, can I hire the same intern again?
You may hire the same intern, provided the intern meets the eligibility requirements (undergraduate, full-time student).
What is United Way of Fort Smith Area’s role in the Tyson Summer Community Internship Program?
United Way of Fort Smith Area manages the Community Summer Jobs Program and is the face-to-face contact between Tyson Foods, students and nonprofits. Key responsibilities range from assisting nonprofits with applying, qualifying nonprofits, conducting summer education programs and activities and the evaluation process.