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Presidential Internship Program (PIP)

Presidential Internship Program (PIP)

The Presidential Internship Program (PIP) launches in Summer 2025! This competitive, paid internship program represents a new tier of internship experiences for a select cohort of SUNY Potsdam students (18 students will be chosen for the PIP). The Lougheed Center for Applied Learning will cover 6 internship credits and award a $4,000 stipend for every student in the PIP cohort. This pilot program also strengthens our university's connection to community partners with a focus on North Country internship sites (sites also apply to be considered for the PIP). Learn more below about how the PIP is funded and why we designed this exciting internship program! 

Read Press Release

PIP Site List for Summer 2025

Site List and Position Descriptions for Student Applicants (PDF)

  • GardenShare
  • North Country Children's Museum
  • St. Lawrence County Public Health Department
  • Algonquin to Adirondack Collaborative, Inc
  • St. Lawrence Land Trust
  • Potsdam Chamber of Commerce
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County
  • Village of Potsdam
  • Seaway Valley Prevention Council
  • St. Lawrence County Arts Council
  • Community Health Center of the North Country
  • St. Lawrence County Community Development Program, inc.
  • Brick & Mortar Music
  • SUNY Potsdam Campus Life Office
  • Town of Potsdam
  • Community Performance Series
  • St. Lawerence County Government, Public Health Department
  • Village of Potsdam and Climate Smart Communities Task Force
  • St. Lawrence County Historical Association DBA St. Lawrence County Center for History & Culture
  • Crane Youth Music
  • Blueline Magazine
  • Site Application - The site application for Summer 2025 is now closed.
  • Student Application - The student application for Summer 2025 will be open from February 3–23. No late applications will be accepted. 
Date(s) Event
February 3 - 23 Student applications open (apply to PIP with top site choices)
February 24 - 28 Review of student applications
March 3 PIP student cohort selected (18 students)
March 10 - 14 Site Interviews Round 1
March 17 - 23 Site Interviews Round 2
March 24 - 28 Final Review/Site Assignments
March 31 Student and Site Matching Complete (Official Announcement)

How is the PIP different than other internships offered through SUNY Potsdam? 
The PIP is a pilot program, in which internship sites and students apply to participate during Summer 2025. The PIP is a new tier of competitive, funded internships for SUNY Potsdam students. When applying, students explain why they should be considered for the PIP, rank their top site choices from around the North Country, and upload a resume. 18 students will be chosen for the PIP Cohort. 

Why is the PIP Cohort made up of 18 students?
The LoCAL applied to participate in a Community of Practice (CoP) administered by Jobs for the Future and New York State. As a result, we were among 12 SUNY schools chosen for the CoP and we were awarded $100,000 toward developing new infrastructure with internships. Our goal was to apply all of this funding toward internship credits and a stipend for every student in the PIP Cohort—18 is the Cohort size that allows for the most high-impact funding for each student. 

How do PIP internship credits work?
The LoCAL will cover 6 internship credits (and award a $4,000 stipend) for every student selected for the PIP Cohort. Students must regsiter a minimum of 6 credits in order to qualify, though students have the option of reigstering up to 12 credits for their internship (any credits beyond 6 are the responsibility of the student). 

How are PIP internships registered with SUNY Potsdam? 
Registering a PIP internship is the same as any other credit-bearing internship. In March, the LoCAL will announce the PIP Cohort for Summer 2025 as well as students' site assignments. Students should then work with a faculty sponsor (chosen by the student) and their site supervisor to prepare the Handshake proposal. As with any other internship, the Handshake proposal for a PIP experience will go through approvals before being registered with the university. 

How does the matching process work?
The LoCAL will consult with the LoCAL Advisory Board when reviewing student applications. Students' top site choices will be carefully considered during the review and matching process. Once the PIP Cohort is selected, sites will have the opportunity to interview potential interns that matched with their site. 

Are housing expenses and meals covered? 
While the LoCAL cannot pay for housing or meals, students can apply for the LoCAL stipend and internship scholarships to offset these costs during summer. Note: A Handshake proposal must be submitted prior to applying for the LoCAL stipend. 

Will the PIP run during other semesters? 
Summer 2025 is a pilot program, but we’re aiming to continue this program for future summer sessions! 

We want to express our gratitude to our North Country community partners for their participation in the PIP. We could not launch this pilot internship program without your support of SUNY Potsdam student interns!

Max Grube Internship Coordinator