SEF Awards Launch 13th Year of Meaningful Summer Experiences

The application period for Skidmore’s Summer Experience Fund (SEF) is once again active.

The Summer Experience Fund (SEF) awards, now in its 13th year, provides a $4,000 stipend to support Skidmore students completing an unpaid summer experience.  This can include an internship, volunteer opportunity, research assignment, community service project, artists residency, independent project, apprenticeship and more.   

Upcoming graduates can also apply for a Post-Graduate Award, offering a $15,000 stipend.  This year, due to a donor's generosity, up to ten awards will be given to recipients from the Class of 2021 to pursue an unpaid internship in any field that must relate to their specific career aspirations. 

In 2020, Coordinator of the Summer Experience Fund, Amy Mangiaracina, was added to the Career Development Center team to oversee the popular program.  The office additonally launched a new online application to make applying simpler than ever.

SEF started in 2009 through the generosity of dedicated Skidmore donors - alumni, parents and friends of the College.   The fund started with just 9 awards, and has grown to support more than 100 students every year.

See how some of the 2020 winners, even during a pandemic, leveraged the SEF awards to build impactful career development experiences.

Sten Leinasaar '23, Sociology Major

Sten pursued an internship with an organization called Helpific, a web-based support network for the elderly and people with special needs.  Interning for a social startup in his home country of Estonia, Sten was able to work closely with leaders on writing projects, technology improvements, social media growth, and government policy revisions.

Said Sten of his experience: "Thanks to the award I received, I was able to go back home and learn—by doing and observing—how much work it takes to implement small change. I am even more certain now that I want to return home and begin to do something about injustice and create a more inclusive society.  Before I wanted to change the world.  Now I know that change begins with small actions."

Sten shared that without the SEF award, he would have had to work full time throughout the summer, and would not have been able to access this impactful internship.

Anna Madison Davis '22, History and Classics double major

Anna, from Waterbury, Vermont, used her funding to intern at Lund, a nonprofit organization that assists children and families.

Anna spent her summer researching, developing and implementing an archival system of artifacts dating back to the 1800s.

Said Anna:

"It was incredibly rewarding for me, as a history major, to be responsible for the organization's records. The education I have received at Skidmore has allowed me to explore beyond the boundaries of the classroom. I cannot express the gratitude I feel toward the donors who made my summer experience possible and let me explore future career paths."

Julian Tushabe '22, Management & BUsiness and Theatre Double Major

Having written a screenplay, Saratoga Springs native, Julian Tushabe, leveraged his SEF award to turn his vision into a full-length feature film.   His funding enabled Julian to compensate professional actors and acquire the equipment he needed to turn his dreams into a reality. 

Said Julian of his award:

"The experience was truly transformative.  Creating and producing my own work with professionals, I've learned thatI am truly capable of making my own opportunities and how to be successful doing so. The experience allowed me to form relationships that will last a lifetime."

Chloe FaehndrIch ’23, Environmental studies and science and Spanish double major

From Ithaca, NY, Chloe used her summer funding to pursue an internship at the Richardson Lab in Applied Microbiology at Cornell University.   Her internship focused on the harmful algal blooms (HABs) issue in the Finger Lakes.  Through research, field work, education and outreach, Chloe was responsible for all aspects of sample collection, and gained an understanding of what goes into field work to be successful. She was also able to collaborate with researchers and other students who shared her field study interests.

Said Chloe:
"As a future scientist, learning how to communicate to the public is very important, and I gained a lot of experience in this area. It was exciting to be part of a team that is working to find solutions to critical environmental issues."

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The Career Development Center anticipates another successful year with award recipients representing a variety of career interests.  All Skidmore students are encouraged to apply for the 2021 SEF Awards by March 29 at 11:59 a.m. 

Skidmore's SEF Program is possible thanks to the generosity of donors.   To contribute to this fund, please click here.