Humanities Scholars Work Experience
Apply for Cohort 2 (Spring & Fall 2026)Paid Humanities Internship in Santa Clara
Humanities Scholars Work Experience (HSWE)
The Humanities Scholars Work Experience (HSWE) program connects students with paid internships at mission-driven nonprofit organizations across the Santa Clara Valley and beyond. Each internship offers the opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience, strengthen your resume, and develop the skills employers and universities value most.
Through HSWE, you’ll not only earn $20 per hour (tax-free), but also gain valuable insights into how the humanities connect to the real world—helping you grow as both a professional and a community leader.
Program Benefits
- Gain Real-World Experience: Apply what you learn in the classroom through meaningful, hands-on work.
- Develop Transferable Skills: Build communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills that set you apart.
- Connect Work and Learning: Discover how humanities-related studies shape your understanding of work, culture, and society.
- Earn While You Learn: Receive $20 per hour (tax-free) for your internship experience.
- Faculty Mentorship: Work closely with a dedicated mentor who supports your academic and career goals.
- Join a Community: Become part of a network of student interns making a difference across more than 50 nonprofit organizations.
Internship Details & Requirements
Program Details
Complete 250 internship hours over the course of two (possibly three) quartersEnroll in a two-unit, on-campus companion course during your first quarter; all subsequent courses will be onlineWork with a faculty mentor to get support in achieving your goalsBe part of a cohort experienceYour internship class for Fall will be ITRN 51 with Dr. Falk Cammin as your instructor. Class will be on Tuesdays from 12 pm to 1:50 pm. CRN #20366, Room #3204
Once accepted, students will receive our>Internship Handbook (download example 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 non-profit partner organizations throughout the south bay and beyond.
- Internships are either in-person or hybrid.
- Payment is $20 per hour with no tax or other deductions.
- Expected workload is 10-15 hours per week.
- Two quarter minimum commitment.
- Course requirements:>a two-unit, on-campus companion course>for the first quarter, and a>one-unit online course>for the second quarter.
To be eligible for the Humanities Scholars Work Experience,>you must:
Unfortunately F-1 students are not eligible.
- Be a full-time student (taking 12 units or more unless you are in your last quarter at Foothill College)
- 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.
| Interested in the Humanities? Check Out Our Offerings Below | |
|---|---|
| Anthropology | Journalism |
| Art | Media Studies |
| English | Music |
| Ethnic Studies | Music Technology |
| Graphic and Interactive Design | Philosophy |
| History | Photography |
| Humanities | Theatre Arts |
| Women's Studies | |
Instructor Recommendation
You will need to ask for a recommendation from a professor in a humanities-related department.
You will be prompted to submit your professor's name on the application, and once you have submited 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 A.I. generated responses on your application. Make it personal and impassioned!
