The Summer Student Investment Fund (SSIF) (see “ASPC Seeks Summer Internship Funds,” page 1) is a program proposal that, if adopted, could have a have a far-reaching positive effect on students’ summer job prospects. The impetus behind for it is simple: Many students must work to earn money over the summer to help pay for their college expenses and, in order to do so, are currently often locked into a choice between a paid non-academic job (e.g. lifeguard, salesperson, camp counselor, waiter) and an increasingly difficult to find paid internship in a corporation. It is virtually impossible to find a paid internship at a non-profit organization over the summer. Thus, unpaid internships are primarily available to those who are privileged enough to not need to work.

SSIF would allow students wishing to pursue unpaid internships to be funded by the College to do so, and would be selected through a competitive process. Essentially, students would contact organizations they wish to work for, and set up their own tentative internships. Students would then submit an internship proposal to the SSIF committee outlining the job, as well as a letter from the organization indicating that the student is being offered the internship. The committee would then interview students and determine who would receive SSIF money.

The SSIF concept was introduced to Pomona students during ASPC President Ari Greenberg’s campaign last spring, but similar programs already exist at several colleges, including CMC. These programs serve to provide both opportunities for individual students to explore their interests and enrich the Pomona community through those experiences. Qualifying internships are generally limited to working (including researching) for non-profit organizations. CDO Director Carl Martellino supports the idea of College funding for student internships as well, because internship experience in their fields of interest is an asset to students looking for jobs after graduation

It is imperative that the College adopt the SSIF. Supporting worthwhile student internships is integral to our college community—it encourages students to take ownership over their education outside the classroom and provides them with new skills and experiences to bring back to campus organizations with which they are involved. However, in addition to the College’s financial support, adopting SSIF will require strong support from the student body. There is a common sentiment on campus that helping enrich the community is an important aspect of our education, and the SSIF will provide us with a continuing opportunity to do so.