The Internship Catalyst Grant supports Ohio State units in creating, expanding or converting internships into paid experiences for undergraduate students. The program provides startup funding to test new approaches, reduce barriers to participation, and strengthen employer partnerships that lead to paid internships.
The goal is not perfection in Year 1 — it’s learning, piloting and building the case for sustainable paid opportunities.
Who can apply?
- Ohio State colleges, departments, centers, institute or other university‑affiliated units
- Proposals must be submitted by an Ohio State unit (employers cannot apply independently)
- Employers, alumni, nonprofit or government partners are welcome collaborators
What can grant funds support?
Grant funds may be used to support:
- Student wages or stipends to ensure internships are paid
- Internal Ohio State internships, external employer internships, or hybrid models
- Employer partnership development (outreach, convenings, site visits)
- Program coordination or staffing (HR‑compliant)
- Marketing or institution‑approved tools that directly support internship creation
- Professional development for students and/or employer partners
What makes a strong proposal?
Strong proposals clearly explain:
- How paid internships will be created or expanded
- Who benefits, especially students or academic areas with limited access
- How funds will be used responsibly and feasibly
- A credible path toward sustainability, even if long‑term funding is not yet secured
- How the initiative aligns with the unit’s broader internship goals
Projects may:
- Create new paid internships
- Expand existing paid capacity
- Convert unpaid roles into paid experiences
What happens if funded?
- Awards are made annually, with up to three years of potential funding
- Continued funding is based on progress and alignment (not automatic)
- Reporting is designed to be light‑touch, template‑based and supported by CCOE
- The Career Center of Excellence will provide consultation, tools and optional check‑ins
Proposal Submission Form
Grant proposal submissions are now being accepted. The submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2026.
Funding tracks
Applicants choose one of two tracks based on readiness and complexity:
Track A - Immediate Implementation (0–9 months)
Best for units ready to launch quickly with defined partners or roles.
Expected award range: $5,000–$25,000
Track B - Longer‑Term Implementation (6–24 months)
Best for initiatives requiring planning, coordination, curriculum alignment or employer ecosystem development.
Expected award range: $10,000–$50,000
If a project falls in the 6–9-month overlap, choose the track that best reflects the amount of design and coordination still required.
Match requirement
A 20% match is required, calculated as a percentage of the annual grant award. Match may be:
- Cash contributions
- In‑kind contributions (e.g., staff time, employer wage support)
The Career Center of Excellence (CCOE) will provide valuation guidance and proposal consultation.
Timeline
- Proposals due: 4 weeks from release
- Awards announced: ~4 weeks after deadline
- Track A launch: next academic term (Summer 2026-December 2026)
- Track B launch: within 6–12 months (January 2027-Summer 2027)
Questions or want to talk it through?
CCOE encourages early consultation.
Contact
Tricia Zelaya-Leon
Senior Director, Career Center of Excellence
zelaya-leon.1@osu.edu