Internships, and other applied learning opportunities, help Luther students apply the knowledge and skills they’ve studied in the classroom while gaining practical experience in their field of interest. Students who can show they know how to integrate their classroom learning with the work world also gain an edge when it comes to looking for work. Spending a few weeks or months in a workplace lets students polish their communication skills, try out tasks, and further explore whether a field would be a good fit for them.

Employers and graduate schools increasingly expect that students have internships and other relevant applied-learning experience on their resumes. The Career Center begins working with students in their first two years at Luther to set them up for appropriate and useful internships by having them explore where their gifts, interests, and talents lie.

Not all students can cover the costs associated with an internship, such as travel and a place to live. And the number of students seeking funds to support an internship is increasing. Typically up to $1,000 is awarded for a January Term internship and up to $2,000 is awarded for a summer internship. Each experience is different, but they all help the students apply knowledge and skills they gain in the classroom and explore whether employment in their field of interest is a good fit for them.

Investing in Applied Learning Opportunities

Career Connections Fund

Internships and networking with Luther College alumni and friends are key to the Career Center's primary goals: to build enduring relationships with on- and off-campus constituents; to inspire curiosity about careers and help students explore how careers work, including next steps; and, to help students consider calling and vocation in exploring their careers. Established by the College in 2017, this endowment supports applied learning opportunities in the Career Center. This fund shall be used at the discretion of the Director of the Career Center to support initiatives, such as: the Internship and Applied Learning Funding Program, the Faculty-Student-Alumni Mini Grant Program, and other applied learning opportunities.

Luther College invites all alumni and friends to support this important fund. There is no minimum commitment required; gifts and pledges of all sizes are appreciated.

Endowed Applied Learning Funds:

Named endowed applied learning endowments provide an enduring stream of scholarship and/or grant support to assist current and future generations of Luther students.

Career Connections donors are invited to establish a named endowed applied learning endowment at the following levels:

$25,000 minimum commitment

Provides a general scholarship and/or grant of approximately $1,250 annually. Supports applied learning and internship opportunities for students by providing funds to assist with transportation, meals, and housing.

$50,000 minimum commitment

Provides a scholarship and/or grant of approximately $2,500 annually, based on preferences of the donor. Donors may choose to give preference to students based on field of interest, major, etc. Supports applied learning and internship opportunities for students by providing funds to assist with transportation, meals, and housing.

A full list of Applied Learning Funds can be found in our directory.