Internships: Mesa Impactship Program

Mesa Impactship Program (MIP)#

Make an impact & intern with a purpose!

• The Mesa Impactship Program (MIP) supports students with exploring careers, developing professional skills, and compensating hands-on industry experiences through internships, volunteering, or Directed Clinical Practice (DCP). MIP is designed to promote workforce training & employment opportunities with focus on underserved student populations.
• Eligible Mesa students may receive a one-time $1000 payment (also called a stipend) OR hourly compensation for student workplace training & enrollment in a Work Experience or Directed Clinical Practice (DCP) course. Funding is intended to support students with reducing or eliminating out-of-pocket expenses such as childcare, equipment, fees, meals, professional attire, & more.
• MIP students will be part of a cohort community supported by Mesa faculty to help them prepare for career pathways.

Need help finding an internship? Students do not have to have an internship secured to apply. The MIP team will work with students for internship coaching and exploring opportunities. Review openings at Find a MIP Internship and contact a Mesa Internship Coordinator for help. Complete the MIP Intake Form early for the best support and prepare you for an internship. A placement must be secured by the student in order to be eligible and approved to participate.

Apply for MIP#

Requirements for MIP#

Requirements of the Mesa Impactship Program

• Demonstrate financial need
• Identify with at least one underserved student population (Please review the MIP Student Agreement definitions for more details)
• Secure a job, internship, volunteer, or directed clinical practice (DCP) position for the participating semester.
  • Contact a Mesa Internship Coordinator for help finding an internship – Apply to MIP early. MIP will offer assistance & resources in applying for workforce training or internships, but a placement must be secured by the student in order to be eligible and approved to participate.
• Enroll in and successfully complete at least 1 unit of Occupational (WORK 270) or Discipline Work Experience Course or Directed Clinical Practice (DCP) Course (Allied Health) within the participating semester.
• Attend Mesa Impactship Program Kick-Off event for participating semester as required. Details provided by MIP Coordinators.
• Complete the minimum Work Experience or DCP hours required by the units enrolled within the dates of the participating semester. Work Experience credit is awarded based on 54 unpaid hours per unit the student is enrolled. DCP hours vary by program/course.
• Actively participate in Mesa Impactship Program Canvas shell as required. 
• Provide Video Reflection(s) for the Mesa Impactship Program regarding your work placement experience and exploration of career pathways.
• Complete all Mesa Impactship Program (MIP) forms and Completion Survey to provide your feedback regarding your work placement experience.

Note: Students may only receive funding from one grant source from Mesa College at a time. If accepted in both, students must choose to participate in the Small Business Virtual Incubator (SBVI) Program or the Mesa Impactship Program (MIP). 

MIP Career & Interest Tracks #

Participating in a Career & Interest Track is optional, but a great way for students to leverage their experiences or get more tailored career support and training focused on a particular industry. Check out the options below. 

*NOTE: Approval of MIP Tracks are limited and not guaranteed. Students will be required to apply & be hired. Students that participate in MIP Tracks must complete the MIP requirements, but may also be expected to complete additional tasks. Please email the appropriate contact below to learn about next steps and apply.

Veteran Internship Program (VIP) Track

Mesa VIP provides student veterans the benefit of gaining career-enhancing experience while providing financial incentives for successful completion of the internship program requirements. Eligible students will recieve a one-time payment of $2,000. Student Veteran Learning Outcomes:

• Express understanding of skills, values, and goals related to the internship experience.
• Knowledge of career exploration through assessments, workshops, training, and experience.
• Understanding daily operational tasks for successful employment.

Learn more about the VIP

To apply & be considered, complete the Mesa Impactship Program (MIP) Intake Form (Choose VIP Track)

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Sustainability & Food Security Track

Mesa College’s Strengthening Our Roots and Sustainable Food Futures grants provide students with paid internships to work in the on-campus TerraMesa Community Garden or conduct food system-related research. Interns earn a $1,200-$3,600 stipend by practicing and marketing organic gardening techniques and researching the benefits of sustainability. Learn more about these internships and related opportunities here.

To apply & be considered, complete the Mesa Impactship Program (MIP) Intake Form (Choose Sustainability & Food Security Track) and contact Professor Waverly Ray at wray@sdccd.edu.

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STEM Research Track

Discover research through hands-on experience in biomedical, clinical, translational, or marine science. Gain experience and professional skills as you work alongside esteemed scientists in labs completing groundbreaking research. Interns work alongside experts, tackling real-world problems and contributing to cutting-edge research, which enhances their technical skills and problem-solving abilities. This immersive experience not only deepens their understanding of STEM disciplines but also opens doors to future career opportunities and professional networks.

To apply & be considered, complete the Mesa Impactship Program (MIP) Intake Form (Choose STEM Research Track) and contact Carole Thompston at cthompson@sdccd.edu.  

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Healthcare Administration Track

Interested in understanding the complexities of healthcare management and leadership? Explore internships to learn about daily operations of healthcare facilities, such as patient care coordination, financial management, and strategic planning. Interns have the opportunity to work closely with experienced administrators, gaining hands-on experience with key projects and learning about the challenges and innovations in healthcare delivery. Deepen your knowledge of the healthcare system, build a network, and develop crucial skills that are essential for a successful career in healthcare administration.

To apply & be considered, complete the Mesa Impactship Program (MIP) Intake Form (Choose Healthcare Administration Track) and contact Ariel Guzman at aguzman@sdccd.edu.  

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MIP Intern to Industry Track (Career Preparation Course)

Looking to jumpstart your career with an internship, but not sure where to start? Develop professional skills and learn how to navigate the workplace through hands-on training with campus projects. Enroll in the MIP pre-internship course (WORK 272) and take the first step towards a valuable internship!

Learn more & apply for Spring 2025 - Space is Limited!

To apply & be considered, complete the Mesa Impactship Program (MIP) Intake Form (Choose MIP Intern to Industry Track) and contact Pavel Consuegra at pconsuegra@sdccd.edu and Shawn Fawcett at sfawcett@sdccd.edu.  

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Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) - Undocumented Students

The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) allows undocumented students to participate in an internship to gain work experience and earn a stipend. The DSIG grant will be available to eligible students for up to 8 semesters while they have an active Cal Grant A or B award. Students shall perform at least 150 hours per semester or 300 hours per academic year of internship, community, or volunteer service with a qualifying campus (Mesa College) or service organization. DSIG funding from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award up to $4,500 per academic year (up to $2,250 per semester).

To apply & be considered, complete the Mesa Impactship Program (MIP) Intake Form (Choose MIP Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) Track) and contact contact the Mesa College Dreamer Resource Center (DRC) at MesaDreamers@sdccd.edu. 

Find an Internship!#

Utilize ALL resources to search for jobs & internships – Search in a variety of places, follow companies on LinkedIn/social media, google industry companies, and ask your network (friends, family, professors, etc.) to see if they know of any open opportunities to apply for.

Contact a Mesa Internship Coordinator for help finding an internship – Apply to MIP early. MIP will offer assistance & resources in applying for workforce training or internships, but a placement must be secured by the student in order to be eligible and approved to participate.

Find an Internship - Check out current internship openings on / off-campus from MIP Employer Partners!

 

MIP Internship EXPO#

November 7th | 10:00am - 2:00pm | Mesa College - Quad

• Network with employers & students to explore & interview for internships
• Connect with the MIP Program to get help with applying or recruiting for internships
• FREE resources, swag, resume tips, & interview support

Questions? Contact the Mesa Impactship Program (MIP) at mesaimpactship@sdccd.edu.

MIP Campus Mentors#

The MIP team is seeking Mesa College and SDCCD employees (faculty/staff/admin) to serve as MIP Mentors to student interns in your department or program.

MIP Mentors Support Students By:

• Identifying valuable training opportunities to develop student professional skills
• Providing ongoing support & work direction
• Nurturing student career exploration
• Participating in evaluation of student work performance, project completion & professional skills

Steps to Become a MIP Mentor:

1. View the MIP Mentor Presentation to learn expectations & steps to support an intern
2. Speak with and receive appropriate approval first from your direct Supervisor in your student support department or academic program in order to participate and serve as a MIP Mentor.
   • *NOTE: Any Mesa employee can serve as a MIP Mentor regardless of your level and/or title. You will be supporting a student to give direction on work projects, not serving in a supervisor capacity.
3. Develop a list of at least 3 projects/research that MIP students will complete as an intern within your student support department or academic program.
4. Complete the Spring 2025 MIP Mentor Interest Form - You will be notified about next steps and if there is an eligible MIP student to mentor for this term.
   • **Spring 2025 on-campus MIP internships will run from 3/3-6/2/25. MIP Mentors are encouraged to apply early by 1/10/25 to allow enough time for recruitment & onboarding.
5. Conduct interviews & hire Mesa student(s)
6. Onboard, train, & supervise MIP student(s)
7. Complete necessary forms & participate in evaluation process of MIP Intern(s) work performance, project completion & professional skills as needed for MIP & Work Experience courses

MIP Employer Partners#

Thank you for showing interest in supporting the career preparation of students and building your talent pipeline! 

View more details about the Mesa Impactship Program (MIP) and our Employer Partner engagement

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Benefits of Becoming a MIP Employer Partner:

• Receive Funding to Pay Student Interns - Hire Mesa students for workforce training positions & receive funding to cover all or some of student wages. Funding type will be determined based on eligibility and is intended to support students with reducing out-of-pocket expenses 
• Lead Industry Preparation - Nurture development of desired industry skills & career exploration for underserved students & populations that face barriers to employment
• Grow Your Talent Pipeline - Gain access to a pipeline of qualified, motivated candidates to reduce recruitment costs, minimize hiring risks, & boost company interest
• Diversify Your Workforce - Exceed your DEI commitments by hiring from Mesa College as a HSI, AANAPISI, & military friendly campus serving diverse populations

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MIP Employer Partner Commitments:

• Identify valuable training opportunities to develop student professional skills
• Complete a MIP Employer Agreement to receive approval prior to participation
• Pay student at comparable rate to similar positions within your organization
• Provide ongoing support & supervision
• Nurture student career exploration
• Participate in evaluation of student work performance and project completion - Review details & employer expectations of MIP / Work Experience

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Steps to Participate as a MIP Employer Partner:

• Share available internship or workforce training opportunities directly with MIP Coordinators and post through our Handshake SDCCD Job Board to recruit students
  • Connect with our MIP team for assistance with student recommendations or vetting support
• Complete your internal hiring process (e.g. accepting applications, interviews, etc.)
• Once you have hired a Mesa College student and secured a student placement, please contact the MIP Coordinators via email for next steps and required forms including the following information:
  • Hired Student Name
  • MIP Employer / Company Partner
  • Type of Company
  • Rate of Compensation Per Hour
  • Site Supervisor Name & Contact Information
  • Expected Weekly Hours

Contacts#

Questions or Interested in MIP?

• MIP Co-Lead: Pavel Consuegra - pconsuegra@sdccd.edu
• MIP Co-Lead: Shawn Fawcett - sfawcett@sdccd.edu
• MIP Internship Coordinator: Carole Thompson - cthompson@sdccd.edu
• MIP Internship Coordinator: Ariel Guzman - aguzman@sdccd.edu

• Employer Relations Liaison: Erica Olmos - eolmos@sdccd.edu