• Cross-sector internships are curated cohort-based professional learning experiences. Interns work alongside scholars and professionals in the public and private sectors to make industry connections, develop hard and soft skills, and gain practical knowledge in chosen industry areas and fields of inquiry.

• Typically, the work is project-based and takes place in-person at one of 4-6 field sites across the world. Scholars are fully funded and participate in biweekly virtual briefing sessions to reflect upon and share their experiences. Internship placements vary geographically and focus on topical areas at the intersection of business and society.

• Cross-sector internships take place during the summer of the sophomore year. Interns are not considered permanent full-time staff, but like staff, have established work schedules, assigned job duties, and access to professional development opportunities.

The Luther Hodges Scholars program is committed to developing future business leaders equipped with the tools needed to address the timeliest, most pressing issues facing business and society today and in future. To facilitate this learning, the program provides scholars with a real-world work experience at the intersection of the public and private sectors.

In the fall semester following the summer cross-sector internship, scholars feature their work in the program’s annual Cross-Sector Internship Showcase. The showcase is an opportunity for scholars to reflect on their internship experience and provides friends and supporters of the Luther Hodges Scholars Program the opportunity to see the impact scholars are making across the globe.

Types of internship placements include:

• Public. Internships with non-profit organizations where cross-sector cooperation is emphasized. Examples include state and local economic development agencies, public housing agencies, community development corporations, chambers of commerce, and workforce development agencies.

• Private. Internships in the private sector or with businesses where there is a clear focus on the public good. Examples include corporate affairs divisions within corporations, private firms, community reinvestment divisions of commercial banks; corporate philanthropic, environmental and sustainability initiatives; and housing developers.
• Academic / Research. Internships with academic or research organizations, particularly those undertaking work related to the Kenan Institute’s research focus areas.

In the fall semester following the summer cross-sector internship, scholars feature their work in the program’s annual Cross-Sector Internship Showcase. The showcase is an opportunity for scholars to share what they’ve learned and accomplished and reflect on their internship experience. The showcase provides friends and supporters of the Luther Hodges Scholars Program the opportunity to see the impact scholars are making across the globe.