The Cannon Family Charitable Trust Cross-Sector Internship Program is a signature experiential learning initiative of the Luther Hodges Scholars (LHS) Program at UNC Kenan-Flagler. The program prepares future business leaders to address complex economic and societal challenges through collaboration across business, government, academia, and the nonprofit sector.
Through curated, cohort-based summer internships, scholars work alongside corporate executives, professionals, researchers, nonprofit leaders, and community partners, tackling issues related to healthcare, economic development, housing, sustainability, education, workforce development, and community well-being. Scholars gain hands-on professional experience while strengthening the leadership, research, and cross-sector collaboration skills needed to thrive in today’s interconnected world.
Unlike traditional business internships focused primarily on technical skill-building, the LHS model combines immersive professional experience with structured reflection, mentorship, cohort learning, and leadership development designed to prepare students to navigate complexity and work effectively across sectors.
In addition to strengthening hard skills such as data analysis, financial modeling, project management, digital marketing, and financial accounting, scholars are coached to develop critical thinking, cultural competency, negotiation, active listening, and evidence-based problem-solving and ethical decision-making skills essential to effective leadership across diverse environments.
LHS scholars are selected through a highly competitive application process.
The Cannon Family Charitable Trust first partnered with LHS in 2024 through an initial investment supporting the program’s internship initiative. Since then, the relationship has evolved into a dynamic strategic partnership grounded in a shared commitment to educational opportunity, nonprofit engagement, and community impact across North Carolina.
In addition to financial support, the Trust has helped expand the internship ecosystem by connecting LHS with nonprofit organizations, civic leaders, and philanthropic and corporate partners, including the Truist Foundation. These relationships have created meaningful opportunities for scholars to engage in mission-driven work while contributing to organizations making an impact in communities across the state of North Carolina and beyond.
The Trust’s five-year commitment reflects a long-term investment in experiential learning and in the development of future leaders equipped to build partnerships, strengthen communities, and lead with purpose.
Cross-sector internships take place during the summer following scholars’ sophomore year. Placements are immersive, project-based, and intentionally designed to help students connect business knowledge with public impact.
Each fall, scholars present their work during the annual Cross-Sector Internship Showcase, where they share project outcomes, lessons learned, and reflections on working across sectors to address complex challenges.
Scholars supported strategic initiatives at the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development in Mesa, Arizona by conducting research, developing communications and grant materials, and advancing Native business growth through culturally informed, impact-driven work.
Scholars analyzed impact data and crafted a 25th anniversary report at Latino Community Credit Union in Durham, NC, highlighting how community-based finance and nontraditional lending models advance financial inclusion and economic opportunity for underserved populations.
Scholars advanced inclusive development initiatives at Kenan Foundation Asia in Bangkok, Thailand by supporting strategic communications, partnership development, and digital learning projects that promote education, economic growth, and social equity across Southeast Asia.
Scholars served as internal consultants at KAL Firm in Atlanta, Georgia, developing strategic solutions for Soccer in the Streets’ initiatives through research, stakeholder engagement, and operational support to enhance community impact and sustainability.
Scholars conducted statewide interviews and sector research at Go Global NC in Research Triangle Park, NC to develop a cross-sector training model that strengthens North Carolina’s global engagement and economic competitiveness.
Scholars advanced strategic initiatives at CLIMB USA in Madison, Wisconsin by researching nonprofit funding models, collaborating across key workstreams, and recommending scalable revenue strategies to enhance organizational sustainability.
Scholars served as business analysts to provide consulting services, develop partnership proposals, create marketing and fundraising plans, and conduct market research for non-profit organizations in Atlanta, GA.
Scholars functioned as strategy consultants to support financial literacy, capital market engagement, and generational wealth-building efforts for young adults in Madison, Wisconsin.
Scholars traveled to Bangkok, Thailand working as research interns for this non-profit that empowers communities in Southeast Asia through economic development, social inclusion and educational initiatives.
Scholars worked for this Morgantown, West Virginia-based not-for-profit health insurer, supporting efforts to bridge the gap between provider and payer as they served as data analysts responsible extensive data-collection and analysis.
Scholars interned at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, serving as International Trade Specialist Interns in Greensboro, NC, conducting research, enhancing marketing initiatives and evaluating data.
Scholars lived in Washington, D.C., advancing the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine’s economy through their roles working as associates for this global non-profit.
My project specifically dealt with food insecurity in education systems at all-levels.
This summer I worked with the Lyons Community Foundation in Lyons, Colorado to create a summer internship. In a town of 2,500 people, I was able to see how the foundation’s summer concert series, fundraising efforts, and community projects directly impact the community. My two big projects were organizing the Summer Concert Series and working on the foundation’s 2nd Annual Hootenanny, a community fundraising event.
The National Housing Trust Community Development Fund (NHTCDF) promotes the long-term preservation of quality housing by providing financing to entities engaged in developing and maintaining quality affordable housing.
We are venture catalysts, accelerating impact through long term investments to expand skills, connections, capacity, and visibility.
Over the summer, I worked with JDRF’s Marketing & Communications team to expand the corporate development marketing portfolio, research social media metrics, write promotional sample copies, and develop ideas for National Diabetes Awareness Month.
Blended finance, which involves the interaction of the public and private funding, is key in developing in sustainable affordable housing.
KENAN FOUNDATION ASIA: A non-profit established in to inspire students, develop skilled people, and grow strong leaders in Thailand and the surrounding area.
In the spring semester, I interned with the Ackerman Center for Excellence in Sustainability and primarily worked in two areas: facilitating the LIFT challenge and researching the cycle of food waste.
+10,000 teachers take part in the Varkey Foundation’s efforts towards teacher development. This is done by programming, legislation, and awareness.
Charlotte Community Health Clinic is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Charlotte, NC. organizations improve access to health care to underserved communities.
This summer, I worked on various campaigns within EarthDay Network, writing informational articles for site visitors, creating content for social media channels, and gaining insight into the workings of a non-profit organization.
Mission: Leading America’s foreign policy to advance the interests and security of the American people.