The Redbirds Launch Internship Grant (Launch Grant) supports Illinois State students pursuing unpaid internships, including student teaching.
For Paula Taylor, who is currently student teaching in a kindergarten class at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Spring Valley, the Launch Grant has made it possible to follow her dream of becoming an early childhood education teacher without the burden of financial hardships.
Taylor described the impact of this opportunity: “Being married and with only one income, the grant has eliminated a tremendous amount of worry and stress regarding financial stability. Knowing that I am receiving a stipend for my hard work encourages me and also allows me to purchase items or resources that would benefit the students in my classroom.”
Internship Connections Coordinator in Career Services Megan Patterson echoed how “the Launch Grant is crucial for students engaging in experiential learning as the funds can help relieve the financial burden that can come with taking credit-bearing internships.” She further explained that the program began in the summer 2024 semester and is funded by the Illinois State University Office of the Provost; over $500,000 has been allocated to offer students up to $250 per week, with a maximum grant total of $4,000 per semester. The initiative seeks to fill the gap left by the conclusion of funds from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Grant in 2021 and 2022.
To Patterson, “Internships are critical to launching careers in any field, including teaching and education professions.” She cited recent national surveys conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) showing that students who complete internships are more likely to receive more job offers, stay loyal to their organization, and spend less time unemployed after graduation. In addition, students who complete internships are more likely to receive a higher first-position salary and indicated higher levels of subjective career success than those who did not do an internship.
In thinking about her career path, Patterson shared her undergraduate experience in an unpaid internship: “I remember how financially challenging that experience was and I could not understand how others, especially those less privileged than myself, had survived it.” For that reason, she highlighted her involvement in internship funding grants, including the Launch Grant, as the greatest honor of her professional career and emphasized how “the Launch Grant helps ensure that all students get the opportunity to improve their professional skills and networks through internship experiences.”
The Launch Grant acknowledges the importance of student teaching requirements toward certification and career success while also recognizing the time commitment and financial stress that the experience entails. To qualify, applicants must be Illinois State students participating in unpaid, credit-bearing internships and must be considered first-generation and/or low-income per their 2024–2025 FAFSA.
Therefore, Patterson encourages any interested students to complete their FAFSA before applying. The Redbirds Launch Internship Grant Spring 2025 application will open on December 9 at 9 a.m. and close on December 11, at 9 a.m.
Patterson wants eligible applicants to be aware that the funding is first-come, first-serve, so students should be ready to complete the application as soon as they can within the 48-hour window that it is open: “They should be ready to answer questions about their internship and what career readiness competencies they hope to learn.”
She points to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) What is Career Readiness? resources for more information about career readiness competencies that applicants can anticipate, such as communication, leadership, and professionalism.
Taylor reiterated that “applying for this grant was very easy. I provided some general information and wrote a short essay about how I would benefit from the grant.” She encourages all interested and eligible students to apply.
Any questions about Redbirds Launch or other internship-funding initiatives can be directed to Megan Patterson at mpatte5@IllinoisState.edu.
