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The United Way Summer Program
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Introduction
An exciting summer opportunity awaits outstanding graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in making a difference in the nonprofit sector by working with United Way, one of the most recognized philanthropic nonprofit organizations in the nation. The United Way Summer Associate Program is a rigorous two-month project-oriented experience that allows participants to get valuable work experience while gaining insights about how the new mission of United Way, “to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities,” is making a difference in people’s lives across the nation. This is an exciting yet challenging time to be involved with United Way during its transformation from a fundraising organization to a leader in achieving community impact. As a Summer Associate, you will have the opportunity to become engaged in an exciting work and learning adventure that will help you build understanding of the United Way System and help inform your future decision-making about United Way as a career option.

View 2007 Summer Associate Positions

Summer Associate Program Overview
Under the guidance and supervision of management, Summer Associates work on project teams formed to support the alignment of the organization, staff, and resources. In 2006 we received over six hundred applications, hired eighteen Summer Associates in UWA headquarters and another eight in local United Ways across the country. Past projects have included work on early childhood development initiatives Success By 6 and Born Learning, collaboration on a system-wide knowledge and best practices sharing portal (Knowledge Café), development of Alternative Spring Break programs and resources, and the creation of the Standards of Excellence (the benchmark of excellence for operating a local United Way).

Local and National Opportunities
In 2007, UWA will continue its expansion of the Summer Associate Program in partnership with local United Ways across the country. Program participants will now have the opportunity to collaborate with local United Way professionals in cities throughout the nation as they work on key community issues.

What Our Program Alumni are Saying:

  Julia Travers- Yale School of Management, Class of 2005
I learned more about strategy in my summer internship with United Way of America than in the entire first year of my MBA program. The UW system is undergoing such a comprehensive transformation that it was the ideal place to learn about strategic change management. I could not have picked a more educational summer internship experience.
  Daniel Chu — Harvard Business School, Class of 2006
What I liked best about the United Way Summer Associate Program was the opportunity to make an impact at one of the world's largest nonprofits. The program allowed me to work in my areas of interest and learn from the hundreds of volunteers and staff that have made the United Way system so great.
  Lonsdale Green — – John F. Kennedy School of Government, Class of 2005
My internship at United Way of America provided me with an unparalleled opportunity to work inside America's largest nonprofit organization. The projects I worked on put me in touch with high-level staff members who gave me a chance to put into practice the skills and concepts I'm learning in my graduate program.
  Erica Oppenheimer — Yale University, Class of 2007
As a Summer Associate, I the opportunity to analyze the economic success and community impact United Way has experienced as a result of its business model transformation. I quickly became part of the team, working on interesting projects that provided me with a whole range of opportunities to learn more about what makes United Way one of the oldest and most successful nonprofits in America.
  Chris Ferreira — UC Davis Graduate School of Management, Class of 2006
The greatest part about working for UWA is the bottom line. UWA is run like a corporation in terms of organizational structure and accountability, but the bottom line, the measure of success, is ultimately the number of people you help, the communities you strengthen, and the lives you improve
  Vinice Davis — Yale School of Management, Class of 2006
It is clear that the people at United Way are very passionate about mobilizing the community to make lasting changes. United Way is involved in every aspect of the community, which gave me the opportunity to learn about every facet of the nonprofit sector.


About the United Way System
United Way organizations across America galvanize community resources to have the greatest possible impact on people’s lives. As a leader in communities, United Ways address the most critical local issues and mobilize resources beyond the dollars that are pledged through fund-raising efforts. To achieve community impact, often United Ways work with various community partners, which include schools, government policy makers, businesses, organized labor, financial institutions, voluntary and neighborhood associations, community development corporations and the faith community.

Program Details:
The Summer Associate program lasts 8-12 weeks and will begin in early June 2007. During the program, all Summer Associates work full time. These are paid positions. Within the UWA headquarters, pay is based on education Undergraduate = $12/hr and Graduate = $15/hr. Positions within local United Ways may offer different pay rates. Participants are responsible for all travel and housing costs during the program.

Apply:
View all available 2007 Summer Associate positions.

Qualifications:
The United Way of America Summer Associate opportunities are open to students of undergraduate or graduate programs. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and communication skills along with demonstrated leadership ability. Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team. We sincerely invite diverse applicants to apply.

Contact Us:
If you have any additional questions or comments, please the Summer Associate program administrator at summer.programs@unitedway.org