Through HECUA’s Partners Internship Program a Gustavus Student Helps Non-profit Obtain $110,000 Grant
Rebecca Andert secured a paid internship with Minnesota’s Rice Lake site of Habitat for Humanity through HECUA's Partners Internship Program (PIP) this past summer ‘07. A Gustavus Adolphus College student, Rebecca applied for the internship position last March 2007 as any undergraduate currently enrolled in any Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin college or university, or HECUA consortium member school is eligible for participation in PIP.
PIP is a grant-providing program that seeks to advance the nonprofit sector and to benefit communities and students. The program is guided by the following objectives:
- To provide students with job experience in the nonprofit sector that is substantive and valuable and that furthers personal, educational, and professional growth
- To promote student interest in employment or other forms of participation in the nonprofit sector
- To assist nonprofit organizations in engaging students and volunteers more effectively through project-based work
- To encourage projects that will have a positive and lasting impact in communities in which the nonprofit works.
Rebecca was initially hired by the Habitat for Humanity in Rice Lake to help research what it would take for the site to launch a ReStore. Habitat ReStores are retail outlets where quality used and surplus building materials are sold at a fraction of normal prices. Proceeds from ReStores help local affiliates fund the construction of Habitat houses within the community. Many Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the United States and Canada operate successful ReStores—some of which raise enough funds to build an additional 10 or more houses per year.
While working on a Restore business plan, Rebecca came across a grant program run through Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources. After completing the general business plan for Restore she tackled a new project she had never tried before - grant writing.
Read more about the process and Rebecca’s reaction to the award. The complete story, written by Robb Murray, a Mankato Free Press reporter, can be found on the Gustavus Adolphus online news source.
