Non-Profit Immersion Program
What is the Non-Profit Immersion Program
The Non-Profit Immersion Program is a cohort of students who are paired with nonprofit organizations in Columbus. Students meet regularly with their local nonprofit partner and serve as non-voting members of the organizations' boards for one year, where they learn about the inner workings of a nonprofit. Students also complete a capstone project with their community partner, gaining hands-on experience in skills related to nonprofit management.
As a part of the program, students attend biweekly cohort meetings focused on the leadership and professional development skills needed to effectively contribute to a nonprofit organization, such as volunteer management, fundraising, and budgeting.
The nonprofit organizations that we partner with for the Non-Profit Immersion Program are subject to change year to year. The 2024-2025 partners include: Broad Street Food Pantry, Neighborhood Services Inc., St. Vincent Family Services, Feed the Kids Columbus, Charity Newsies, Ohio Animal Advocates, Neighborhood Design Center, and Columbus Early Learning Centers
Non-Profit Immersion Program's Guiding Principles
The Non-Profit Immersion's Mission is to:
- Prepare Ohio State students to be responsible community leaders through an immersive experience with boards of local nonprofit organizations
- Provide Ohio State students with development of leadership and organizational skills
- Support Nonprofit organizations and the local community by offering a fresh perspective and skillset
After participating in the Non-Profit Immersion Program, students will demonstrate competencies in:
- Operations of nonprofit organizations
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Leadership and professional development
- Nonprofit financial and fundraising procedures
- Project creation, implementation, and management
Apply to be a Community Partner with the Non-Profit Immersion Program
Participating community partners will be paired with 1-3 students from the program that you would work with throughout the year to help them understand more about what goes into managing a non-profit organization, including having them join board meetings and working on a capstone project in the Spring semester. They would also do direct service with your organization throughout the year.
Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are now closed. Reach out to Anna Wagner (wagner.1476@osu.edu) with questions.
Apply to the Non-Profit Immersion Program
Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are now closed. Reach out to Anna Wagner (wagner.1476@osu.edu) with questions.
2024-2025 cohort meetings will be every other Tuesday from 6-7:30pm. If you have any questions, please reach out to Anna Wagner (wagner.1476@osu.edu). If you would like perspective from a current student, email NPIP recruitment co-chair Naina Sarup (sarup.3@osu.edu)
What are we looking for in NPIP applicants?
- Strong sense of social responsibility
- An interest in learning about non-profit structures and community engagement
- Ability to commit to weekly cohort meetings on Tuesday evening and 2-4 hours a week with their non-profit
Is NPIP only open to specific majors?
- There are no specific academic backgrounds required, so we actively welcome students from any major!
Who is eligible to be a NPIP intern?
- Applicants need to be (at least) second-year status by Autumn 2024.
- Graduate and professional students are welcome to apply!
- Any major or career goal is welcome
Do I have to have experience working with nonprofits?
- No! This program is designed to introduce students to nonprofit organizations. Students generally have a range of previous community engagement experiences.
Is this program open to graduate and professional students?
- Yes! While the majority of our participants are typically undergraduate students, we welcome graduate and professional students of all degree types.