Hosting a Penn State Greater Allegheny intern is simple, flexible, and fully supported. Whether you're a first-time host or a returning partner, here's what you need to know about what’s expected—and how we’ll help you every step of the way.

What Makes an Internship “Academic”?

Penn State internships are credit-bearing experiences. That means:

  • Students enroll in a course tied to their major

  • A faculty adviser helps connect the internship to their learning goals

  • You, the host, provide a real-world setting to apply those skills

Think of it like a three-way partnership:
Student + Faculty + You.

Host Site Responsibilities

Here’s what we ask from our internship sites:

1. Provide a Meaningful Experience

Students should be doing work that matters—not just filing paperwork. Ideal internships:

  • Support your organization’s goals

  • Align with the student’s major or interests

  • Include defined tasks or a project the student can own

We can help you shape this if you're not sure where to start.

2. Assign a Supervisor or Mentor

Every intern needs a point of contact — someone who can check in regularly, answer questions, and offer feedback. This person will also:

  • Sign the student’s learning agreement

  • Complete quick midterm and final evaluations (we’ll send these to you)

3. Commit to the Timeframe

  • Internships typically run during fall, spring, or summer semesters

  • Students usually complete 40 hours per credit
    (e.g., 120 hours for 3 credits — about 8–10 hours/week over 15 weeks)

4. Review and Sign the Learning Agreement

Before the internship begins, you’ll review and approve the student’s plan:

  • Contact details

  • Learning goals

  • Role description

  • Timeline

This step protects everyone involved and sets the tone for a successful experience.

5. Offer Feedback

We’ll ask for two quick evaluations. One at the midpoint, one at the end. These help students grow and also guide their final grade.

Employers requiring specific paperwork or contracts for internships should submit them for pre-review to the campus’ internship site supervisor at [email protected].