Intern Foundry Program FAQ’s
Q: What is the Foundry?
A: The Foundry Community is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in downtown Lincoln with a
mission to support, educate, and develop the purpose driven community of Lincoln
and Nebraska. The Foundry is an organization committed to “helping the helpers”
and has purpose as a centering theme and value in everything we do – talent and
capacity, organizational incubation, and co-working. For more information about
the Foundry, visit https://thefoundry.co/ .
Q: Why the Foundry?
A: The Intern Foundry program stands out for its unique focus on professional development and purpose-driven work. As an intern, you’ll engage in meaningful projects that enhance key skills such as communication, problem-solving, and the ability to transfer knowledge across various fields—competencies that are central to the Honors experience. Additionally, the program provides valuable training in project management, preparing you to lead and collaborate effectively in real-world settings. Beyond skill-building, you’ll be part of a vibrant, supportive community at the Foundry, where you can connect with like-minded peers and mentors who are passionate about helping you grow both personally and professionally.
Q: Is this internship paid?
A: Yes! The Intern Foundry Program pays $15/hour for 8 hours a week.
Q: What are the key dates and requirements for the Spring 2026 Intern Foundry program?
A: The Spring 2026 Intern Foundry program includes several important dates and required events that interns should be aware of:
- Monday, October 13: Priority IF Application Deadline
- Friday, October 17: Final IF Application Deadline
- Tuesday, November 11: UNL Priority Registration Deadline (IF Spring Students register for UH99 this week)
- Friday, December 5: Program Kick-Off (interns meet supervisors for the first time)
- Saturday, December 6: IF Training Begins
- January 12 - May 1, 2026: Spring Internships
- Mid March (date TBD): Midterm Evaluation
- Friday, May 1: IF Spring Celebration
Q: How do I earn my 99H credit through the Intern Foundry program?
A: To earn your 99H credit, you’ll need to participate in five required paid sessions as part of the continuation of the Intern Foundry training and development program.
These sessions will cover a variety of topics, including community impact speakers, team building, and personal and professional development. Additionally, any homework for the 99H course will be completed during class in the form of reflections.
Additionally, the required pre-internship Project Management training, which takes place in January, will provide up to 18 hours of in-person training and is also a crucial part of fulfilling your 99H credit requirements.
Q: Is the IF program in person or remote?
A: There are many different positions available through IF, and all of them look different. Your supervisor will communicate with you whether your position is in person, remote, or a hybrid.
Q: Are there training sessions with this internship?
A: As part of the Intern Foundry program, students are required to receive paid project management training.
Each training session includes up to 18 hours, scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily, along with up to two hours of paid unscheduled work time. This in-person training will cover essential areas such as project management, preparing your semester internship plan, an introduction to purpose-driven industries, team building, and self-awareness.
Additionally, interns will have the chance to participate in up to three 30-minute paid coaching sessions with Intern Foundry Coordinators throughout the semester to support their growth and development.
Q: Do I need experience to Apply to the Intern Foundry?
A: The Intern Foundry selection process is competitive and assesses students in the following categories related to their experience:
- Application professionalism
- Diversity of experience (brought in and/or desired)
- Focus on purpose
- Career Interest and Connection
Students of all ages are encouraged to apply for Intern Foundry, although the program is specifically designed for Sophomores and Juniors. A diversity of students have been selected for past Intern Foundry cohorts – some with work experience, some with no work experience – and anyone interested is highly encouraged to apply.
