February 14, 2010

At Kalamazoo College, Money for Internships and Preparation, Too

At Kalamazoo, Money for Internships, and Preparation, Too 1

Tony Dugal, Kalamazoo College

LaShawn Etheridge, a sophomore at Kalamazoo College, plans to do a research project on social justice and hunger after using a first-generation grant for an internship in Washington.

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close At Kalamazoo, Money for Internships, and Preparation, Too 1

Tony Dugal, Kalamazoo College

LaShawn Etheridge, a sophomore at Kalamazoo College, plans to do a research project on social justice and hunger after using a first-generation grant for an internship in Washington.

By Sara Lipka

Certain experiences can enrich a college education—if students pursue them. Although first-generation students show greater gains from "high impact" programs like study abroad and senior projects, they are less likely to participate, according to a report published in 2008 by the Association of American Colleges and Universities.

Kalamazoo College is trying to make one such experience, internships, more accessible. "The thinking was, for first-generation students, ... it was