Pathways to Purpose
This program is generously made possible by NetVue and Lilly Foundation’s “Fostering Leadership for Communities of Faith Grant.
Summer Faith Leadership Internship + Interfaith Dinner Series
Pathways to Purpose is a unique opportunity to explore leadership and vocation through hands-on experience with Boston’s diverse faith communities. Participants in this program will explore careers and leadership roles within faith communities while developing practical, real-world skills such as public speaking, event planning, teamwork, leadership, and community engagement. They will also gain valuable tools for vocational discernment to help clarify their sense of purpose and direction, all while being part of a supportive cohort of student leaders.
This program has two parts. Accepted students will be expected to complete both parts of the internship requirement:
This experience involves working closely with a local faith community (such as a mosque, church, or service organization) while contributing to key areas including worship and liturgy, community service and social justice initiatives, education and outreach, and pastoral care.
Participants meet weekly with a faith leader mentor for guidance and support, engage in four on-campus professional and reflective workshops led by Mission & Ministry staff, and take part in ongoing vocational reflection to explore their purpose and develop their identity as leaders.
For this work, you will receive a $2500 stipend and on-campus summer housing. You will also receive mentorship from faith leaders, as well as skill building workshops and career guidance.
Participants will plan and host an interfaith dinner at their internship site, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue and connection. They will invite fellow students to engage with a new faith community and lead thoughtful conversations centered on religion and public life, the exploration of purpose and vocation, and issues of social justice and service.
| Early April | Applications Open |
| Late April-Mid May | Internship Sites finalize offers and students sign learning agreement |
| May | Students attend required Kick-Off Event and move into housing. |
| May/Early June | Students begin internships if they have not already |
| August | Students and Supervisors attend Certificate Dinner. Students submit final visual asset/project |
| September- November | Students host Interfaith Dinner Series at their internship site and attend at least two other dinners. |
Cover letters and resumes will be read by Mission & Ministry staff and the religious communities. Please use your cover letter as a chance to explain to the religious community why you would be a good intern.
This opportunity is open to students interested in faith, spirituality, or interfaith dialogue, as well as those passionate about social justice, community engagement, leadership, and service. No specific religious background is required, and students of all beliefs and experiences are welcome to participate.
Both the student intern and the internship supervisor must sign the Learning Agreement Form.
This form is designed to formalize the internship arrangement between a student and the host organization.
It includes sections for both student and site information such as:
- Job description/details about the internship
- Internship title
- Total hours per week
- Start and end dates
The agreement outlines the Learning Goals + Outcomes the student aims to achieve through the internship, specifying the activities that will help reach these goals.
By signing the agreement, the student agrees to performing their duties to the best of their ability and adhering to the organization’s rules and schedule.
By signing the agreement, the supervisor agrees to provide a conducive learning environment, communicate with the student about their performance, and complete an evaluation of the student’s work.
Q: Can this count as the internship I need to graduate/for my major requirement?
A: You may be able to use this internship experience to fulfill your department’s internship requirement IF you also enroll in your major’s internship summer course and complete the assignments in the Professional Pathways Program AND your summer internship course. Use this link to view summer internship courses to see if your department’s internship course is offered.
Q: Can I park on campus over the summer?
A: At this time parking is not part of the Pathways to Purpose and is limited in the summer months. Please make arrangements for the summer months. Any requests for parking should be directed to studentparking@emmanuel.edu.
Q: What are the beginning and end dates of the internship?
A: This should be worked out with your direct Supervisor, but generally it should begin late May/early June to mid-August.
Q: What are the beginning and end dates for Summer on-campus housing?
A: Summer housing is offered in St. Ann’s which is a traditional building with no air-conditioning included. Transitional housing is not part of the Professional Pathways Program (housing between the regular semesters and the summer term). Any requests for transitional housing should be directed to Andy Anderson andersona4@emmanuel.edu.
Q: What are the hours over the summer per day/week?
A: A minimum of approximately 15 hours per week. Your exact schedule should be worked out with your direct Supervisor.
Q: When will I receive the stipend?
A: Payroll will coordinate with you on direct deposit or a check. Payout dates for the stipend usually take place in mid June ($1000), mid July ($1000) late August ($500). The full payment of the stipend is based on completion of the program including on site and course participation.
Q: If I have questions or concerns who can I contact?
A: If you have any questions or concerns throughout the application or internship process, please contact Mission and Ministry at missionandministry@emmanuel.edu. Mission and Ministry is typically available Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30 in EAB247.
