Information for Students

Student Eligibility

  • Bishop Elevate Interns must be first-generation students. Ohio Wesleyan's first-generation student definition is: A student for whom no parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have completed a 4-year (Bachelor's) degree, regardless of other family members' level of education. First-Gen student status will be verified for all applicants by Bishop Elevate. 

  • The minimum cumulative GPA requirement to apply for a first-generation internship is 2.5.

  • Students are permitted to work a maximum of 8 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters; students are not permitted to work over break periods.

  • Students are able to work 1 additional on-campus job with a Bishop Elevate First-Generation Internship, however, they are not permitted to work over 20 hours per week. Bishop Elevate Interns cannot be an RA at the same time due to the responsibilities of an RA. Students can only hold 1 Bishop Elevate First-Generation Internship each semester.

Bishop Elevate Internship FAQs for Students

Can only first-generation students apply?

Yes, only first-generation students are eligible for Bishop Elevate First-Generation Internship opportunities. Ohio Wesleyan's first-generation student definition is: A student for whom no parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have completed a 4-year (Bachelor's) degree, regardless of other family members' level of education. First-Gen student status will be verified for all applicants by Bishop Elevate.

Where does funding come from? How are students paid?

The Bishop Elevate First-Generation Internship Program is funded by grant money and generous donations from alumni.

For AY 2024-2025, student interns will be paid $11.50/hour. Students are compensated through bi-weekly student-payroll disbursements. Students are responsible for recording hours worked in their timesheet.

How many hours can an intern work?

Interns should work no more than 8 hours per week and cannot exceed 15 weeks of work. Students should work only when classes are in session. Students should not work during breaks or final exam weeks.

Can I have more than 1 Bishop Elevate Internship?

No, students are only permitted to have 1 Bishop Elevate Internship per semester. Students can apply and interview for up to 3 positions during the application process.

Can I have another on-campus job?

Students are permitted to work a maximum of 2 on-campus jobs. Students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. Learn more about Student Employment at OWU.

What if I'm interested in an off-campus unpaid internship?

You can be paid for an off-campus internship experience as part of the Bishop Elevate Internship Program. For more information, please contact the Director of First-Generation Student Success, Thea Smekens, at tjsmekens@owu.edu.