BLOOMINGTON – A newly endowed gift from Jane and Jay Jorgensen, housed within the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, has created a student internship to help support anti-racist work at Indiana University, exploring issues of racial equity and raising awareness of equality for all.
The Jane Jorgensen Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Internship empowers students at all IU campuses to develop as leaders who will transform society and be recruited to IU as top candidates to further diversify university professional staff.
“This program is designed to benefit not only the students but also the university,” longtime philanthropist Jane Jorgensen said. “It allows the institution to build and keep a pool of diverse talent, making IU a better university.”
The internship program provides students a unique opportunity for personal and professional development and enhances their skill sets in anti-racist work. Interns pair with mentors and gain valuable training experiences with leaders in multiple offices across the university.
“The program makes a conscious effort to look for students with a wide range of talents and skills and, more importantly, students underrepresented in leadership roles across the institution,” said Joyce Rogers, interim executive vice president for development for the Indiana University Foundation. “The idea is to ultimately provide IU with a pool of competitive, diverse leaders for future employment and individuals who are knowledgeable about IU’s diversity and equity work.”
Additional components of the Jane Jorgensen Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Internship include:
- Student interns register for a one-credit-hour course each semester to discuss experiences and meet with guest speakers on a bimonthly schedule.
- Student interns create, plan and lead “Reflective Roundtable Dialogues” on current relevant issues, open to the entire campus community.
- Student interns join Leadership Lectures and Socials, events that connect individuals to faculty, staff, pre-major clubs, alumni and professionals working in students’ fields of interest.
- Student interns participate in one-day workshops to coincide with the Indiana University Executive Leadership Advantage Program and other professional development opportunities. Also, interns engage with a diverse group of university employees and invited community guests.
“IU has a deep commitment to anti-racism,” said Lemuel Watson, associate vice president for diversity, equity, and multicultural affairs. “This internship program represents a key part of its work to build diverse and inclusive campus cultures and places where every individual is encouraged and embraced to do his or her best.”
Students must be enrolled full time in an advanced undergraduate or graduate degree program at Indiana University to qualify for the internship. Full-time status equates to at least 12 credit hours for undergraduate students and at least eight credit hours for graduate and professional students.
“Now more than ever, there is a renewed sense of urgency to support efforts that help students, especially those who are underrepresented in higher education,” Jorgensen said. “Instilling students with the skills and abilities to be compassionate and constructive leaders will go a long way in addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion and to building healthy, productive communities for all.”
To complete an application, visit the Jane Jorgensen Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Internship web page.
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