Tomson Internship Scholarship

Through a generous donation to the Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention (PATCVP) from O. Jay and Patricia Tomson, the PATCVP offers financial support for eligible students in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences who are undertaking internships in agencies, non-profit organizations, associations, or government agencies that have a focus on interpersonal violence such as child maltreatment, sexual, domestic, and family violence. 

Internships in which students are focusing on such issues in a non-victim service oriented agency will be considered as well. Focus areas may include related policy development, partnership/coalition development, criminal justice issues, education etc.

Depending on the number of applicants, unique characteristics of the internship (e.g. location, travel, and length of the internship) or applicant needs, the individual scholarship awards may vary in amount.

Eligibility

University of Northern Iowa students who are pursuing an internship experience in the violence prevention field and/or providing services to victims/survivors of domestic, sexual or family violence. Internships may be at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Requirements

  • Academic achievement (3.0 GPA or better).
  • Have a declared major in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (CSBS), or pursuing a graduate degree in a program found in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
  • Enrolled in an internship course associated with a major/graduate program in CSBS. The internship should be an upper level/senior level type of internship, or associated with the program of study leading to the graduate degree.
  • Have an internship agreement with a non-profit agency, association or government department who has a focus on the prevention or provision of services to victims/survivors of domestic, sexual or family violence.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal and professional skills necessary to interface with the public, agency personnel and/or clients, or the potential thereof.
  • Have a foundational understanding of the dynamics or issues associated with domestic, sexual, family, or community violence.
  • Ability to participate in a scholarship recipient reception and presentation of internship experience.

Criteria for internship sites

  • Internship sites shall have a focus on providing prevention from at least one level of the multi-systemic public health model of prevention and/or services to victims/survivors of domestic, sexual or family violence.
  • Have capability of providing supervision of interns in a manner that enhances their educational and professional development.
  • Collaborate with the PATCVP and the student’s academic/internship supervisor to provide periodic feedback and evaluation on the intern’s development and performance.

How do I apply?

Students interested in applying for the Tomson Scholarship Internship should submit the following documents to the PATCVP Director, Alysa Mozak at alysa.mozak@uni.edu, and Co-Director Michael Fleming at michael.fleming@uni.edu. Students may also drop off scholarship documents in person at the PATCVP office located at 309 Sabin Hall, UNI.

When is it due?

Tomson Scholarships are available for internships during the academic year as well as the summer sessions. We encourage students to submit their applications once their internship placements have been arranged.

For full consideration, and timely processing, students should submit their application by the Friday before the semester/session in which their internship begins. Applications submitted after this time will be considered as funds allow. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Will there be other opportunities?

Through a generous endowment by the Tomson family we expect to offer this scholarship program for the foreseeable future.

What are the expectations associated with the scholarship?

Students are expected to fulfill the expectations of their internships as determined by their Department and their faculty supervisor.

Additional expectations for the Tomson scholarship recipients are to participate in a spring semester reception recognizing the Tomson family for their support.

What if I have questions?

Questions regarding the internship may be directed to Dr. Michael Fleming or Alysa Mozak at the Patricia A. Tomson Center for Violence Prevention, or by calling the PATCVP at 319-273-3545.