Knox County Foundation Announces Youth Philanthropy Summer Internship Program for College Students
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Knox County Foundation Announces Youth Philanthropy Summer Internship Program for College Students
The Knox County Foundation is now accepting applications for its Youth Philanthropy Internship Program (YPI), a paid summer opportunity designed to connect college students with Knox County nonprofits while building valuable professional and leadership skills.
The 8-week program invites students entering their junior or senior year in the fall of 2026 to Knox County for the summer to work alongside local nonprofit organizations. Interns will gain experience in areas such as nonprofit operations, community engagement, marketing, event planning, and project leadership. Interns will earn up to $3,000 over the course of the summer while gaining hands-on nonprofit experience.
“This program is about investing in our young people and showing them the meaningful philanthropic and professional opportunities that exist right here in Knox County,” said Kara Ernsberger, Program Coordinator at the Knox County Foundation. “We hope this experience inspires students to stay connected to our community and consider returning here after graduation.”
Interns are assigned to nonprofit host organizations, where they collaborate on meaningful initiatives. Their responsibilities may include supporting events, refreshing website content, creating marketing materials, carrying out community surveys, and sharing Knox County’s story through video production and outreach activities. In addition to their placement, interns will participate in site visits and networking opportunities throughout the county.
The application for Knox County nonprofits to host an intern this summer is also now available. Organizations interested in hosting an intern are required to submit an application detailing the intern's anticipated responsibilities, preferred qualifications, and expectations.
Applications for the program are currently open and will close on April 1st.
For more information about the program or to apply, visit https://www.knoxcf.org/youth-philanthropy-internship/
YPI reflects the Foundation’s commitment to developing the next generation of philanthropic leaders while strengthening local nonprofits and the broader community.
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PHOTO: 2025 YPI Summer Interns check out the progress of the Salvation Army's Learning Lighthouse childcare facility in June. From left to right: Captain Christine Moretz of the Salvation Army of Mount Vernon; Kara Ernsberger, Program Coordinator at Knox County Foundation; YPI Summer Interns Tyler Chinn and Oliver Griffith; and Lisa Lloyd, Senior Program Director at Knox County Foundation.
