Summer Internship Program
The Summer Internship Program, offered by the Career Success Center in partnership with Workforce Essentials, is a 10-week paid summer immersive experience for rising juniors and seniors at Austin Peay State University (APSU) to receive meaningful, hands-on opportunities in local economic development, business innovation, and community-focused initiatives. Interns are placed within the Clarksville-Montgomery County region.
For Students | Application Process
Please note the application window will open Monday, February 1, 2026 for the 2026 cohort (subject to change).
Interested full-time rising juniors and seniors should demonstrate their commitment by submitting an application that highlights their alignment with the program’s goals. Successful applicants should showcase a strong interest in gaining hands-on career experience within Montgomery County, a passion for community engagement, and a collaborative mindset.
Program Eligibility
The APSU Summer Internship Program is open to undergraduate students who are eager to gain real-world experience while contributing to the economic and community development of Montgomery County.
To be considered, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must be enrolled as a full-time APSU student during the Spring 2026 semester.
- Rising junior or senior status.
- Minimum GPA of 2.75.
- Demonstrate interest in community engagement, leadership, or economic development.
Application Checklist
Please note the application deadline is Friday, February 20, 2026 (subject to change).
1. Prepare Your Application Materials
Resume: Highlight your educational background, work experience, skills, and relevant accomplishments.
Cover Letter/Letter of Interest: Write a compelling letter that explains your interest in the internship program and how your background aligns with the goals of our community initiatives. Provide a brief statement outlining your passion for community engagement, leadership, or economic development, as well as what you hope to gain from the internship experience. State your top two internship site options. 2026 sites will be determined by January 30, 2026 (subject to change).
For assistance with this make an appointment with one of your career success coaches.
2. Submit Your Application
Applications for the Summer 2026 cohort will open in Spring 2026. All applications will be submitted via Handshake. To register or activate your Handshake account click here.
3. Interview Process (If Selected)
Selected students will participate in final interviews with representatives from Career Success, Workforce Development, and Workforce Essentials to determine which internship opportunities are the best fit based on their interests and skill sets.
For Employers | Application Process
Apply Now
By participating in this program, employers gain access to a pipeline of skilled student interns eager to contribute meaningfully to their organizations while developing critical workplace competencies.
Employer Requirements
The primary aim of our internship program is to equip students with hands-on experience in their fields of interest while contributing to local businesses and community initiatives. Employers will be expected to:
- Define project(s), set clear expectations, and provide opportunities for skill development.
- Provide structured, supportive, and meaningful internship experience.
- Fund intern(s) at $6,000.00 subsidized amount.
- Designate a preceptor to mentor, supervise, and develop intern(s).
- Participate in program onboarding and closing activities.
By submitting this application, an employer agrees to provide a structured, supportive, and impactful internship experience for selected students.
Financial Commitment
To foster a sustainable local talent pipeline, participating organizations are invited to contribute a financial commitment of $10,000. Thanks to a generous donation from Workforce Essentials, this fee has been adjusted to only $6,000, making it more accessible for businesses looking to engage with APSU students while promoting organizational visibility.
The $6,000.00 subsidized program commitment covers:
- Student Intern Compensation
- Summer Campus Housing (for APSU students)
- Programming Costs, including Transportation, Programming meals, Marketing and Communications, etc.
- Student Intern Recruitment, Placement, and Program Administration
Program Benefits for Employers
- Talent pipeline
- New perspectives and skills
- Brand awareness
- Strong partnership with APSU
- Registration Waiver for APSU Job & Internship Fair
2026 Tentative Program Timeline
**Dates are subject to change.**
December 8: Employer Information Session and Launch
December 8-January 11: Employer Application Window
January 12-15: Employer Selections & Notifications
February 1-February 20: Student Application Window
March 16-18: Student Finalist Interviews
March 30-31: Interns Selections & Placement Notifications
May 4 - 15: Program Onboarding Period for Employers
June 1: Internship Program Begins/Kickoff Week
June 8-August 3: First and Last Day at Internship Sites
August 4-6: Closing Activities
August 7: Internship Program Ends
