The Donald S. Dean Adopt-A-Student Program
The Donald S. Dean Adopt-A-Student Program offers summer internships to college students interested in the natural sciences. Students selected to participate have the opportunity to spend eight weeks working with Museum curators on research projects.
The Kirtlandia Society, a Museum Associated Society, has sponsored the program since 1980. The society raises money to cover each internship's salary, expenses and tax obligations.
The program's name derives from the idea that its supporters are "adopting" each of the participating students for this period. It is dedicated in honor of Donald S. Dean, a past president of the Kirtlandia Society. To support the Adopt-A-Student program, donate now. Please select "Kirtlandia Adopt-A-Student" from the drop-down list.
Note: Former Adopt-A-Students and alumni of the program, we would like to hear about your experiences with the Museum and about your subsequent careers. Please take a moment to fill out the survey attached below. Please fax your response to the attention of Ann S. DuFresne at (216) 231-5919. Thank you.
Program Goals
The Adopt-A-Student Program allows students to gain hands-on experience in fields in which they may be considering careers. They get a sense of what working at a professional level in these areas requires.
Students also receive the satisfaction of knowing they have made real contributions to science through their summer's work. They present the results of their research at the Kirtlandia Society's annual August luncheon meeting.
General Information
Duration: Eight weeks, exact dates to be arranged with direct supervisor
Compensation: $7.70 per hour, plus up to $200 for expenses for materials required by the project, minus payroll deductions
Who May Apply: U.S. citizens who are college undergraduates (sophomores, juniors and seniors) or who have graduated from college in the current year
Program Requirement: Each intern must present the results of his/her project in a five-minute talk and poster display at the August Kirtlandia Society meeting.
Please Note:
• Projects may not be offered in all Museum areas each year.
• Most projects, but not all, require fieldwork and lab work.
• Several projects require students to provide their own transportation.
• Students must provide for their own housing.
Positions Available
Please read further details on the 2012 projects and research areas available.
When to Apply
Completed applications are due in early March. Curators who will be supervising summer projects interview candidates for each position. Awards are announced by mid-April.
How to Apply
1. Complete the application form.
2. Write a brief statement that:
Explains your choice of preferred research areas
Mentions your interests, previous work experience and other pertinent information that might support your application
Indicates how you expect to benefit from your Adopt-A-Student experience
3. Obtain two letters of recommendation from your professors or instructors.
Deadlines:
Completed applications are due in early March. Selected applicants are contacted and interviewed the next month. Awards are announced by mid-April.
Requirement:
Each intern MUST present the results of his/her project at the August meeting of the Kirtlandia Society (held on the second Saturday of August). The presentation consists of a 5 minute talk and a poster display.
Please Note:
Most projects, but not all, require fieldwork as well as lab work.
Several projects require that the student provide his/her own transportation.
The Adopt-A-Student Program is open to undergraduates from all colleges; however, only those who can arrange summer housing in the greater Cleveland metropolitan area will find this program practicable.
For More Information:
Contact Ann S. DuFresne, (216) 231-4600, ext. 3243, Fax: (216) 231-5919 or adufresn@cmnh.org.
Other Museum Internship Opportunities
In addition to the Adopt-A-Student Program, the Museum offers other internship opportunities.