How is the agency expected to pay the intern?

Can the agency interview the potential intern? 

• The interns go through an application and interview process with Forest Foundation. Forest Foundation selects the interns and pairs them with an appropriate agency taking into account the agency's needs and mission as well as the intern's strengths, interests, and learning objectives.

• An additional interview may (and probably should) be conducted by the hosting agency. Forest Foundation hopes to achieve the best suitable matches between host and intern. The final decision on employment is made by the hosting agency.

• To ensure a positive matching experience, the host agency must provide Forest Foundation with an accurate description of the programming planned while the intern works for you. This includes responsibilities, expectations and populations involved. 

What if the intern/agency match does not seem compatible? 

• If concerns arise regarding a particular intern, please notify Forest Foundation as soon as possible. Forest Foundation does not want to force any match. 

• Keeping the above in mind, we will do our best to find an alternative intern for your agency. If there is no other suitable applicant (due to geographic location, transportation issues, scheduling, skills, interests, etc.) an intern may not be placed at your agency for this summer. However, everything will be done to prevent such a situation.

How flexible are the proposed parameters of the internship (June 8th-August 13th)?

• Forest Foundation understands the need for flexibility. That said, all internships must be contained within the given guidelines. The internship may start earlier than June 8th. The intern must work 400 hours with an end date and submission of a final evaluation by August 13th.
  

• Please be sure that Forest Foundation is aware of any plans to alter the 40 hours/week over 10 weeks time frame. Forest Foundation must approve of any changes.
  

How does the application process work from the agency's end?

• Forest Foundation conducts all recruiting of applicants, interviewing, and selecting prospective interns. Forest Foundation then attempts to match each prospective intern to potential host agencies.

• The applying host agency should submit a description of potential intern responsibilities and learning opportunities as well as a rough outline of a potential schedule.

• Once the application and interview process has been completed, 25 interns will be matched with 25 agencies based on interests, skills, needs, desired learning experiences, geographic location and transportation limitations among other considerations. The prospective Host Agency will be notified of the prospective Intern who will contact the agency to discuss the specifics of the position including scheduling, expectations, etc. At this time the Host Agency may decide to conduct their own interview. At this point the agency either accepts or rejects the intern candidate.

What about CORI checks?

• If an agency deals with youth and needs an intern to complete a CORI check, then it is the Intern and Host Agency's responsibility to complete that process. 

What are the responsibilities of a host agency/supervisor?

• The Host Agency is expected to:

  • Provide an accurate description of the potential internship placement.

  • Inform Forest Foundation of any difficulties that arise throughout the internship.

  • Provide a meaningful educational experience for your college intern. Successful Host Agencies have involved their interns in various projects, meetings, trainings, events, and fundraising initiatives.

What if the agency does not receive an intern this summer?

• As there are more agencies willing to host than positions funded through the internship program, there will be agencies who do not receive an intern for the summer. This is not a negative reflection on the agency itself, merely the result of various limiting factors throughout the application and matching process.

What if the intern declines a position with the agency? 

• If the prospective intern declines the placement for any reason, all efforts will be made to find a replacement.

• It there is no other suitable applicant (due to geographic location, transportation issues, scheduling, skills, interests, etc.) an intern may not be placed at your agency for this summer. Everything will be done to prevent such a situation.

What if I know someone who would like to intern at my agency but they did not go through Forest Foundation's summer internship application and interview process?

• Forest Foundation will only fund positions for interns that have gone through our selection process. Forest Foundation is happy to receive referrals from anyone in the non-profit community. Please refer these students to the Forest Foundation website. A letter of recommendation will surely be read and considered for your support of this candidate.