Pace students gain experience while lending a hand at NY nonprofits
Pace University’s Community Impact Internship, first piloted during the pandemic with support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), provides students paid internships at local New York State nonprofits. The students gain paid experience; the nonprofits gain no-cost manpower.
A 2024 SNF grant is helping support the program over three years. In 2026, rising seniors at Pace filled 75 internships positions at 45 host organizations—including, for the first time, one that was not at all local: SNF’s office in Athens, Greece.
Partner nonprofits, which work in a wide range of areas, included the New York Public Library, the New York Stem Cell Foundation, and the New York Botanical Garden—all, separately, past SNF partners. Hear from a few of this summer’s interns, as well as a few of their employers, about their experience.
Lauren M., Political Science major
“Bee University NYC was a very collaborative space. I felt like a member of the team, not just an intern. The projects included research, problem-solving, and outreach, which were great skill-building opportunities for my future legal career. It is fantastic to be around passionate people who really care about their cause. This invigorated me in pursuing what I want to do.”
Alex E., Film and Screen Studies major
“I loved getting the opportunity to spend this summer working on projects that allow me to be creative in service of a greater purpose, such as providing the general public with reliable and significant information. Media is an extremely powerful tool when it comes to creating change, and this internship further reminded me of how impactful visual storytelling can be, especially when it comes to environmental issues.”
Anne R., Biochemistry major
“My supervisors were open and welcoming, and I could go to them for support. I feel like I built so many skills that I will use in the future. I am so inspitred by working with motivated people; it made me focus harder and strive to be the best I can be.”
Ivan K., Communications and Media Studies major
“The best part of my internship is doing these hands-on tasks that help support student learning and development.,, I have learned some new applications and task tracking skills. I am more disciplined now in terms of time management. This internship has expanded my worldview and opportunities that I can consider.”
Daniel R., Computer Science major
“My internship helped me figure out what I want to do in the future, especially since computer science is a broad field. My supervisor and I were very connected throughout my time at Ronald McDonald House…. The best part of this experience was meeting all the lovely people at the House, as well as getting to see the families/kids that we were working to support.”