BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Ten Illinois Wesleyan University students have been selected for the State Farm summer internship program, sponsored by the Action Research Center. The internship blends both for-profit and not-for-profit work to help students understand how both sectors work together to serve a shared community.

This year’s program participants, chosen on the basis of experience, skills, and interest in community work, are: Jack Bentley (junior political science major and philosophy minor from Downer’s Grove, Ill.), Chris Burrichter (junior political science major from Batavia, Ill.), Kyle Charles (political science major and sociology minor from Davenport, Iowa), Erin Cox (junior political science and Hispanic studies double major and art history minor from Rockford, Ill.), Josh Haraf (junior business administration-marketing major from Justice, Ill.), Diana Lopez (political science and philosophy double major from Aurora, Ill.), Emily Meade (sophomore business administration and music double major from Canton, Ill.), Katie Nelson (sophomore English-writing major and psychology minor from Mason City, Ill.), Jessica Olsen (junior English-literature and secondary education double major and German minor from Rockford, Ill.), and Jennifer Schnupp (junior psychology major and biology minor from Schaumburg, Ill.).

Interns will spend two days per week at a community partner organization such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, American Red Cross, and the Day Care Center of McLean County. The students will conduct program evaluations, devise return on investment models, assess community needs, participate in board development activities, and oversee resource management.

“The program is a valuable opportunity to serve the community and bring value to the students, university, partnership organizations and families they serve,” said Deborah Halperin at the Action Research Center.