The Schubert Center for Child Studies and the Childhood Studies Program at Case Western Reserve University collaborate with public and non-profit community organizations to offer Mann Child Policy Externships. These externships create a rigorous, educational, and civic experience by giving undergraduates an opportunity to work directly with professionals who design and implement policies that impact the lives of children and families. Students gain first-hand perspectives on the policy process by engaging in planning, research, analysis, and/or advocacy activities emphasizing policy related to children and childhood.
Externship Opportunities for Students
- Provide students with an opportunity to work directly with professionals who design and implement policies that impact the lives of children and their families
- Allow students to work with agencies active in social policy affecting children and childhood
- Allow students to earn three to six hours of course credit (CHST 398)
- May be used to fulfill the SAGES Capstone experience in some disciplines. (Mann Child Policy Externships are available and cross-listed as Capstones in anthropology, childhood studies, and psychology)
- Require a commitment of at least 10 hours per week (150 hours over the semester) to a specific student/preceptor designed project at the designated agency or office
- May provide a stipend for overtime work, pending the availability of funding
- Are available fall, spring, & summer semesters
A full list of student participants and externship placement sites is available here.
Selection Criteria:
- Junior or senior status preferred, but qualified sophomores will be considered
- Completion of at least two social science classes preferably with a child or family focus
- 3.2 overall GPA with a 3.4 GPA in major
- Students who have successfully completed CHST 301, or who concurrently enroll in CHST 301, will be given first priority
Application Details:
To apply for a Mann Child externship, students should submit the online application form or download the application. Requirements include:
- A completed application and a two- to three-page essay.
- A current resume.
- One letter of recommendation from a faculty member.
Application Deadlines (unless posted otherwise):
- November 1 for a Spring externship
- March 30 for a Fall externship
Note: Priority will be given to applications received by the deadline, but applications received after these dates may still be considered.
Support for the Mann Child Policy Externships
Alumni siblings Carol Mann (Flora Stone Mather College, 1971) and Robert Mann (Western Reserve College 1973) so valued their experiences as students that they generously support today’s undergraduates, giving them opportunities for life-changing experiences beyond the classroom. Through the Manns' generosity, students have traveled throughout the world to participate in research projects about children.
The Mann Endowment Fund currently supports Mann Child Policy Externships, as well as other experiential learning opportunities offered through the childhood studies minor, such as spring break trips to Washington D.C. and attendance at child-related conferences.