FAQ
Logistics
As an intern, where would I work?
When selected as an intern, you will be placed in the department that best fits your background and interests. Some of the departments that have participated in the past include:
- Building Institutions and Networks (BUILD)
- Civic Engagement and Government
- Communications
- Creativity and Free Expression
- Events
- Facilities
- Finance
- Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Justice
- Grants Processing
- Information Management
- Information Technology
- Investments
- JustFilms
- Natural Resources and Climate Change
- Office of the President
- People and Culture
- Technology and Society
Is this internship paid?
This internship is paid. Interns are paid $38.50/hour, which is above the living wage for NYC.
If I do well in the internship, will I be considered for a full-time role?
The internship program serves as a learning experience rather than a pipeline for full time employment. Although some past interns have been hired after completing their internships, it typically does not happen immediately.
What happens after I submit my application?
When you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated notification. Due to the large number of applicants, we are unable to provide feedback on individual applications. Candidates who advance in the selection process will receive an invitation for a screening interview. Successful candidates in that interview will then meet with a department manager and team members. Please note that you may not be notified of your status until a final decision has been made.
Are internships offered in the fall and spring semesters?
Internships are only offered during the summer.
Can students volunteer or shadow at the foundation?
At this time, we do not offer a shadowing or volunteering program for students.
What counts as need-based financial aid?
The following are the need-based federal student aid programs:
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Direct Subsidized Loan
- Federal Perkins Loan
- Federal Work-Study
Source: https://studentaid.gov/complete-aid-process/how-calculated
Do I have to meet all the criteria to be eligible for the internship?
Yes, applicants must meet all criteria to be eligible for consideration.
Are your internships open to graduate students (including law, PhD, and MBA students), or only undergraduate students?
At this time, the internship program is not open to graduate students, only undergraduate students.
How do I answer the GPA question if my university does not utilize the traditional grading system?
Follow the links below to calculate your GPA to reflect the grades you received from your educational institution. Transcripts will be requested to verify accuracy of conversion.
How to Convert Your GPA to a 4.0 Scale
I qualify for need-based aid, but my tuition is covered through other means. Can I still apply?
Yes—but this only applies to students who qualified for need-based financial aid, but received scholarships to cover their tuition. In cases like this, documents verifying an applicant’s eligibility for need-based aid will be required.
Who qualifies as a permanent resident of the New York tri-state area?
What constitutes permanent residency varies state by state. Follow the links below for more information in your specific state.
If I am a NYC resident but attend school overseas, can I still apply if I don’t meet the financial aid requirement?
You will not be eligible for consideration if you do not receive need-based aid.
Am I eligible to apply if I don’t live in the New York tri-state area, but have a family member who does?
Unfortunately, you are not eligible.
Am I eligible to apply if I am not a resident of the New York tri-state area but attend school there?
Please see the above question about residency requirements.
Are housing and housing recommendations provided?
Housing and housing recommendations are not provided.
What do people do after an internship at Ford?
Past interns have gone on to work in a variety of professions in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.