J. Thomas May Memorial Internship

The SfAA Board of Directors created the J. Thomas May Memorial Internship to honor the legacy of its long-serving first Executive Director, J. Thomas May. Tom was dedicated to supporting and encouraging young people in developing their careers, and he believed in exposing young scholars to real-world opportunities in the field. The internship provides funding for students to learn about nonprofit operations by working in the SfAA Office. It also connects interns with other organizations—such as sister associations, government agencies, and NGOs—that rely on applied social science expertise.

To learn more about J. Thomas May, explore interviews from 2018 and 2019.

The internship will run from early January to March/April (depending on the Annual Meeting dates). During this period, the intern will work 16 hours per week at the SfAA Office in Oklahoma City, OK, and assist the office staff onsite at the SfAA Annual Meeting,.

The position includes a $2,250 stipend to help cover expenses. The intern will also travel to the Annual Meeting with the SfAA staff and receive seven nights of lodging plus per diem during the Annual Meeting.

The internship is open to undergraduate and graduate students who were enrolled in a college or university during the past academic year. Eligible candidates should have a major or minor in social sciences. Students who already hold a doctoral degree are not eligible.

Interested applicants should submit a 500-word statement that includes:

  • Name and contact information
  • Current field of study and academic institution
  • Undergraduate field of study (if applying as a graduate student)
  • Academic and career goals
  • Policy interests
  • Evidence of interdisciplinary interests

Additionally, a letter of recommendation from a current academic advisor is required.

Finalists will be asked to participate in a 30-minute Zoom interview.

Previous Recipients