WCMA Internship Grant Program

Statement of Policy Purpose

The WCMA Board of Directors has identified the importance of preparing the next generation of public  managers  for  the  responsibility  of  leading  our  public  institutions.  Preparation  through internships  within  local  governments  will  inspire  students  to  learn  about  the  profession  and potentially devote their careers to public service. In addition, the valuable experience provided through internships will prepare these individuals for the challenges and opportunities of a career in public service.


WCMA will provide funding for both summer and year-round internship programs which must be matched by the local county or municipality. The summer internship program is established with the goal to create a sustainable undergraduate or graduate  summer internship program  to attract top talent into the profession.  However, the county or municipality that is applying does not have to create an  ongoing internship program to qualify for the grant.  This could be for a onetime internship within a county or municipality.


The second  program  is  designed  as  a  year-long  program-based  internship  targeted  at  graduate students, but undergraduate internships will be considered. WCMA will provide funding in its annual  budget  to  assist  counties  and  municipalities  with  creating  internship  programs  that continue beyond the tenure of an individual student. The funding would be greater in the initial year  and  decrease  in  each  sequential  year  to  assist  the  municipality  with phasing  the  program into their annual budget.


I. Internship Programs


Summer Internship

WCMA  will  provide  the  host  agency  with  a  check  in  the  amount  of  the  grant  award,  not  to exceed  $2,500,  to  be  matched  by  the  host  organization.  The  host  agency  and  the  intern  will determine  the  appropriate  start  and  end  dates  for  the  internship,  work  schedule,  and  pay  rate, based on the total internship budget (which may be greater than $5,000, based on the duration and budget of the host organization; however, the WCMA funded sponsorship shall not exceed $2,500 regardless of the overall host organization budget). WCMA funds are to be used solely for  this  program.  Payment  to  the  organization  by  WCMA  will  be  made  upon  verification  to WCMA that the successful county or municipality has hired an intern. Priority will be given to new internship positions in an organization.  Summer internships can be designated for graduate or undergraduate students.  Managers are encouraged to secure matching funds prior to applying. Internships  shall  take  place  during  the  calendar  year  in  which  the  scholarship  grant  has  been provided.


Year-Round Internship

While  WCMA  grant  funding  for  year-round  internships  are  mostly  designed  and  targeted towards   graduate   level   work,   WCMA   will   still   consider   applications   for   year-round undergraduate internships.  WCMA will provide the host agency a check up to $10,000 based on hours worked per week  with the expectation that the community will provide matching funds.

Average 20 hours per week per year ($10,000) 

Average 15 hours per week per year ($7500) 

Average 10 hours per week per year ($5,000)


The  host  agency  and  the  intern  will  determine  the  appropriate  start  and  end  dates  for  the internship,  work  schedule,  and  pay  rate,  based  on  the  total  internship  budget  (which  may  be greater than allotted funds, based on the duration and budget of the host organization; however, the  WCMA  funded  sponsorship  shall  not  exceed  the  budgeted  amount  in  any  given  year regardless of the overall host organization budget). The county or municipality must demonstrate in the application the desire to use the intern for at least one full year.   WCMA funds are to be used  solely  for  this  program.  Payment  to  the  organization  by  WCMA  will  be  made  upon verification  to  WCMA  that  the  successful  county  or  municipality has  hired  an  intern.  Priority will be given to new internship position in an organization. 

Managers are encouraged to secure matching funds prior to applying.


II. Award of Grant Funds

Award of the grant will be based on the following:

•    Matching funds are required to receive a grant award

•    WCMA fiscal year is Jan. 1 – Dec. 31; you can submit an application anytime during the budget year; however, WCMA has limited funds available and grants will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis.

•    A grant submittal must include a position description containing the type of work to be completed  by  the  intern  and  a  plan  detailing  how  the  county  or  municipality  will contribute  to  the  intern’s  education  and  exposure  to  the  different  aspects  of  county  or municipal management

•    Applicants who have not received a previous award will be given preference


There will be an agreement between WCMA and the organization receiving the graduate level program  grant.  The  amount  of  a  grant  award  is  determined  by  the  number  of  applicants  and availability of funds.   The Association has the right to terminate the agreement for any reason upon ninety (90) days advanced written notice of intention to terminate.  The Association has the right to terminate the agreement for any reason upon ninety (90) days advanced written notice of intention to terminate.



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