UMass Inclusive Learning
Bartlett Hall Rm 108, 130 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003
Phone: (413) 545-2544
https://websites.umass.edu/maicei/
Interest form: https://forms.gle/ZN3Jo9ox2S74WFJe7
Populations served:
At UMass Inclusive Learning (UIL), we believe that everyone should have access to higher education. Our mission is to provide support for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) while on campus. UIL works to create an accessible college experience for disabled students where they leave with the academic, employment, and social skills essential for success in today’s world. UIL students not only hone their academic and professional skills, but gain fulfilling friendships and become advocates for both themselves and their peers.
Location(s) of internship sites: various locations across the UMass Amherst campus based on the interests and schedules of the student(s) you are working with
Accessible by Public Transportation? Yes
General job description of what an intern might do:
As a peer mentor, you will be working closely with our students to support them in social experiences around campus. Peer mentors and UIL students can coordinate times to get lunch, hang out at campus hotspots like the rec center or craft center, and attend campus events. Peer mentors are integral to the UIL student experience.
This internship will have you think critically about social development for the students you work with as well as yourself. Our peer mentors exit the internship with a greater understanding of the structural transition challenges that disabled students face.
The Peer Mentor internship is a one-credit internship through the Developmental Disabilities and Human Services specialization in the Psychology department, but is open to any undergraduate at the University. Previous peer mentors have majored in English, Public Health, Biology, Communication Disorders, and more.
Expectations for the internship include 3 hours (per credit) per week with UIL along with a periodic journal entry (generally once every 3 weeks). While a one-credit internship is most common, there is a possibility to earn additional credits depending on how many hours you are hoping to commit to UIL.
Peer mentors are also encouraged to attend a weekly Community Group where the UIL team comes together to talk about topics important to inclusivity, diversity, and disability justice. This is included in the 3 hour per week commitment.
Your availability:
General availability depending on UIL student schedules. Students may be on campus anytime from 9am-7pm. Schedules align best when peer mentors make 11am-1pm (general lunch hours) available. After filling out the interest form, we will get in touch to discuss scheduling opportunities.
Agency Contact
Please fill out the form below if you are interested in getting involved:
https://forms.gle/ZN3Jo9ox2S74WFJe7
If you do not hear from us within 72 business hours, please reach out to Mark Sena:
Mark Sena, Interim Program Coordinator for UIL
(413) 545-2544