[ILR] The Marlene F. Blumin, Ph.D., Graduate Internship Support Fund

The Marlene F. Blumin, Ph.D., Graduate Internship Support Fund, established by donation, provides graduate financial assistance to MILR students enrolled in the ILR School, assisting with costs involved to obtain or maintain an internship.  The award is for maximum of $500.     

Selection is not based solely on financial need and receiving financial aid is not an eligibility requirement. However, interested students must demonstrate a specific need in their application.

What Expenses Can Be Funded?

The grant funds are intended to help subsidize a student’s budget and should not be seen as an exclusive source of financing for their experience. This grant is not intended to offset an unpaid opportunity. Instead, it aids with unmet needs. Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Professional attire needed for a specific professional experience (i.e. internship) 
  • Daily commuting costs in relation to experience
  • Travel and relocation expenses for experience* (i.e. internship)
  • Technology needs in relation to experience (limited)
  • Fees and travel expenses for internships  (* Please note: International travel cannot be funded at this time)

What is not eligible:

  • Graduate School Exam prep materials/ courses and exam fees
  • Graduate school-related expenses (application fees, travel, etc.)
  • Tuition or fee-based programs (clothing can still be covered)

Who Can Apply?

Students must meet the following eligibility criteria in order to apply for funding: 

  • Currently enrolled, matriculated graduate student in a degree-granting program in Cornell ILR School (MILR only).
  • Demonstrate unmet need. (Students are not required to be eligible for financial aid.)
  • In the pursuit of a professional opportunity; students are no longer eligible once they have graduated.

Students are NOT eligible to apply for funding if:

  • They are on a leave of absence.
  • They are currently studying abroad.
  • They have graduated (are considered an alum).
  • Students with Career Services Campus Recruiting policy violations may not be eligible and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Funding Eligibility and Priority Details:

  1. Students who are traveling to or whose permanent address is within a 100-mile radius of the destination are not eligible for overnight expenses. Transportation may be reimbursable.
  2. Only domestic travel is eligible. 
  3. Receiving financial aid is not a requirement; however, students with the highest financial need are given preference.