Internship FAQs

More than 420 young people have completed the summer program. After hearing their questions, we assume you may have some of the same. Please, don't hesitate to call the Project Transformation office if you need any further information or would like to connect to a young person who has participated in the experience before.

• Is this a paid position?
  Yes, the summer intern will receive $2,900 living stipend (paycheck distributed on the 15th and the last day of the month, with the first check issued on June 15th) AND a $1,250 education voucher.
  
  
• Can I take a summer class at the same time? Or work an additional job part time?
  No, Project Transformation summer interns must commit to full-time service. The time commitment to our program will not permit any class or part-time job.
  
  
• Do I get any time off? When is it?
  Yes, summer interns have Friday afternoon - Saturday evening free.
  
  
• Do we get the 4th of July off?
  Yes. Friday, July 4th will be a holiday.
  
  
• What if my church can't commit to all of the obligations set out in the Partner Church Letter of Commitment?
  Project Transformation staff will work with each intern and his/her partner church in order to fulfill the obligations. If your partner church foresees being unable to commit to all the partner church components, call the PT office (214-946-3600) to discuss possibilities.
  
  
• Does Project Transformation provide transportation to/from SMU/Austin College and the church sites?
  Project Transformation will designate one person to drive every day to the church sites. PT will then reimburse for mileage for that specific driver.
  
  
• Can I bring my musical instrument or art supplies with me?
  Yes, please do! Your instruments and art supplies will be a great asset to both the Bible study experience with your fellow interns as well as for the worship times at your sites.
  
  
• Will I have access to SMU's gymnasium and pool facilities to use during free time?
  Yes, for a small fee (around $30), you will receive admission for the whole summer to SMU's workout facilities. There is a separate entrance fee for the swimming pool that is paid each time you want to use the pool. This is optional for all interns.
  
  
• Are housing and meals provided?
  Yes, interns will live together in housing provided on the SMU campus, with two teams living on the Austin College campus in Sherman, TX. Self-serve breakfast items will be available each morning and lunch with the children will be provided at each site on program days. Volunteer groups from our partner churches provide dinners on most evenings and stay to share in the fellowship with the interns. You will be responsible for providing your own food during your time off (Friday afternoon – Sunday lunch).
  
  
• Where will I live? Will I have a roommate?
  Interns live together in one of three houses on the SMU campus if serving in the Dallas program and on the Austin College campus if serving in the Sherman/Denison program. You will have a roommate.
  
  
• What do I need to bring with me?
  The summer internship housing is like living in a dorm. You will need to bring bedding for a twin-size bed, bathroom supplies, casual clothes to wear each day at site (including gym shoes), church clothes, Bible, swimsuit (one piece for ladies), sunscreen. Optional items include a computer, stereo, musical instrument, and car.
  
  
• What items should I not bring for the summer?
  Do not bring mini refrigerators, microwaves, candles or extension cords. TV’s, VCR’s, DVD players, laptops, computers, printers, DVD’s, and CD’s can be brought at your own risk.
  
  
• Do I have to attend my site church service each Sunday?
  Yes, attending church at your site is a great way to engage the congregation and be exposed to the complete urban church experience. This is also an opportunity for you to take on a leadership position in the church service by leading the children's sermon, offering a prayer, leading music, or others. Your presence in the church service will encourage the participating children and youth to attend as well.
  
  
• Can I bring my cell phone?
  Yes, cell phones are permitted. However, during program hours, the cell phone must not be used for personal calls.
  
  
• Will I have internet access?
  All of the rooms at SMU/Austin College are Internet ready.
  
• Can I get time off for wedding, special circumstances, etc? How should I request it?
  Taking time off is not encouraged; however getting time off for special events is a possibility. You must make a request to the Project Transformation recruiting coordinator as soon as you know the dates. Time off is granted dependent on the nature of the activity and how far in advance it is requested. It is recommended that time off from the summer program is discussed during the interview process whenever possible.
  
  
• Can my friends/family visit me at the house or program site?
  Yes, family and friends are encouraged to volunteer at the site. They may also come and tour the house. However, it is important that the house be a place of community for the interns. We do not permit them to stay overnight at the house.
  
  
• What is an education voucher? What can it be applied to?
  An education voucher is similar to a gift certificate. As an AmeriCorps program, interns receive the voucher in return for their service in the community. The voucher can be applied to college tuition, the university bookstore, student loans, or future education.
  
  
• When will I be able to use the education voucher? Does it expire?
  AmeriCorps issues the education voucher approximately 8 weeks after the completion of service. Interns will be able to use the voucher as early as the spring semester following their summer of service. The voucher does not have to be used right away, but it does expire 7 years after the issue date. For example, you might have just graduated, but you could hold the voucher for future graduate school work.

Other questions? Contact the Project Transformation office: 214-946-3600