Center for Pathway Experiences
Resources for Faculty/Staff
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The Pathways Center is here to help, as you work with undergraduate students and their questions about internships and other pathway experiences.
State Specific Internship Laws
Pathways Summer Scholarship Program
To help offset the costs of pursuing a pathway experience, The University of Southern Mississippi awards competitive scholarships to undergraduate students who obtain summer internships or other approved off-campus pathway experiences, such as fieldwork, research, etc.
Applicants for the summer scholarship must meet the criteria and eligibility requirements outlined below. All applications are reviewed by the Pathway Scholarship Committee and will notify all applicants of their award status.
CRITERIA- Evidence of a meaningful experience and involvement in significant professional work or research
- Evidence that the experience will provide opportunities to apply academic studies to the work or research experience
- Evidence of preparation by the student for the experience
- Evidence that the experience is related to the student's post-graduation career goals
- Evidence of financial need to help cover expenses
- Confirmation of internship acceptance (Must have been offered and accepted a pathway experience before applying for scholarship)
ELIGIBILITY
- Preference will be given to students scheduled to graduate in the 12 months following the pathway experience and then to students who will have another academic year to pursue an internship/pathway as a Southern Miss undergraduate.
- The applicants must be returning to Southern Miss as a full-time student after their pathway experiences
- International students must include verification that they are eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Hours and Weeks
- Pathway experience/internship must be full-time (30-40 hours per week) for a minimum of eight continuous weeks during the SUMMER.
- Alternatives may be considered, given equivalent time commitments as applicable.
On-Campus Experiences
- Internships on the Southern Miss campus are NOT eligible for a pathway scholarship.
Special Programs
- The Pathways Scholarship does not fund workshops, institutes, travel study programs, study abroad, courses or other similar learning experiences.
International Experiences
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Pathway experiences in areas listed on the government sanction list or the U.S. State Department Travel Warning List are not eligible for a scholarship.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Amounts awarded to the student will vary based upon the amount of funding provided
by the sponsoring organization and the student's demonstration of financial need.
- Hover over “Opportunities” and Select “Ours”
- Search for Pathways Summer Scholarship and click the gold “Apply” button
- Applicants must have already accepted a pathway experience before submitting the complete application.
Critical Thinking/ Problem Solving: Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.
Oral/Written Communication: Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.
Teamwork/Collaboration: Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.
Digital Technology: Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
Leadership: Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.
Professionalism/Work Ethic: Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
Career Management: Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.
Global/Intercultural Fluency: Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. Engage in anti-racist practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism.
Have you completed a pathway experience, such as an internship, fieldwork, student teaching, research, or job related to your major and career path? If so, complete the Pathway Reflection, it will take approximately 15 minutes and once it's approved you will receive a FREE pathway cord to wear at graduation.
The Center for Pathway Experiences offers a variety of class presentations:
- Center for Pathway Experiences Overview (5 - 15 Minutes) - this is just a quick overview of the center, what we do and offer students, where we're located, and how to get connected to us.
- Pathway Search 101 (30 Minutes) - this includes the overview but goes into detail on how to use the online resources to search for internship opportunities.
- Pathway Preparation (60 Minutes- this includes the overview, pathway search 101, and also includes tips on resume building and how to communicate with employers when searching for an experience.
For scheduling the Center for Pathway Experiences to present to your class, click HERE.