Tyson Foods, United Way partner to help nonprofits with paid internships 

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) 1,090 views 

Tyson Foods is partnering with the United Way of Northwest Arkansas and United Way of Fort Smith Area for the third year to provide full-time college students with paid summer internships at nonprofits.

The Tyson Summer Community Internship Program provides an opportunity for select college students to gain professional experience while working in the community.

“Thanks to Tyson Foods, United Way of Northwest Arkansas and United Way of Fort Smith Area along with our nonprofit partners are able to provide meaningful internships for 40 college students. These internships are critical learning activities for students and provides them with real world experience,” said Jackie Hancock, Jr., president & CEO of the United Way of Northwest Arkansas.

The internship program provides full-time college students with an eight-week paid summer internship to assist community organizations and gain experience with diverse social issues. Students will attend 90-minute educational sessions during the program to build business-related skills including leadership, professionalism, critical thinking, collaboration, and interpersonal communication.

“We recognize that nonprofits are essential to our communities. We’re proud to partner with the United Way for a third year to give college students the chance to give back to their community and gain valuable job experience related to their field of study,” said Garrett Dolan, senior manager, corporate social responsibility at Tyson Foods.

To participate in the program, students must be enrolled as undergraduate student who will be returning to college as a full time sophomore, junior or senior in the fall. They must also meet all the employment requirements of the hiring nonprofit organization. Applications for Northwest Arkansas are being accepted through April 16, and applications for Fort Smith are being accepted through March 31.

Some of the participating organizations include Arkansas Immigrant Defense, Boys & Girls Club of Western Benton County, Canopy NWA, Scott Family Amazeum, Community Clinic of NWA, Family Network Program, Fayetteville Public Education Foundation, Hispanic Women’s Organization of Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter, Ozark Literacy Council Engagement, Samaritan Community Center, Girls Inc of Fort Smith, Manes and Miracles, Community Rescue Mission and Fort Smith Children’s Emergency Shelter.

Link here for Northwest Arkansas applications, and link here for internships in the Fort Smith area.