Overview
M Partner is a new community engagement effort that seeks to improve the quality of life in Mississippi communities.
M Partner offers a framework for community and university representatives to work together to advance priority projects in partner cities across the state. M Partner is central to the university’s mission of learning, discovery, and engagement.
The inaugural M Partner communities are Charleston (Tallahatchie County), Lexington (Holmes County), and New Albany (Union County). The pilot phase of M Partner will continue for a period of 18 to 24 months. During that time, M Partner will align university resources and expertise with community-driven projects. To create results for the partner communities, M Partner will affiliate with credit-bearing courses, offer community service opportunities, conduct research, and provide technical assistance to advance community projects.
The M Partner Summer Internships are an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain professional experience while advancing community-driven projects.M Partner Interns will work directly in partner communities, working at a community-based organization under the supervision of community leaders.
These competitive internships of $4,000 for Summer 2019 are open to students at the University of Mississippi with at least one year remaining in their academic program. These internships will be awarded to UM students with a passion for community engagement and addressing poverty-related problems in Mississippi. M Partner Summer Interns will be expected to commit 200-250 hours over a 5-6 week period during Summer 2019. Students with interest and expertise in website development, branding and marketing, program evaluation, and grant writing are particularly encouraged to apply.
To apply, eligible students must submit the following to Laura Martin, M Partner Director, at lemartin@olemiss.edu. Priority deadline is 5:00 PM on Friday, March 8, 2019, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis:
• A one to two-page resume highlighting relevant research or coursework;
• A two-page statement of purpose highlighting the student’s interest in community engagement and improving quality of life in Mississippi;
• A copy of unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended; and
• Two letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation may be emailed separately by the recommender.
