OFIC Announces 2026 Non-Profit Summer Internship Program Across Ohio
Paid Summer Internships Connect Ohio College Students with Community Non-profits
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) is proud to announce the return of its 2026 Non-Profit Internship Program, providing paid, hands-on opportunities for college students to gain meaningful experience while serving communities across Ohio.
Funded by the Nord Family Foundation and Employers Health, the program connects students from OFIC member campuses with nonprofit organizations in Stark, Portage, Summit, Tuscarawas, Wayne, and Lorain counties.
“These summer internships allow students to continue making a difference in their communities while building professional skills that prepare them for long-term career success,” said Melanie Garrabrant, Director of Talent Connections at OFIC. “At the same time, nonprofit organizations gain access to dedicated, talented students who bring energy, creativity, and fresh ideas.”
Stark County Opportunities (Funded by Employers Health)
Paid internships are available with several Stark County nonprofit organizations, including:
C.A.M.P. (Canton, Ohio) – Data Entry Internship supporting programming for at-risk and underserved middle and high school students.
Compassion Delivered (North Canton, Ohio) – Client Support Internship assisting programs that provide nutritious meals to individuals facing life-threatening illness.
Domestic Violence Project, Inc. (Canton, Ohio) – Development Internship supporting event planning, promotion, and fundraising efforts for survivors of domestic violence.
First Tee Canton (Canton, Ohio) – Program Coordinator Internship focused on youth mentorship, sports management, and summer programming.
Stark County Minority Business Association (Canton, Ohio) – Business Development and Community Engagement Internship supporting marketing and community outreach initiatives.
Lorain County Opportunities (Funded by The Nord Family Foundation)
Additional paid internships are available with Lorain County nonprofit partners, including:
City Fresh (Oberlin, Ohio) – Nonprofit Management Internship supporting equitable food access initiatives.
El Centro de Servicios Sociales, Inc. (Lorain, Ohio) – Administrative Support Internship assisting agency leadership and operations.
Lorain County Urban League (Elyria, Ohio) – Civic Engagement Internship supporting voter education and outreach efforts ahead of the 2026 midterm election.
Main Street Lorain (Lorain, Ohio) – Digital Marketing Internship promoting downtown businesses and events.
Elyria Community Partnership (Elyria, Ohio) – Community Development Operations Internship assisting local initiatives and volunteer coordination.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County (Elyria, Ohio) – Youth Mentoring and Program Support Internship.
YWCA of Elyria (Elyria, Ohio) – Housing Services Internship supporting transitional and permanent supportive housing programs.
Students of all majors are encouraged to apply unless otherwise noted. Applications are submitted by emailing a resume to garrabrant@ofic.org with the appropriate internship listed in the subject line.
Building Ohio’s Nonprofit Talent Pipeline
The OFIC Non-Profit Summer Internship Program not only provides paid work experience, but also strengthens the nonprofit sector by cultivating future leaders. In 2025, students were recognized at celebratory luncheons hosted by Employers Health and The Nord Family Foundation, where interns shared reflections on their impact and growth.
Past participants have contributed to marketing campaigns reaching thousands, supported civic engagement initiatives, assisted with food distribution programs, and strengthened nonprofit operations throughout their communities.
Nonprofit organizations and funders interested in becoming a regional internship talent partner are encouraged to contact OFIC to learn more about supporting future cohorts.
For more information about the 2026 Non-Profit Summer Internship Program or to apply, visit www.ofic.org or contact Melanie Garrabrant at garrabrant@ofic.org.
About The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges
The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges connects donors and partners with students in need, strengthening Ohio’s economic engine. OFIC partners with corporations and foundations to keep higher education affordable while providing scholarships, internships, and career opportunities that prepare students for workforce success.