CSUN Jewish Studies to Offer Internships

For the first time in its 27-year history, Cal State Northridge’s Jewish studies program will offer internships this fall to a dozen undergraduates who wish to work with Jewish community agencies, the university has announced.

Funded by an $11,205 grant from the Jewish Federation Council’s Jewish Community Foundation, the money will pay for the 15-week internships, said Jody Myers, coordinator of the interdisciplinary program at CSUN.

“We can teach academically about different ethnic strands in the Jewish community. When you are out there you really see it, you really see the diversity,” she said.

The internships are open to students of all majors and are not limited to Jewish students, Myers said.

Students accepted for internships will work eight hours per week with a variety of Valley-based Jewish community organizations and will receive academic credit and a small stipend, she added. The jobs, she emphasized, will not be limited to menial clerical work, but should provide a meaningful, hands-on experience for students.

“More and more students want job experience in college,” Myers said. “That’s how they distinguish themselves from other students.”

Although several internships have already been awarded, upper-division students interested in the remaining positions are urged to call Terry Hatkoff at CSUN’s religious studies department, (818) 677-3392.