Summer Intern Grant

Public and special libraries (including tribal) in Idaho are eligible to apply for this grant (one award per library legal entity).

Successful applicants will be expected to meet the following requirements and expectations:

• The library agrees to hire an intern in high school, a post-secondary program (such as college or technical training), or seeking to develop new skills or competencies for the purpose of changing careers. Hiring must be in compliance with Idaho labor laws, including minimum age requirements.
• The library must use, to the best of its ability and resources, inclusive recruitment techniques that encourage a diversity of applicants.
• The library must use grant funds to provide a stipend or hourly wages for each intern. Monies may be used to cover standard recruitment and payroll expenses associated with the internship. Funds may not be used on general project expenses, food or capital projects.
• The library must record and report the total hours worked for each intern and must provide an itemized expense and/or payroll report with the final grant report.
• The library must provide at least one experienced staff member to serve as the intern’s mentor and must create a plan for a meaningful mentorship experience, including goals and objectives for the internship.
• The library is strongly encouraged to attend a grant orientation webinar with the ICfL in mid-April to review grant requirements and go over times for a successful internship program.

In addition to the requirements above, the ICfL strongly recommends that participating libraries incorporate the following elements into their internship program:

• The work assigned to the intern should be of sufficient quality and relevance to allow the intern to develop new skills and abilities. Where possible, the internship should include completion of a project that allows the intern take ownership of their work.
• The mentor(s) assigned to the intern should have an interest in developing their own leadership skills and must have the time and capacity to provide guidance and direction to the intern.
• In creating their mentorship plan, the intern and their mentor should review the intern’s goals and needs, create clear expectations for the project, and check in regularly on progress. The library might consider having the intern complete a brief self-evaluation at the beginning, middle, and conclusion of the internship.
• Libraries that choose to incorporate a virtual/remote component to their internship should take special care to set clear expectations and create a plan for communication and supervision for work that is done remotely.
• The internship should include opportunities to learn about library science, program development, community outreach, or other topics relevant to library work.

For grantees selected to receive an award, this grant application will also serve as a contract/grant agreement.  By submitting this application, you affirm you have the authority to successfully execute and deliver on all grant requirements.

By applying for this grant, the Library agrees to comply with the federally mandated assurances enumerated in the Civil Rights Certificate, Debarment/Suspension Certificate, Lobbying Certificate, Uniform Grant Guidance 2 CFR Part 200 -Subpart E, and are compliant with the Idaho Commission for Libraries’ LSTA eligibility requirements, as they relate to the acceptance and use of funds for this federally-assisted project, including but not limited to, the Library Services and Technology Act and governing regulations.

This program is brought to you by the Idaho Commission for Libraries and was made possible, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.