ACTIVATE 2025 APPLICATION

This application is for students to apply to the 2025 ACTIVATE: Summer Internship Program and to obtain approvals from their Academic Advisor(s), the Dean of Students, Student Affairs offices, Career Advancement Center, and the Center for Chicago Programs.

Questions regarding the ACTIVATE program and ACTIVATE application may be directed to Director of the Center for Chicago Programs Jennie Larsen (larsen@lakeforest.edu).

APPLICATION DUE DATE: Monday, November 18th, 2024

Applications may continue to be accepted after this date on a space-available basis or for Wait List status.

Before You Complete Your Application:

Please read all questions carefully and answer according to any/all direction provided.

The application (Smartsheet) used to create the ACTIVATE application requires you complete it during one continuous period of time (i.e. you may not complete a portion of the application, set it aside, and return to it at a later day/time). We recommend students read through the entirety of the application first to familiarize yourself with its requirements before allocating approximately 30 minutes to complete it.

Important Note Regarding Website Links: Any/all links included as part of this application will open in the same page. Therefore, please make sure to right-click any/all links and open them in a separate tab or window (or Smartsheet may erase any/all prior information entered).

Before completing this application, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the College's policies on off-campus programs, which you may access by clicking here.

We encourage you to visit the ACTIVATE webpage for more information regarding eligibility, housing, financial aid, etc.

Participating in the ACTIVATE program satisfies the College's Experiential Learning Requirement.

Program Eligibility:

A priority minimum GPA of 2.8. Students with less than a 2.8 GPA are encouraged to apply; however, an overall improvement in academic performance must be reflected on your transcript.
Completed at least two semesters of study and hold junior status or above at Lake Forest College by participation.
Transfer students must have completed at least one semester on campus and hold junior status or above by participation.

Application Timeline:

October 1, 2024 - November 18, 2024: Applications Open

November 19, 20, 21, 25: Application Interviews

Before Winter Break: Notification of Acceptance into Program*

*We have 16 spaces available for the ACTIVATE program. Occasionally, we receive more applications than we have space, in which case students may be placed on a waitlist. Typically, the Program has been able to accommodate a majority of the students on its waitlist and students will be notified if/when a space should become available.

LFC ID

Student Last Name

Student First Name

Preferred Name

Preferred Pronouns

Pronouns (other)

Date of Birth

Please list month/date/year (i.e. 03/11/2001)

mm/dd/yyyy

Cell Phone

Please use hyphens (Example: 000-000-0000)

Lake Forest College Email Address

Class Year

Graduation Date

What semester did you start at Lake Forest College?

Country of Citizenship

Are you an F-1 international student?

Are you pursuing a summer study abroad program in addition to your summer in Chicago?

Program Dates

By checking this box, you state that you understand program dates, including move-in and move-out dates, as well as your remaining at The Flats for the duration of the program.

ACTIVATE 2025 is an 8-week program taking place over the summer.

Please note that the move-in and move-out dates are definite and that students are expected to stay at The Flats, the College's Chicago residential building, for the duration of the program.

8-week program: June 7, 2025 - August 2, 2025

Students are responsible for identifying appropriate accommodations between the end of the 2024-25 Academic Year (May 7) and the start of the program (June 7). Students may choose to remain on campus May 7 - June 7 for an additional fee.

By checking this box, you state that you understand program dates, including move-in and move-out dates, as well as your remaining at The Flats for the duration of the program.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Major 1

Major 2

Minor 1

Minor 2

Primary Advisor

You are required to discuss your plans to participate in the ACTIVATE program with your Academic Advisor(s).

Upon receiving your application, the Center for Chicago Programs will reach out to your Academic Advisor(s) to confirm you have discussed your interest in the ACTIVATE program with them and whether they support your participation in the program.

If you have not yet met with your Academic Advisor(s), you may still submit your ACTIVATE application. We will process your application once you meet with them and approval is received.

Secondary Advisor (if applicable)

Cumulative GPA

If you are a first-semester student, please write 0.0. If you have transferred courses, please only include your Lake Forest GPA at this point.

Future Plans

If you have not yet declared a major/minor, or if you intend to complete a Self-Designed major, please share with us any ideas for potential areas of study.

OVERVIEW OF CAREER INTERESTS

An Academic Internship is a requirement of the ACTIVATE program.

ACTIVATE is not an internship placement program. Upon acceptance, you will be assigned a Career Advancement Center (CAC) Internship Specialist. Your CAC Internship Specialist will assist you with your resume, cover letter, and with interview preparation, as well as answer any/all questions you may have about the internship search process.

It is the student's responsibility to search for and secure an internship during the term prior to participation. Your CAC Internship Specialist will be available to you during this time to assist with this process, but they will not secure your internship for you. Therefore, it is essential you commit yourself to the time necessary to help ensure you secure an internship by the move-in date for the program.

As part of the ACTIVATE program, you will also participate in Professional Development programs and workshops both the spring semester prior to participation as well as during the program. Professional Development programs taking place the semester prior to participation are designed to help ensure you feel confident navigating the internship search process.

The following questions will help guide your and your CAC Internship Specialist's conversations concerning your internship search.

Select the Career Pathway that is the best match for your internship interests.

If you are uncertain which Pathway you fall under, please refer to the Career Advancement Center's webpage.

U.S. Citizens:

Your Academic Internship must be completed in your major or minor field of study. Most students complete an Academic Internship related to one or both of their major(s).

International Students:

Your Academic Internship must be registered for credit in your major field of study in order to participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT). International Students may not complete an internship for credit in their minor field of study.

Career Pathway:

(Optional) Select another Career Pathway that matches your internship interests

Type of Internship

Students may pursue the following internship opportunities as part of the ACTIVATE program:

In Person Internship: 100% on site work
Hybrid Internship: Approx. 50% on site and 50% remote (exact percentages vary)
Remote Internship: 100% remote work

In Person internships will continue to be prioritized as part of the ACTIVATE program whenever possible. That said, we recognize that certain internships may only be available in hybrid and/or remote format (certain academic disciplines, for example, are more prone to remote work). We also recognize that certain students may benefit from hybrid and/or remote opportunities.

Please answer honestly. Your answer will have no bearing on your application; however, knowing your interests in advance of participation will help ensure ACTIVATE staff is best positioned to assist you in the internship search process.

As a participant in the ACTIVATE program, which opportunities are you willing to pursue and complete?

Have you previously pursued an internship for academic credit?

The internship search is a semester long, collaborative process with your Career Advancement Center Internship Specialist. Are you able to devote the time and effort required for such a search?

How will you ensure you have the necessary time in your schedule, and should any issues arise during your search, how will you overcome such challenges to stay on track and hold yourself accountable?

An essential component of this program is completion of the Career Advancement Center's academic internship course alongside the internship. How will you ensure you have the necessary time in your schedule to complete required academic internship course assignments along with your other commitments during the semester?

What challenges do your anticipate living and working in the City of Chicago? (i.e. you have never completed an internship before, you feel as if you do not present well in interviews, you have yet to master your time mangement skills, etc.)?

Please Note: The ACTIVATE Committee does not equate challenges as weaknesses. By knowing this information in advance, we are better positioned to provide you with the advice and guidance necessary to ensure a successful summer in Chicago.

Are there any existing commitments that may impair your ability to succeed in the ACTIVATE program (part-time job, athletic and/or campus club commitment, etc.)?

We ask that students give thoughtful consideration to their summer off campus in Chicago. The ACTIVATE program requires students to live independently and to participate in an Academic Internship. It is important that you consider other commitments that may impede your success before the start of your summer off campus. If you have any on- or off-campus commitments that you must maintain while in the ACTIVATE program, please explain how you plan to balance those responsibilities and manage your time wisely.

Why excites you about living and working in the City of Chicago?

PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION

Parent/Guardian Name(s)

Parent/Guardian Email Address(es)

Parent/Guardian Phone Number(s)

Include country code if applicable.

Parent/Guardian Cell Phone

Is the above parent/guardian phone number a cell phone?

Yes

Parental/Guardian Release

The Center for Chicago Programs, Global Engagement Office, and Career Advancement Center only use your parent/gaurdian contact information in case of emergency. However, we understand that many students plan their program participation with their parent(s)/guardian(s). Due to FERPA regulations, we are not able to discuss your program participation with your parent(s)/guardian(s) without your permission.

Should your parent(s)/guardian(s) call or email the Center for Chicago Programs, Global Engagement Office, or Career Advancement Office, do you allow our staff to discuss with your parent(s)/guardian(s) the program costs, health and safety, and other program-specific information? We will NOT discuss your application itself, your grades, your conduct history, or anything resembling a regular check-up and progress report while you are off-campus.

MISCELLANEOUS

The following questions are intended to help the College better understand trends and/or gaps in students who are studying off campus, and how we can address them.

Obstacles

Do you anticipate any obstacles to participating in the ACTIVATE program? Some students cite worries about finances, finding accommodations for a disability, balancing your program with on-campus obligations such as athletics or clubs, etc. This information is voluntary, and has no bearing on admission to any program. It will only help us to advise you and provide you resources for your off-campus experience.

Sport

If you play a sport on campus, please list the sport(s) and season(s) below.

Race/Ethnicity

How do you identify your race/ethnicity? This question is completely voluntary and will have no bearing on your application.

Gender

How do you identify your gender? This question is completely voluntary and will have no bearing on your application.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

By checking this box, you state that you understand the cost of the program.

The fee for the ACTIVATE program includes tuition, housing, professional development activities, a U-Pass for unlimited CTA travel (bus and El), and a meal stipend.

8-Week Program:

Room and Board: $4,075
Internship Credits: $2,300 - $4,600*
Non-Refundable Deposit: $500
Need Based Financial Aid: $0 - $3,400

Total Program Cost Range: $5,175 - $9,175

*Students may be eligible for Financial Aid on both internship credits. Financial aid may be available for those who currently receive need-based aid. However, Financial Aid will not cover the full cost of the program. Students may consult with the Financial Aid Office to discuss payment plans, loans, or alternate sources of aid. Students may complete up to two internship credits as part of the ACTIVATE program. If and whenever possible, students are encouraged to complete a two-credit internship as part of ACTIVATE.

By checking this box, you state that you understand the cost of the program.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Upload Required Materials

You are required to submit two items as part of your ACTIVATE application:

PDF Copy of Resume
PDF copy of your unofficial transcript, as downloaded from My.Lakeforest: https://my.lakeforest.edu/ICS/Students/My_Grades.jnz

Please Note: Students' acceptance into the ACTIVATE program is not dependent on their providing a fully developed resume. By providing a current resume, the ACTIVATE Program Committee is better positioned to advise you concerning appropriate next steps in the resume building process to ensure a successful internship search as part of the ACTIVATE program.

Drop your files here

Scheduled Interview

As part of the 2025 ACTIVATE Application, students are required to interview with members of the ACTIVATE Committee. Please know that this interview is viewed more as a conversation and is an opportunity for students to discuss the program in more detail, including, but not limited to, expectations, the internship search timeline, etc.

To schedule your interview, please:

log into your Handshake account, the Career Advancement Center’s career management system, and
in Career Center select "Appointments -- Schedule A New Appointment -- General Job Search -- Danielle Kelly", then
select "ACTIVATE Program” as the category of appointment on the dates provided. Interviews will take place on November 19 - 25.

Interviews will take place on November 19 - 25.* Students are responsible for selecting a meeting time slot that does not conflict with existing obligations/commitments. Please contact the Career Advancement Center at 847-735-5235 or careers@lakeforest.edu for further assistance scheduling your appointment. If you are unavailable the 19th, 20th, 21st, or 25th, please contact Director of the Center for Chicago Programs, Jennie Larsen (larsen@lakeforest.edu), to discuss alternative meeting times.

*Additional meeting days/times may be added. Please refer to all available days/times in Handshake according to the above directions. If you cannot identify an interview day/time that works for your schedule, please submit your application selecting TODAY'S DATE as your interview time AND email Jennie Larsen (larsen@lakeforest.edu) to arrange a separate interview time.

I have scheduled my interview in Handshake. My interview date is:

mm/dd/yyyy

Non-Discrimination Policy Statement

Lake Forest College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by law in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates.

Lake Forest College complies with federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination based on the protected categories listed above, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination based on sex (including sexual misconduct) in the College’s educational programs and activities.

Lake Forest College provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants, students, and employees with disabilities and to individuals who are pregnant.

Any inquires or concerns with respect to sex discrimination, sexual misconduct, or Title IX may be directed to Erin Agidius, Interim Title IX Coordinator; 555 North Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045; 847-735-6009; TitleIX@lakeforest.edu.

A person may also file a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights regarding an alleged violation of Title IX by visiting www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html or calling 800-421-3481.

The campus coordinator for Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (prohibiting discrimination based on disability) is Lauren Slipkowsky, Associate Vice President of Human Resources; 555 North Sheridan Road; Lake Forest, IL 60045; 847-735-5036; lslipkwosky@lakeforest.edu. Inquires or concerns with respect to any other type of discrimination may also be directed to Lauren Slipkowsky.

REQUIRED WAIVER

I understand and acknowledge the above information

By submitting this application, I understand it is College policy that all students planning to participate in an off-campus program must be in good academic and disciplinary standing AND be expected to be good representatives for Lake Forest College while on their program.

I authorize the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Affairs, and my academic advisor(s) to release confidential information and provide an evaluation about any and all information from my education records at Lake Forest College. I authorize this information to be sent to the appropriate campus personnel and/or the program sponsor in order to evaluate my ability to complete an off-campus program for credit during the requested term. I waive my right to view this information, but I do have the right to discuss my application with the Dean or my advisor(s).

If I am currently registered with Accessibility Services, I authorize Accessibility Services to communicate my accommodation needs as they pertain to my success in off campus programs.

I understand that I must remain in good conduct standing and that permission to participate in my off-campus program may not be granted if I am found responsible for a conduct violation or placed on academic or disciplinary probation at any time prior to my off-campus program. I understand that even if I am deemed eligible at the time of submitting this application, any subsequent disciplinary or academic issues may mean that the eligibility is revoked, with no refund due to me.

By submitting this application to participate in an off-campus program, I agree that I understand the above policies as well as those stated on in the Global Engagement Office and ACTIVATE websites, and allow the Center for Chicago Programs to obtain this information from other campus offices and departments.

I understand that there will be additional requirements for me to participate in advance of and during the ACTIVATE program, including pre-departure requirements and waivers. I also understand that it will be my responsibility to search for and secure an Academic Internship with the assistance of my Career Advancement Center (CAC) Internship Specialist, and that I will be required to meet and communicate with my CAC Internship Specialist throughout the term(s) prior to as well as during my summer off campus to help ensure I secure and receive credit for an Academic Internship.

By submitting this application to participate in the ACTIVATE program, I agree that I understand the above policies as well as those stated on the Global Engagement Office and ACTIVATE webpages, and allow the Center for Chicago Programs to obtain this information from relevant campus offices and departments.

I understand and acknowledge the above information

Send me a copy of my responses

Report Abuse