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Projects with Purpose

What are Projects with Purpose?

Projects with Purpose are short-term projects, usually consisting of up to 40 hours of work. These projects can occur at any time of year.
Participating in a project helps students:
  • develop skills through practical experience
  • explore the world of work
  • build their professional network.
Virtual Projects are projects completed remotely by the student.

What differentiates Projects with Purpose Opportunities?

Students:
  • Focus on helping non-profits, community agencies, and local businesses overcome economic challenges, especially those created by the current health crisis.
  • Utilize UC Merced education and skills to make a positive economic impact within the greater Merced community and the Central Valley region.
  • Develop an appreciation of the importance of civic engagement and the impact of service.

See below for some examples of internships and more instructions to apply!

How do I find a Project?

STEP 1: Search on Handshake 

Use the key words: Projects with Purpose.

STEP 2: Apply

Submit your resume on Handshake to projects of interest.

STEP 3: Participate in Selection Process

Using their own selection process, the organization will review resumes and select candidates to interview and select for the project.
The student should notify CCPA at careercenter@ucmerced.edu when receiving a project offer.

What do I need to do for the Project?

Prior to the Start of the Project

  • Email the Center for Career and Professional Advancement and the Community Engagement Center that you have accepted a Project with your anticipated start and end date.

During the Project

  • Communicate regularly with the project host and with CCPA or CEC 
  • Successfully complete the project as requested by the host

Upon Project Completion

  • Make a formal presentation of your project to the project host
  • Submit a reflection paper to CCPA and CEC within one week of project completion 

Do I Get Paid?

A project provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world experiences. Upon completion of the project, the student will receive $1,000 awarded through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships as a student stipend and will be added to your financial aid awards.

What can I expect from the Project organizer?

Project hosts are asked to provide the student with:

  • clear expectations of the project
  • regular communication, especially to answer questions
  • an opportunity for the student to formally deliver the project upon completion

What if I have questions about Projects with Purpose opportunities?

Project Opportunities with Non-profits and Community Agencies

Contact Ruben Reyes – Office of Leadership, Service and Career

rreyes29@ucmerced.edu

Project Opportunities with Business and Government Entities

Contact Juan Morales – Employer Relations and Internships Coordinator

jmorales44@ucmerced.edu

Not Sure or Have A General Question

careercenter@ucmerced.edu

Other Resources

CCPA Website

For more information visit the home webpage of Center for Career & Professional Advancement (CCPA): hire.ucmerced.edu                                                                      

Fall 2020 Learning Outcomes Survey       

Click HERE! 

Bobcats Helping Bobcats Resume Review Program

  1. Upload your Resume to the Handshake Career Management System
  2. Make your Resume Public
  3. Register for the Bobcats Helping Bobcats Resume Review event in Handshake