An Invitation for Hosts to the Externship Experience
Thank you for your interest in the Grinnell Externship Experience! [Monday, December 1, 2025: The host deadline for March 2026 experiences. The form is now closed.]
This year’s experiences may be scheduled for three to five days over Grinnell’s spring break, March 7–22, 2026. The externship program is a transformative experience for students, providing them with invaluable insights into professional fields, real-world work environments, and meaningful mentorship. As a host, you have the unique opportunity to guide and inspire students, fostering their career development while sharing your expertise. Many hosts find the experience deeply rewarding, both personally and professionally, as they build connections with the next generation of Grinnellians.
Hosts may offer in-person or virtual experiences. In-person experiences should include a homestay. If you cannot accommodate a student guest in your home, please connect with Jessica Stewart before submitting your externship experience application.
Hosts will be contacted directly by students interested in their experiences. Students should submit a letter of agreement, cover letter and résumé, and you may interview the students virtually if you would like. Please review the guidelines and timelines. Remember, students are eligible for grants to support their externship experience travel and expenses; however, grant deadlines and funding amounts are firm with no exceptions.
The application process takes 15–20 minutes to complete. Host listings are due no later than midnight on November 30, 2025.
As a part of the application process, in-person externship hosts (and any adults 18+ in their household) will be required to complete a background check (valid for 5 years). This is a mandatory step in alignment with best practices and will be completed before your application goes live.
At the end of the application, you will find a spot to upload the signed Memo of Understanding and Code of Leadership, which outline the purpose of the program, your responsibilities as an extern host (in-person and virtual), and Grinnell College’s responsibilities. Please review these documents and provide your signature and a signature from your supervisor or someone in HR to confirm your agreement.
Alumni hosts with questions should contact Jessica Stewart in the Grinnell College Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 641-269-3234 or via email at stewarje@grinnell.edu.
Thank you for your generosity and commitment to supporting Grinnell students.
Warm regards,
Jessica Stewart, Senior Associate Director, Alumni and Donor Relations
Robin Bourjaily, Assistant Director, Exploratory Career Community, Center for Careers, Life, and Service
