Careers & Internships

Goals and Objectives 

The Kempe Center is a section of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Following the seminal work of Dr. C. Henry Kempe, the Center has built a reputation as a world leader in the prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Center activities include developing and testing new prevention and treatment programs, overseeing the implementation of established evidence-based programs, evaluating and diagnosing children who are suspected victims of abuse and neglect, training child welfare/protection and educational professionals, and conducting studies that inform program development and public policy. 

The Student Internship Program is an experiential learning and career development training opportunity designed to support the professional and academic growth of undergraduate or post-baccalaureate interns.  It can be conducted in person, remotely, or as a hybrid experience. We expect applicants to be enrolled in an educational program at the time of their internship.   

The internship program aims to achieve the following goals within the context of child abuse and neglect prevention and treatment: 

1. Equip interns with foundational skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the field of child maltreatment, abuse and neglect.   

1. Foster professional relationships with researchers, educators and/or clinicians in the child maltreatment field, both within and beyond the Kempe Center, supporting network-building and long-term career development. 

1. Meet the interns’ requirements for a successful internship at the Kempe Center.  

Interns will assist and collaborate on active projects and programs at the Center, engage in scholarly and educational activities, and immerse themselves in the life of the Kempe Center. 

Eligibility 

This internship is open to individuals enrolled in educational programs while seeking to fulfill requirements of the program and immerse themselves in child welfare, child abuse and neglect and maltreatment.   

Expectations 

To ensure a successful and enriching experience, both Kempe mentors and interns are expected to adhere to clearly defined roles and responsibilities. 

The Mentor: 

• Supports the intern’s learning objectives as defined in a Learning Agreement 

• Facilitates access to resources and professional connections that help the intern achieve their internship goals 

• Immerses the intern in the work of the program and Center so they may both learn and contribute to programs and Center progress 

The Intern: 

• Works to achieve the goals outlined in their Learning Agreement 

• Completes a final reflection paper on the experience and their learnings 

Mentorship Guidelines: 

• Regular check-ins between mentor and intern, scheduled in advance 

• Clear communication of goals, tasks, and expectations 

• A commitment to a professional, confidential, and transparent mentor-intern relationship 

Program Structure and Weekly Activities 

Internships typically are customized to the interns’ professional and program needs.  They will also include an orientation and introduction to Kempe’s mission, vision and values.   

Each intern will be paired with a primary mentor or supervisor and will participate in regular check-ins to review progress toward their Individual Learning Agreement. 

Q and A: 

Are interns paid for their time?  It depends.  Some Kempe programs may have resources to pay interns a stipend.  Some educational programs may offer stipend support to the intern.  Some interns prefer to volunteer their time and receive credit or other forms of “compensation” for their internship.  We will support interns’ needs in seeking external stipends for their learning experience.   

How long does an internship last?  That depends on you and your program needs.  We can discuss special circumstances and needs of potential interns with mentors/supervisors.  We understand that timeframes vary depending on a number of factors.  

What makes this an internship?  This program is intended for learners in educational programs at the baccalaureate or graduate levels who want to learn all they can at the Kempe Center to advance their knowledge of the field and career opportunities.  This is not a program for externs, fellows, or pre- or post-doctoral students.   

I am an international student, may I apply?  In general, we do not have the resources to support an international student for this internship.  We recommend international students apply for a Fulbright or other forms of scholarships that support international students.   

 If you are interested in internship opportunities at Kempe, please fill out the Intern Inquiry form here. (link is: http://tiny.cc/kempeintern)