Student Opportunities

The Arsenal Internship is held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. There is a class limit of 4 students. In this program, students learn about typical child development by observing preschool children. In addition, they observe the teaching techniques used with normal children and learn about intervention strategies. Teachers meet with students to discuss various materials. Lectures are presented and teachers meet with students for discussion.

The internship at the Hospital Elder Life Program is an innovative program designed to improve the hospital experience of older patients by exploring their past and current experiences, interest/values, and physical and psychological challenges. The internship is 8 hours per week for the academic semester, often done in two 4-hour shifts. Orientation meetings for this internship will take place prior to the start of the semester, and interns are expected to monitor their email for communications from the volunteer coordinators. HELP placement sites may vary.

This internship is supervised by Dr. Eric Bernstein, a licensed psychologist who specializes in forensic based work within Family and Juvenile Courts. This entails child custody evaluations and work for Office of Children Youth and Family Services in matters concerning abuse, neglect, and mistreatment of children. Internship students will be exposed to all aspects of this clinical practice including observing interviews, assessment, and testimony within Court.

Student activities include (1) observing and learning about the nature of a private practice and the responsibilities and practice of performing forensic work, and (2) offering administrative assistance such as filing, organizing, and other clerical duties. Depending upon students' experience and interest, they may also assist with scoring psychological testing. This internship requires a commitment of 8 hours per week for the entire semester. Dr. Bernstein's office is located in a secure office building in Station Square, and all supervised field placement hours will occur during office hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Neighborhood Resilience Project Pittsburgh is a non-profit community organization that serves the Hill District of Pittsburgh. Exact duties of internship students may vary, but it is likely that your work will involve helping community residents recover from individual and community trauma. You will be expected to volunteer 8-10 hours a week at their Hill District location. This is a great opportunity for students interested in trauma, community development, human/social services, or counseling.

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) has been serving the Pittsburgh community for over 50 years through advocacy, counseling, prevention and education. As the only dedicated rape crisis center in Allegheny County, we support survivors in many ways, including through our 24/7 Helpline. Internship students would commit to one four-hour Helpline shift per week; evening and weekend shifts are preferred, and all shifts are virtual. Interns are required to complete 40-hours of state mandated training in January 2025 (which will count towards internship hours) before interacting with clients. If interested in continuing this work, you could seamlessly stay on as a Helpline volunteer with PAAR after the end of your internship. This is a great opportunity for students interested in trauma, counseling, and/or supporting survivors. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to receive phone calls in a private and confidential space (e.g., non-shared bedroom, private room with a closed door). If you have received services from PAAR in the past, you can apply if it has been at least two years since you last actively received services. 

• Undergraduate Award for Academic Excellence and Success
• Undergraduate Award for Engaged Scholarship

• Graduate Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Graduate Award for Excellence in Scholarship