What is the Chapel Executive Internship Program?
The Virginia Todd Chapel Executive Internship Program provides $6,000 to Liberal Arts students completing full-time, in-person summer internships in the business or private sector. As part of the program, students also engage in structured experiential learning through enrollment in LA 495 (0.5 credit hours).
Eligibility Requirements
- Current undergraduate student at Penn State University Park
- At least one declared Liberal Arts major
- Completed at least 59.1 credits (fifth-semester standing)
- Minimum 3.0 grade-point average
- Offer for a full-time internship (paid or unpaid) in the business or private sector (virtual internships not eligible)
Strongest consideration will be given to students who have not previously received funding from the Chapel Executive Internship Program, students who complete the application prior to the deadline, and students who articulate the ways in which their Liberal Arts education will impact their internship experience and career goals.
How do I apply?
To apply for the Chapel Executive Internship Program and all other enrichment funding offered by the College of the Liberal Arts, students must fill out the Enrichment Funding application.
When applying, students will be asked to provide the following information:
- Details about the internship experience (location, salary, coordinator contact information, etc.)
- Formal offer letter from the internship
- Description of the internship (title, name of organization, what you will do for the company, etc.)
- Information on how this internship experience will support your overall career goals
- Information on why your internship is unique and worthy of support
- Information on any financial circumstances the Career Enrichment Network should be made aware of
- List of expenses tied to the completion of your internship
- Résumé/CV
What is the application deadline?
Summer 2026 Deadline | April 15 |
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What happens if I am selected for the program?
Students selected as recipients will receive $6,000 deposited into their Penn State student Bursar account the semester their internship takes place. Students who are not selected for the internship program will automatically be considered for our general Liberal Arts enrichment funds. There is no need to submit a separate application.
Program requirements may include:
- Enrollment into LA 495 for .5 credit hours in the summer of their experience. This tuition will be covered by the Chapel Executive Internship Program in addition to the $6,000 award.
- Writing a letter thanking the donors responsible for the award.
- Successful engagement and completion of LA 495 including minimal assignments such as:
- Submitting short reflections of the internship experience including a summary, networking and mentoring opportunities, career goals, and career and professional development.
- Completing the Clifton Strengths assessment.
- Submitting a student profile.
- Developing content to begin professional portfolio: résumé review, LinkedIn account feedback, headshot and internship photos, etc.
- Participate in a virtual meeting with a Career Coach from the Career Enrichment Network.
- Completing other projects as assigned.
Lastly, Chapel Executive Interns are expected to attend an event with the Chapels during the fall semester. Details about this event will be provided in advance.
Meet the Chapels
Virginia (Jinnie) Todd Chapel is a 1965 Penn State graduate with a degree in English and member of the Liberal Arts Development Council. Jinnie had a successful career with the management consulting firm of Booz Allen Hamilton and later became a partner in LeapFrog Solutions, a marketing communications management firm, based in Fairfax, Virginia. Her husband, John Chapel, is a graduate of Drexel University, and today he is president and CEO of White Hall Capital LLC, a Northern Virginia-based private equity investment firm.
The Chapels started The Virginia Todd Chapel Executive Internship Program with leadership gifts creating an endowment now valued at $2.5 million. This funding, partnered with a previous gift, supports premium internships in the private sector for Liberal Arts students who excel academically and who seek high-quality career development opportunities.
Kayla Lynch
Ben Lindgren
Katie Dallas
Katie Dallas
Jiawen Zhang
