The Central Indiana Regional Development Authority (CIRDA) designed a program to introduce students to CIRDA, its member organizations, and the communities it serves. Participating students will learn first-hand how local governments work individually and jointly to create strong, economically sound communities. This immersive, experiential learning opportunity will expose students to career opportunities in local government and economic development. Students also may connect with private and nonprofit entities contributing to the growth and health of communities in Central Indiana.

The Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Indianapolis (O’Neill) trains undergraduate and graduate students for careers in a variety of fields related to public affairs, including public policy and management, public safety, sustainability, and nonprofit management. O’Neill students are well-positioned to participate in and to benefit from this program.

Program Description

The CIRDA Scholars program is an experiential learning opportunity open to O’Neill School graduate and undergraduate students. Undergraduates will need to be at junior or senior status to participate. The opportunity is open to students regardless of their chosen major, provided they are in good academic standing. The program is designed to provide scholars with the flexibility needed to both accommodate their schedules and to align with and advance their academic and professional goals.

Students selected as CIRDA Scholars will earn three internship credits and a $2,500 scholarship, paid in two installments during each semester that they participate in the program. Students may apply to complete multiple semesters as a Scholar. If selected again, they will earn ongoing scholarship support but will not earn additional internship credit.

A member of the CIRDA team will supervise the Scholar’s experience and will act as the Scholar’s advocate and mentor. An O’Neill advisor will round out the student’s support team.

Scholars will devote approximately 10-15 hours each week of the semester to the program. This time will include 8-10 hours per week on site, working and meeting in person with CIRDA staff and/or its members. Scholars may also attend public meetings and events. Scholars will also work on projects that will benefit CIRDA and its members.

An important part of the Scholar experience includes a presentation of their work to an appropriate audience, which may include CIRDA staff and representatives of its member communities and organizations. In addition to individual projects assigned by CIRDA, Scholars will complete a report reviewing and reflecting on their experience and their resulting learning and growth. This document will be a requirement for completion of internship course credit and will be shared with their CIRDA supervisor.