2026 Spring Internships

Editor's Note: In the photo above (left to right): Sophie Vong-Karlage, Rafiat Olamide Dabiri, Josephine Eisenberg, Stacy Sternberg, Fatima Qasemi, and Andrea Harrell. Explore the Nonprofit Internship Program here.

The Patterson Foundation’s Nonprofit Internship Program connects students at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy with opportunities at nonprofits across the Suncoast region. Students have the opportunity to complete and be compensated for 150 hours while partnering with these organizations.

The Spring 2026 Internship Program is officially underway, and I couldn’t be more excited to highlight the outstanding organizations and interns participating this semester:

• Manatee Performing Arts Center – Josephine Eisenberg
• SPAACES – Rafiat Olamide Dabiri
• Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County – Stacy Sternberg
• Hope4Communities – Fatima Qasemi
• UnidosNow – Sophie Vong-Karlage
• United Community Centers – Andrea Harrell

I have had the pleasure of meeting each intern and their respective organizational supervisor, and every conversation has been filled with gratitude and enthusiasm. Both interns and supervisors expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the program and shared excitement about what can be accomplished during the semester ahead.

We are eager to see and hear about the meaningful contributions each LFSOP student will make and how their work will support and strengthen these organizations. This semester holds great promise, and we look forward to celebrating their impact.