Internship Investment Strengthens University Ties to Local Organizations

Abby Leigh (’19) has plans to graduate early and attend law school. This summer, she worked at the Colorado State Public Defender’s Office in Denver and at One Colorado, an LGBTQ advocacy group. “Unpaid internships are a privilege and not something everyone gets to do,” she said. “The stipend from the Sturms’ gift allowed me to stay in Colorado and take an internship instead of going back home and working.”

A new gift from the Sturm Family Foundation enables students like Abby to pursue internships in the public and nonprofit sectors while also enhancing the work of local agencies and strengthening the University’s community partnerships.

“I know from firsthand experience the value of interning with a nonprofit, and we’re excited to remove financial barriers so other students can take advantage of these opportunities.”

– Stephen Sturm

The Sturm Family Foundation’s investment in internship stipends for students in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science (AHSS) puts valuable professional experience within reach of all students and allows them to integrate on-campus learning with community experience. The gift also leverages the Career & Professional Development team to support students in reflecting on how their experience informs their academic and professional paths.

Thanks to the Sturms’ investment, DU is able to deepen its commitment to local agencies. “In giving to internships, the foundation’s generosity will directly impact our students as it also strengthens the work of our partner organizations throughout the city,” said Chancellor Rebecca Chopp.

Maddy Gawler (BA ’19, MA ’20) began working on the Colorado Sierra Club Ready for 100 Campaign in 2017. She wanted to return to her Sierra Club fellowship this summer, but she did not have the money because she was studying abroad. “This internship allowed me to see the campaign I started a few years ago through to its completion.”

The Sturm Foundation sees internships as an opportunity to impact both students and the agencies delivering public good throughout the city. “I know from firsthand experience the value of interning with a nonprofit, and we’re excited to remove financial barriers so other students can take advantage of these opportunities,” said Stephen Sturm (BA, MBA ‘13), co-managing director of the Sturm Family Foundation.