Fairfield University's College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) has long been a cornerstone of academic excellence. Its commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education has earned it a reputation for producing well-prepared graduates ready to tackle the challenges of the modern world. Two shining examples of CAS's dedication to student success are the Arts and Sciences Guarantee Fellowship Program and the Internship Stipend Program, which continue to thrive and evolve having supported students’ unpaid internships and research experiences with $92,640 in funds over the last year.

The distinctive CAS Guarantee Fellowship provides up to $2,500 in support to any College of Arts and Science student, beginning with the Class of 2026, who secures an approved unpaid internship, research opportunity, or fieldwork experience while studying at Fairfield. The CAS Internship Stipend is available to other class years (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) and is for students who have financial need that have an unpaid internship, research, or experiential learning experience.

"The Arts and Sciences Guarantee is a prime example of CAS's outcomes-focused curriculum. We strive to ensure the successful launch of all our students, whether to graduate school, medical school, law school or the job market. A Fairfield education not only sets up our students for their first job but builds capacity for their third job and beyond," said college Dean, Richard Greenwald.

The programs’ notable achievements are the consistent support of students who secure prestigious but unpaid fellowships and internships across various industries. CAS students have had the opportunity to work with many renowned organizations including the Breast Cancer Alliance, Make a Wish Foundation, NBC Universal, New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance, Playbill, Save the Children, and Yale New Haven Hospital.

“The CAS Guarantee and CAS Internship Stipend have allowed students in the College of Arts and Sciences to have valuable internships, research opportunities and experiential learning opportunities,” said Kim Nickolenko, MA, director of career engagement in the Office of Career and Professional Development for the College of Arts and Sciences. “We want all our students to have access to and to participate in opportunities to explore their passions as it relates to their major and career journey.”

Furthermore, the program's emphasis on mentorship and career development has been instrumental in shaping the futures of CAS students. Career and professional development staff and faculty advisors work closely with students to identify their interests, strengths, and career goals. Through personalized guidance, students are encouraged to explore their passions and are provided with resources to help them excel academically and professionally.

Recent alumna from the Class of 2021, Chloe Riven, is a current graduate student at Columbia University where she's working toward her master's degree in social work for end-of-life-care. 

"I am currently working at the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner as a family advocate. In New York City, I had internships for my MSW program at the Columbia Center for Prolonged Grief, and at the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner," Riven said, explaining that without CAS's support with her summer experiences that helped her on her path, she "would not have had these opportunities to have such rich experiences."

In addition to the internship and fellowship opportunities, the College of Arts and Sciences’ Office of Career and Professional Development also offers workshops, seminars, and networking events that foster personal and professional growth. These events enable students to connect with alumni and industry experts, further expanding their horizons and preparing them for the challenges they will face in the workforce.

Learn more at Fairfield.edu/CAS.