Thank you for your interest in learning more about how you can join with other parents to enrich the educational and career opportunities of our students. Committed parents are key to our efforts to make sure that every student has access to all the extra resources and relationships necessary to take full advantage of a UChicago education. Here are some ways you can help.
Host an Externship
The Alumni Board of Governors (ABG) Career Externship Program allows first- and second-year College students to shadow parents and alumni on-the-job for 2 or 3 days during spring break. This program, a joint project of the ABG and Career Advancement, offers students a glimpse of the skills required for success in a particular industry. For more information or to sign up as an externship sponsor, please visit ABG Career Externship Program.
Host or sponsor a Metcalf Internship
You can help UChicago students gain valuable insights and work experience through summer internships in a variety of fields. Please consider offering an internship at your company or nonprofit organization through the Jeff Metcalf Internship Program. Last year, this competitive program offered just over 570 internships. The College seeks to increase the number of internships to over 1000 by 2016, with a goal of 750 in 2012. A $4,000 gift to the College will provide an additional Metcalf internship opportunity to an undergraduate. If you are interested in offering an internship or funding a Metcalf intern, or would like to learn more about volunteering with Career Advancement, please contact Kate Volzer at kvolzer@uchicago.edu or visit the Career Advancement website.
Host Send-Off Parties
Each summer, we organize send-off parties around the country and abroad for incoming students and their parents to meet other new or returning students and families in their local communities. Send-off parties are a wonderful networking opportunity to share your stories about the University of Chicago and help incoming students and their families take fuller advantage of the many challenges and opportunities UChicago offers. If you would like to host a send-off party, be a parent greeter, or call to invite incoming parents to attend, please email parents@uchicago.edu.
Support student activities by making a donation
Please consider making a donation to the Parents Fund that supports activities that enhance student life, such as financial aid, the international program, internship opportunities and student life. Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you are helping enrich the UChicago experience for all students, including your child. For more information visit Parents Fund.
Join the Parent and Family Leadership Council (PFLC)
by making an annual gift of $5,000 or more. In addition to the satisfaction of knowing they are making a substantial gift to enrich the UChicago experience for students, PFLC members have opportunities to meet with the President, the Dean, and other administrators while on campus for meetings and to help give a parent perspective to College leaders.
Volunteer to help UChicago families in other ways
Become a local ambassador in your area. Volunteer to host a small gathering, attend local UChicago events or call other parents to help build the parent community in your region. These are great ways to interact with other parents, share your UChicago connection and help our students.
Get Involved!
Learn more about all the volunteer opportunities listed above. Fill out and submit this form to volunteer with the Parents Program. Your involvement directly benefits the current student experience. Or contact us at parents@uchicago.edu with your questions, interests or suggestions.
