The St. Louis Arc welcomes inquiries from students interested in practicums or internship projects. Each year, practicum students and interns observe, work and learn in a wide range of positions at the St. Louis Arc. Some examples of recent projects undertaken by students are: client and family intakes, quality enhancement, evaluation and assessment, family resource development, leisure program development, and legislative advocacy.

Most students are completing requirements in social work, social sciences, or recreation therapy programs, however, projects in other majors will be considered. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that accepted projects meet all requirements of their school and/or academic program.  Practicums and internships occur from Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30. There may be additional opportunities on evenings and weekends, but not enough hours to fill an entire internship requirement.

How to Apply

  1. Please review the below practicum and internship opportunities
  2. Complete a Practicum and Internship Interest Form
  3. Following the receipt of this information, we will be in contact to schedule an interview.

Practicum and Internship Opportunities

Practicum and internships are unpaid, temporary positions. Students are considered volunteers and are subject to a background check. Experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred, but not required.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all requirements for their academic program are met.

Social Work Students

We accept BSW and MSW students for both foundation and concentration practicums. Students typically work in Children’s Services, Family Supports, Leisure Services, Employment Services, and Quality Enhancement (prefer concentration students). Depending on the students interests and skills, there may be availability in other areas. Tasks include, but are not limited to:

-intakes
-resource development and referral
-program development and implementation
-evaluation and assessment

Social Sciences (Educational Studies, Psychology, Child and Family Development, etc.)

We accept students working towards a variety of other social science degrees. These students typically work in Family Supports, Leisure Services and Employment Services (including their summer work and volunteer programs for teens).

Communications, Non Profit Management, etc.

These students typically work in our Advancement department with the Volunteer Program or Special Events, or in Quality Enhancement with program evaluation and organizational assessment.

Recreation Therapy

These students work with our Leisure Services. Tasks include program development and implementation, intakes, assessments.

This is not an all-inclusive list and other programs and projects will be considered.