Three students talking at a round table

What is a Moloney Student Scholar?

The UMass Lowell Moloney Student Scholar Fund provides funding for unpaid internship opportunities. Eligible students are awarded up to $2,500 in hourly wages to pursue unfunded internships with non-profits and government agencies. Students will be paid on the university's bi-weekly pay schedule. Funding is available for work opportunities off-campus with non-profits & government agencies, in addition to funding for on-campus projects with faculty/staff. UMass Lowell aims to bridge the gap between students' financial needs and valuable career-building experiences by funding these opportunities and projects that are traditionally unpaid.

The Goal

UMass Lowell aspires to provide every student with an opportunity to apply the knowledge they are learning in the classroom to real-world situations so they can have successful careers and make an impact on the world. Through co-ops, internships, research, projects and entrepreneurial and creative endeavors, River Hawks gain valuable experience to jump-start their careers upon graduation while earning money.

These meaningful career connected experiences are essential for many UMass Lowell students to improve their lives and the lives of their families for generations to follow.

The Challenge

Valuable experiences are often unpaid, especially in non-profits and government agencies.

The Solution

  • The Moloney Student Scholar Fund provides financial support for students to pursue unpaid internships on and off campus, enhancing their career readiness and social impact.
  • Funding is available for three cycles (fall semester, spring semester, summer).

Student Eligibility

  • Open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled full-time.
  • Students must secure their own work experience. All practicums required for professional licensure are NOT eligible work experiences.
  • Students must be enrolled full-time when the experience occurs. If participating in a summer experience, students must be enrolled for the following fall semester.
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000.
  • The Moloney Student Scholar award is granted for a single session only, students are not eligible to receive it more than once.

Work Requirements

Off-campus work must be unfunded with qualified non-profits or a federal, state, or municipal government agency. (Job search support can be provided through the Career and Co-op Center. Plus, check Handshake for unpaid internships.)

  • Eligible students are awarded up to $2,500 in hourly wages to pursue unfunded internships with non-profits and government agencies. Students will be paid on the university's bi-weekly pay schedule.
  • Students must submit their job title, job description, and work site for final approval before starting work.
  • The work experience must take place during the funding cycle.
  • Examples of previous off-campus partners include: Aaron's Presents, City of Lowell, Coalition for a Better Acre, House of Hope, Lowell Community Health Center, Lowell General Hospital, Lowell Telemedia Center, Massachusetts (MA) Department of Public Health, MA Trial Court, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, New American Association of MA, and Project Learn.

On-campus work must be in a career connected role that is not currently funded through on-campus student employment. (Job search support can be provided through the Career and Co-op Center. Plus, check Handshake for unpaid internships.)

  • Eligible students are awarded up to $2,500 in hourly wages to pursue unfunded opportunities on campus. Students will be paid on the university's bi-weekly pay schedule.
  • Students must submit their job title, job description and work site for final approval before starting work.
  • The work experience must take place during the funding cycle.
  • Examples of previous on-campus sites include: Athletic department, Library, Office of Brand, Communications and Creative Strategy, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Provost's Office, Registrar's Office, RIST Institute, Student Life and Involvement, UMass Lowell Labs, University Advancement and University Police.

Application Timeline

The 2025 Summer Moloney Student Scholar Fund application is now closed. All applicants will be notified of their program status by April 4, 2025.

Application Process

Applications for the Moloney Student Scholar Fund must be submitted through Handshake. Student applications are reviewed each cycle once the application date is closed, and students will be notified of the decision within two weeks of closing date. The application process requires:

  • A resume.
  • A brief written statement describing the impact this work experience would have on the pursuit of the student's career goals, and in what area they would like to work.
  • Submit resume and statement through the Moloney Student Scholar Fund Handshake application.

For more information on the Moloney Student Scholar Fund, please email: Moloney_Scholar@uml.edu.

*UMass Lowell reserves the right to substitute unused work-study awards as the funding source for this award.