Do you provide funding for internships or fellowships? Do you help with funding? How?
We normally do not provide funding directly to Broadmoor Interns because past interns have had great success funding their service through grants at their universities. Most of our interns from Bard, Harvard, MIT, Notre Dame, and Yale are participating in a program through their university that provides housing, a work stipend, food costs, etc. We are happy to write any letters of recommendation to any university to do what is necessary to help you get the funding you need.
Once we receive your application, we will call you to talk about your interests, personal needs and overall situation. We try to figure out ways to make the internship work, personally, professionally, and financially. Don't let money issues stop you from applying.
Our year long Fellows are paid and are typically employed in Americorps positions. They receive a living stipend of approximately $11,400 for the year, including health insurance and loan deferment. At the end of their service, our AmeriCorps Fellows also receive an additional $4,725 grant from Americorps to cover educational expenses.
How does the application process work?
Click here to learn what steps you can take to apply for our internships.
Click here to learn about our year long, post-graduate fellowships and the application process.
Do you help with housing? How?
Typically, interns are responsible for finding their own housing in the city, but our staff will help you with that. We try to find you housing in Broadmoor. Housing is often covered through funding from the interns' university. In the past, interns who have not been able to pay for housing have sometimes received subsidized room and board at Broadmoor’s Annunciation Mission volunteer center. Such an arrangement will be contingent upon the length of the intern’s service and the availability of space at the mission. Again, apply and we will figure this out during the interview conversation.
Fellows, who are employed for a year in AmeriCorps positions, receive housing assistance from the Broadmoor Development Corporation. We pay your rent on a furnished apartment in Broadmoor, and you and your other roommates pay for your utilities.
Some Fellows opt not to live in an apartment provided free of charge by the BDC. Others opt instead to receive a housing stipend to help defray the cost of rent.
If I'm not from one of the university partners, should I still apply?
Yes! We’d love to have you! All those university partnerships started with one student from the respective schools who wanted to work with us, and then, after they left, wanted other students from their university to enjoy the same opportunities.
Why don't you be that first student from your school?
What happens if I sign the Broadmoor Commitment Letter and then fail to follow through?
Ouch! This is a difficult subject to handle gently, so let's just be clear with each other.
We would do what any mature, honest organization would do: we would inform the university and the student's references concerning the dishonorable behavior. We would also provide written proof of the violation in the form of the signed Commitment letter and we would describe, in writing, how the person's irresponsible behavior directly, negatively impacted the residents of Broadmoor.
The Commitment letter is just that: it's a firm commitment. We know you have lots of options, and you are leaving them behind when you commit to us. We don't take that lightly. We also have serious needs in the neighborhood, we look to have interns and fellows fulfill them, and we have lots of applicants to our internships. Were an intern or fellow to commit to us in writing, have us take the internship or fellowship off the market, and then retract their decision anytime later... the odds are we won't be able to fill the position and then the residents of Broadmoor are directly, negatively affected by the person's immaturity.
Please realize that a commitment is a commitment. DO NOT make it lightly! We won't and we know you won't, either.
What happens if you make me an offer before one of my other internships does? Will you wait till I hear back from them?
Sorry, but we can't wait. In order to provide all applicants with a timely decision, we will need to know whether you will be working for us within two weeks of our notification. It is our hope that all applicants have applied because we are a top choice. We realize that it may be a difficult decision for you, so as you consider our offer, please feel free to contact our current fellows for help in your decision.
Is it safe to live in Broadmoor or New Orleans?
Broadmoor is a safe neighborhood within New Orleans. Of course, common sense is always important, and wandering into the wrong areas of the city at night may land you in trouble. However, dozens of interns and fellows have been working in Broadmoor for the past three years without problems.
How can I learn more about Broadmoor and the BDC?
Check out the Links and Our Media Coverage pages!
How do you pick your interns and fellows?
We look for leaders who have demonstrated the ability to effectively undertake self-supported work. We’ll certainly help you as you work, but we won’t be able to constantly look over your shoulder. You’ll often carry out projects from inception to completion largely on your own, and you should be comfortable with this arrangement.
Beyond your own abilities, we look for people whose interests match our emerging needs. We do our best to match interns and fellows to projects that directly interest them. We’ve learned from experience that this is the best way to get high quality work!
If you have volunteered with us in the past, and we know you from past experience, you have an advantage over an unknown applicant. This is why we recommend potential interns to visit or work with us during semester break, spring break, etc. Known applicants from know programs always have a leg up on the unknown applicants in our application process. All, however, are encouraged to apply.
Can my school create a more formal partnership with you? How?
We are always looking for more university partners! The best way to forge a partnership between Broadmoor and your university is to come to the neighborhood as a volunteer, an intern, or a fellow. When you’re here, we can discuss ways you can help us to formalize a partnership with your school. This will be much easier once you’ve come down and seen what we’re all about.
What are the work hours?
Interns and fellows usually work at least eight hours a day, five days a week. Most people work from approximately 9 AM to 5 PM, though these hours are not rigid.
Are there lots of university students and recent graduates doing recovery work in New Orleans?
You bet. This city seems to be a hub of sorts for idealistic types. To learn more, visit the website, internforneworleans.org and nolayurp.org.
How can I help you now?
When you’re old and rich, we’ll ask you for money. For now, we’re much more interested in your time and your enthusiasm. Bring your college group to the neighborhood to volunteer during a school break. Apply to be an intern or a fellow. Tell your friends about opportunities like this one. Part of this city’s future lies with the thousands of young people who have come post-Katrina to help the city build back better than before, and this is a movement that you can be a part of. The odds are good that you’ll fall in love with New Orleans and be tempted to never leave. We did, and we never regret serving one day here to make this the greatest, greenest, most just place on the planet. Come be a part of history. Be a part of Broadmoor. Help us make New Orleans Better than Before! Apply now!