Awards & Financial Assistance

Lacy Internship Assistance Program

The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics offers financial assistance to students at the University of Kansas in pursuit of careers in public service, politics, museum/archival studies or related fields and supports student learning opportunities beyond the classroom by providing financial assistance to offset the travel and living expenses associated with an internship.

Director Emeritus, Bill Lacy

About the Program

Established in 2012 through a gift from Chuck and Diane Frickey, the program honors Director Emeritus Bill Lacy, who, having led the Dole Institute from 2004-2022, created world-class political programming with a bipartisan approach, keeping audiences entertained and informed. Under his direction, the Institute developed an engaging student-oriented culture that provides countless opportunities for civically minded KU students.

Application for Winter 2026-27 and Spring 2027 internships will open soon. Check back soon for further updates.

Application Information

Students interested in applying for the award should review all the information below and submit their application by the dates indicate for the specified internship period.

Eligibility

All University of Kansas students from all majors and without regard to race, gender, or ethnicity who are enrolled in the semester immediately prior to or immediately following the internship period are eligible to apply for internship assistance.

Priority in funding is given to:

  • Unpaid or underpaid internships with out-of-pocket expenses
  • Internships based in areas with high costs of living (ex. Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, etc.)
  • Dole Institute Student Advisory Board members who have been involved in the program for at least one academic year
  • Applicants who will be responsible for covering housing costs
  • Applicants who have not received previous internship assistance

 

SAB Membership

The Dole Institute Student Advisory Board (SAB) is a group of KU students united by common interests in community service, government, and politics. Active members attend at least one meeting, volunteer at programs, and have completed the SAB Membership Form.

Eligible Internships

All internships except campaign internships are eligible for consideration. For questions about what is eligible, please contact the Dole Institute at doleinstitute@ku.edu.

Required Materials

All completed applications for this award must contain the following materials:

  • Completed application
  • Proposed internship details
  • Resume/CV (limited to 2 pages)
    • Do not include your name or contact information on your Resume/CV
    • Include any campus or community involvement
  • Completed Recommendation (limited to 1 recommendation)
    • Recommenders will be notified via email to submit their recommendation once your application is submitted
    • Must be completed by a KU Faculty or Staff member who is familiar with your work
  • Completed Essays

If you are selected for an award, you will be required to submit the following materials in order to receive funding:

  • Proof of Internship Offer
  • Proof of Internship Offer Acceptance

The Dole Institute is committed to universal accessibility in all programs and resources. We are in the process of making all of our web projects fully accessible. An accessible version of the material represented on this site will be made available upon request. Please contact us at doleinstitute@ku.edu to request the material be made available in an accessible format, or for general assistance.