UNO to Launch Humanities Internship Initiative

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has been awarded a Mellon Foundation grant to launch Humanities in Action: The Maverick Internship Program, a cross-college initiative designed to expand access to paid, credit-bearing internship opportunities for humanities majors

With the grant, UNO’s College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Communication, Fine Arts, and Media will design, implement, and scale a coordinated internship program that allows humanities students to apply classroom learning in professional, civic, and public-sector contexts. The program will integrate career preparation directly into the curriculum through new and revised internship courses, professional development workshops, and public events connecting students with community partners.

“UNO’s humanities programs prepare students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage ethically, skills that are essential and increasingly important in professional life,” said Dr. Melanie Bloom, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and principal investigator for the project. Dr. Tanushree Ghosh, co-principal investigator and Chair of the Department of English, adds “We hope that these humanities internships show students how the skills honed in the humanities classroom translate directly into real-world problem solving, professional collaboration, and meaningful impact beyond the university.”

Launching in spring 2026, Humanities in Action will build partnerships with organizations such as the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands and the Nebraska Business Development Center to develop a wide range of internship placements. “The Humanities in Action grant is an excellent articulation of UNO’s urban, metropolitan mission,” said Dr. Julie Dierberger, co-principal investigator and Paul Sather Distinguished Director of the Office of Engagement. “We know this will expand learning, increase partner capacity, and strengthen students’ connection to Omaha.”

Beyond the five-year grant period, Humanities in Action will become a permanent part of UNO’s academic infrastructure. The program will maintain at least 40 paid internships annually, supported through university investment, donor partnerships, and external funding.

“The Mellon Foundation’s support recognizes the power of the humanities to connect learning with action,” said Bloom. “Through this program, our students will graduate not only with valuable humanities skills but also with experience, confidence, and a sense of civic purpose.”

“This transformative grant will empower our students to turn their passion for the humanities into purpose-driven careers,” said UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, “By creating direct pathways from the classroom to the community, Humanities in Action will position our students for success in a world that increasingly values analytical, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving skills. I am deeply grateful to the College of Arts and Sciences and the Office of Engagement for their bold leadership and commitment to the lifelong success of our students.”