CNSI-Propel

CNSI-Propel (PROmoting Professional Experiential Learning) is designed to provide students with the opportunity to build skills and gain experience while growing their professional network through the support of on-site internships with our region’s most innovative tech companies. The program, consisting of both fellowships and awards, is open to all STEM-based UCSB graduate and undergraduate students as well as community college students from partner institutions - Allan Hancock Community College and Santa Barbara City College.

Students who represent the rich diversity of California, including first-generation students and those from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Fellowships

The CNSI-Propel Fellowships are designed to help support the costs of participating in an internship opportunity. Two types are available to match the needs of both students and companies. The type of Fellowship offered is identified in the description of the internship opportunity:

CNSI-Propel Startup Fellowships: Propel Startup Fellowships provide comprehensive support for students participating in internships at California-based companies who have been incorporated for less than five years and have not raised Series A funding.

CNSI-Propel Futures Fellowships: CNSI Propel Futures Fellowships provide comprehensive support for first-generation UCSB and community college students from partner institutions to participate in internships with any California-based companies.

Internship terms covered by these Fellowships can be for up to 2.5 months during the summer, or up to 3 months during the academic year. Students receiving a Futures Fellowship automatically qualify for one additional 3-month extension, upon the company's request. Other extensions provided at CNSI's discretion, subject to availability of funds. 

Awards

The CNSI-Propel Awards provide one-time payments to students to reimburse unusual expenses associated with an internship opportunity.

CNSI-Propel Awards: Propel Awards provide up to $2,000 to support unusual expenses associated with an internship, such as travel and temporary relocation costs for in-state out-of-region internship opportunities, housing, or childcare. Internships must be in CA.

CNSI-Propel-IPS Awards: Propel-IPS Awards partner with the UCSB Individualized Professional Skills (IPS) program to provide up to $1,000 to support internship exploration or preparation support, including attendance at in-state, out-of-region industry trade shows or career-focused professional organization events to locate potential internship opportunities; job shadowing to explore a potential internship placement; and skill training to increase competitiveness for internships and jobs. Find out more about these IPS awards here: https://www.gradpost.ucsb.edu/ips-program.