INTERNSHIPS

The OPIRG McMaster Experiential Learning Program (ELP) gives McMaster Undergraduate students the opportunity to complete a short-term project for a community-based organization and receive a stipend for their work. 

OPIRG McMaster partners with community-based organizations that align with our mission to create short-term student work projects. Job postings are released to McMaster undergraduate students via our website and social communication channels. Successful applicants are connected to the partner organization and receive mentorship over a set timeline (e.g., 60 hours over 6-8 weeks). 

Students receive a stipend from OPIRG McMaster that is based on a living wage rate for the project hours worked. Once the project is complete, students submit deliverables to the partner organization.

The Experiential Learning Program allows students to gain real-world skills while being compensated for their work. Partner organizations gain the opportunity to pursue a project with highly motivated and capable students, at no cost of their own. Partner organizations can also develop long-term relationships with OPIRG and set up recurring Experiential Learning Placement opportunities.

All community organizations and students that are interested in the Experiential Learning Program can contact OPIRG McMaster at board@opirgmcmaster.org for more information.

Note: the Student Representative Assembly voted on June 22 to pause OPIRG McMaster’s funding for the 2025-2026 school year. Since that time, a new Board of Directors was elected and we are working hard to restore funding; however, the ELP program will have limited capacity for the 2025-2026 school year.

TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROGRAM, A STUDENT MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

  1. Is a part-time or full-time McMaster undergraduate student.

  2. Agree to uphold the values of OPIRG McMaster while participating in the Experiential Learning Program.

  3. Is available for the time specified in the job description.

  4. Is not already working in a paid position for the organization that is sponsoring the position.

  5. Agrees to a check-in schedule with a representative from OPIRG McMaster.

The Experiential Learning Placement gives students the opportunity to get involved in their community, gain real world experience, and be compensated fairly for their work. 

If you are interested in participating in the program, please contact OPIRG at board@opirgmcmaster.org to inquire about open opportunities! 

A PARTNER ORGANIZATION MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

  1. Is a community-based organization.

  2. Conducts work that aligns with OPIRG McMaster’s mission and values.

  3. Has the capacity to host a student (i.e., dedicate a staff member to supervise and mentor the student).

Examples of eligible organizations include: non-profit organizations; social enterprises; grassroots organizations; cultural organizations; neighbourhood associations; city councillor offices, etc.

Examples of eligible projects for an Experiential Learning Program placement include: 

  • Program evaluation; 

  • Program development; 

  • Social media campaign; 

  • Research report, paper, or project;

  • Many more! 

THE PROCESS

  • OPIRG McMaster has an initial meeting with a partner organization. During this meeting, OPIRG confirms that the organization is eligible for the program, while the organization shares their needs and how students can address those needs.

  • The partner organization completes the OPIRG McMaster Experiential Learning Program project agreement. 

    The project agreement must have a set timeline (total number of hours, start-date and end-date), deliverables, and a plan for student supervision and mentorship. 

    Based on the project agreement, OPIRG agrees on an amount for an honorarium. Students will be paid the hourly living wage rate for the work they do.

    Honorarium payments are usually provided at the midway point of the project and then again upon project completion.

  • The partner organization creates the Experiential Learning Program job posting and OPIRG McMaster communicates the posting to McMaster undergraduate students. 

    Student candidates are interviewed, and successful candidates are selected for the program.

    Selected candidates must be approved by OPIRG McMaster to ensure they meet all the eligible criteria. 

    Successful candidates are connected to the partner organization to begin work on their project. 

    The student completes their project under the regular supervision of the partner organization. 

    The student is responsible for communicating with OPIRG McMaster to fulfill the conditions of the project agreement and receive their honorariums.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

All community organizations and students that are interested in the Experiential Learning Program can contact OPIRG McMaster at board@opirgmcmaster.org for more information.