Capstone Internship
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Location:
Virtual, International Disability Center, Field Office, or Global Partners
Cost:
Varies by Duration and Location (virtual internships available)
Deadlines:
Fall | Apply by May 31st
Spring | Apply by Oct 31st
Capstone Internships provide graduate students with the opportunity to complete their final capstone project in partnership with Joni and Friends. This program is meant to assist early career professionals (i.e. OTD, DPT, and Special Educators) in finding the pathway to connect their vocation to God’s global mission. Every capstone intern at Joni and Friends is granted the opportunity to use their gifts and talents to further minister to those living with disability.
Requirements
University Partnership
Under the supervision of a university faculty member and Joni and Friends Internship staff member, the capstone intern can earn credit for his/her project while benefitting people living with disability. Every intern at Joni and Friends is granted the opportunity to harmonize their specific area of interest and skill sets to fulfill their university requirements. Our aim is that this project serves as a catalyst for interns to develop as leaders and take the next step in discerning use of their technical skills to build the Kingdom.
Theology of Disability and Suffering
Beyond Suffering is the flagship curriculum of the Christian Institute on Disability at Joni and Friends. This core text was created to transform the way Christians view God’s plan for disability and suffering through biblical education on the theology of suffering with practical application on building disability ministries that serve people living with disability. Capstone interns complete this 16-week course under supervision of Joni and Friends leadership during their internship.
Empirical Research/Program Development
In partnership with faculty advisors, a capstone project will be completed under the supervision of an Internship staff member, in collaboration with one or more Joni and Friends domestic or international partners. Past projects have included conducting research related to Joni and Friends’ programs, teaching opportunities, and developing programs and resources to equip the local church to serve people living with disabilities.
A Capstone intern may also have the opportunity to serve as a volunteer at a Family Retreat as well as through our International Family Retreats and Wheels for the WorldTM outreach programs to be the hands and feet of Jesus, meeting real needs through therapeutic intervention and education, while ministering to the hope found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Global Strategy
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Our mission is to glorify God as we communicate the gospel and mobilize the global church to evangelize, disciple and serve people living with disability. Intentional times of training and mentorship are built into the capstone internship to help the student develop as a leader, envision the future, leverage technical skills, and achieve professional goals while serving Christ.
Logistics
Capstone Internships are flexible in length and timing, depending upon university requirements. If housing, meals, and travel are required for the implementation of a capstone project, the intern will be able to fundraise through Joni and Friends. The Internship department staff will facilitate logistics as needed.
Please send all information and internship requirements to [email protected].
“The capstone internship was a game changer for me—allowing me the unique opportunity to grow my developing skillset in occupational therapy while preparing me to live out the gospel through this lens in serving individuals with disabilities.”
– Olivia Batchelor, Capstone Intern, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
*Subsidies are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. College credit may also be available depending on the requirements of your university.
