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Capstone Internship

January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026

The Joni and Friends Capstone Internship provides graduate students with the opportunity to complete their final capstone project in the context of hands-on disability ministry. This program is meant to assist early career professionals (i.e. Occupational Therapy Doctorate, Doctorate of Physical Therapy, and special educators) in finding the pathway to connect their vocation to God’s global mission. Every Joni and Friends Capstone Intern is given meaningful opportunities to use their gifts and talents to serve people living with disability.

When:

Fall/Spring, on a rolling basis

Deadlines to apply:
  • Fall, Apply by May 31
  • Spring, Apply by October 31
Where:
  • Virtual
  • International Disability Center (Joni and Friends headquarters)
  • Field Office
  • Global Partners
Cost:

Varies by duration and location (virtual internships available)

Under the supervision of a university faculty member and a Joni and Friends staff member, the Capstone Intern can earn credit for his/her project while benefiting 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 of God.

Under the supervision of Joni and Friends leadership, Capstone Interns complete our Beyond Suffering course, the flagship curriculum of the Christian Institute on Disability at Joni and Friends. This core text aims 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.

In partnership with faculty advisors, a capstone project will be completed under the supervision of a Joni and Friends 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.

Capstone Interns may have the opportunity to serve as a volunteer at a Joni and Friends outreach such as Family Retreat, International Family Retreats, or Wheels for the World®, meeting real needs through therapeutic intervention and education.

  • 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.
  • Subsidies are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • The Internship department staff will facilitate logistics as needed. Please send all information and internship requirements to [email protected].
  • If all internship positions are filled, your application will be added to our waitlist and notified if an opportunity becomes available.

“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