The Southern Scholarship Foundation's mission is to support students who lack financial resources, demonstrate excellent academic merit, and exemplify good character to attend higher education institutions through rent-free housing. There are currently 26 homes state-wide that serve 470 students. SSF determines financial need by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which serves as an index score representing need. SSF's maximum EFC threshold is $7500. Students must be accepted into one of the partner institutions: Florida Gulf Coast University, University of Florida, Santa Fe College, Tallahassee Community College, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), or Florida State University. The residents must be 25 years or younger on or before their first day of school, and the semester they plan on attending.
While receiving rent-free housing, the students experience an "Education for Life" while living cooperatively with up to 17 residents. Students accepted into the program participate in the maintenance of the following: preparing family-style meals, completing "work jobs," or chores, and attending required House meetings. Students are encouraged to participate in various leadership positions such as House Manager, House Officers (House Cleaning Supervisors, Business Managers, Treasurers, Social Chairs, Media Coordinators), and other roles. The House Managers act as the residents' and SSF's Directors of Student Affairs' primary point of contact and liaison between the foundation and the residents. Students interested in the community may apply to become an SSF Ambassador, exceptional students selected to be the "faces" of the foundation. They plan and facilitate activities to enhance student life within the foundation and promote a positive living and learning environment.
SSF has two Directors of Student Affairs, one representing North Florida (TCC, FAMU, FSU) and one managing the Central Florida Houses (UF, FGCU, Santa Fe). The "Social Work" role is apparent in the Director of Student Affairs' duties and responsibilities. Students meet for one-on-one meetings regarding their academics, counseling resources, recruiting, reviewing applications, event planning, and several other capacities.
Intern Job Description:
The tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the semester a student is completing the internship and the organizations/Director of Student Affairs calendar/events at that time.
Students will work closely with DSA, DSA Assistant, SSF residents, SSF residents in leadership roles, and community partners.
Fall:
• Act as liaison between DSA and Near Peer Coaches who work with residents on Academic
and Conduct Probation, potential to meet with a resident during the semester if interested.
• Learn CRM database to assist in uploading residents required documents.
• Assist with coordination for SSF "Fall Kick Off'' and SSF "Officer Training" event.
• Assign local high schools for Ambassador visits/presentations.
• Assist the DSA with the End of Year event for graduates including, securing venue, working within a budget, etc.
• Assist with renewal requirements and prepare for successful check out in December.
Spring:
• Act as liaison between DSA and Near Peer Coaches who work with residents on Academic
and Conduct Probation, potential to meet with a resident during the semester if interested.
• Learn CRM database to assist in uploading residents required documents.
• Assist with new resident orientation/officer day training
• Oversee Ambassadors event planning of SSF Wide Social event
• Assist the DSA with the End of Year event for graduates including, securing venue, working within a budget, etc.
• Assist with coordination of SSF applications via WizeHive, including scheduling interviews, reviewing applications, interviewing applicants.
Summer:
• Act as liaison between DSA and Near Peer Coaches who work with residents on Academic
and Conduct Probation, potential to meet with a resident during the semester if interested.
• Learn CRM database to assist in uploading residents required documents.
• Assist with coordination for SSF "Fall Kick Off'', including securing venue
• Assist DSA with House walk throughs to determine maintenance needs.
• Interview SSF applicants as necessary, assist with renewal applications as seen fit by DSA
• Assist with Fall move in prep
• Assist with planning House Managers and Ambassador Training Day
Special Placement Information:
Agency is accepting MSW 1st year students, MSW 2nd year and Advanced Standing. Southern Scholarship Foundation's regular business hours are 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
However, as an intern to the Director of Student Affairs, students may need to adjust their schedule to help support after-hour events, meetings, or other Student Affairs Business, which may include meetings on the weekend. Hours can be adjusted to meet their requirements for the Social Work program.
Video or audio taping one-on-one meetings with residents is not permitted, and students are not required to have liability insurance. The agency is accessible by bus and directly across from FSU's Doak Campbell Stadium. No stipends are available at this time.