Project Onramp is a Life Science Cares program that helps connect Federal Pell-Grant recipients with companies in the Greater Boston Area for full-time, paid summer internships and their respective professional development programs. The overarching field for all companies is “life sciences” but students of all majors are encouraged to participate.

These summer internships provide real world experience to those looking to gain the relevant knowledge and skills required to enter a particular career field. They are short-term with the primary focus of getting students on-the-job training, applying their classroom knowledge to the real world, and are an excellent way to begin building important connections that are invaluable in developing and maintaining a strong professional network in the future. Students who apply for River Hawk Scholars Academy’s Project Onramp program are provided guided support in the prior fall and spring to help them prepare to apply, interview, and, ideally, accept a summer internship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Project Onramp

What do I do in the program?

We assist students with many different aspects of applying to internships but the priorities are:

  • Developing a strong resume
  • Preparing for interviews
  • Fostering strong communication skills
  • Helping students apply to summer internships
When does Project Onramp happen?

The part of the program that prepares students to apply to internships begins in September (Fall semester) and runs through the end of October. Students begin applying to internships in November and continue through the end of the Spring semester.

The actual internships begin in either May or June and run through mid- to late-August. This includes several required summer programs that help students with various topics like professional development and networking.

How and when can I apply?

Our priority deadline is within the first two weeks of September. Some students may be periodically accepted on a rolling basis throughout the semester until the last day of February. However, most internships are posted in November and December which severely limits students’ options if they begin the program late.

What are the requirements to apply?

To participate in Project Onramp, any student (any major, any year) who is a current recipient of the Pell Grant (through financial aid) can apply. Once in the program, there are further requirements to complete before students can apply to any internships.

What majors can apply?

Any major can participate in Project Onramp! There are certain majors that will have more opportunities than others. Of the more than 200 internship opportunities, here are the most frequent majors that are requested.

Frequent Internship Opportunities (in no particular order):

  • Applied Biomedical Sciences
  • Biotechnology
  • Public Health
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering (especially Biomedical, Mechanical, & Computer)

Occasional Internship Opportunities (in no particular order):

  • History
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Few Internship Opportunities (in no particular order):

  • Graphic Design
  • English (especially Communications)
  • World Languages – Spanish
  • Math
What if I’ve never had a job/written a resume/had an interview before?

That’s exactly what we’re here to help with! We can get you started with your resume and connect you to other resources on campus where professionals will help you complete your resume, practice for interviews, and so much more.

Can freshmen/sophomores get internships?

Yes, though it’s not common, we have had several freshmen and sophomores receive internships. Many internships will specifically request “rising” juniors or seniors (current sophomores who will be juniors next year and current juniors who will be seniors next year) but not all of them.

Am I guaranteed an internship?

We help students with preparing themselves and presenting themselves as best the can but we cannot guarantee students will be chosen for internships.