The Queen City Internship Grant (QCIG) supports Elon students engaging in transformational internships through local partnerships in Charlotte. The grant provides funding for eligible students participating in the Study USA Charlotte fall and spring programs. Priority is given to unpaid internships, internships with a nonprofit and students completing their first credit-bearing internship.

The goal of the grant is for students to feel a strong sense of connection to Charlotte by working throughout the community. This grant is especially impactful for arts and sciences students as many of their internship opportunities are unpaid or low paying.

The grant amount is based on projected internship hours, need and other internship-related requirements. Students are guaranteed $500 minimum.

The Study USA Charlotte program launched in August 2023. Students live, take classes, intern and network with alumni in one of the fastest-growing cities in America. Charlotte serves as a finance hub for the country and hosts major health systems, life sciences firms, sports teams, media organizations and more. The Sport and Community Experience is offered each fall and spring for students interested in the sports industry.

The Queen City Internship grant fully immerses Elon students in the Charlotte community through local engagement and allows students opportunities for experiential learning that may not be possible without these funds.

The National Campus Programs team is excited to welcome more Elon students to Charlotte and witness their contributions to the Charlotte community as well as the impact the community will have on each student’s own personal growth and professional development.

Read more about the previous grant recipients: Fall 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2024, and Summer 2024.

Students enrolled in a Study USA Charlotte program who have registered their internship in EJN can apply here.

Every day, I’ve applied skills developed throughout my Elon coursework, such as organization, communication, and adaptability to real projects that made a direct impact on this organization. This experience has solidified my passion for event management and inclusive programming, and it has helped me see how I can turn that passion into a career. I now feel more confident in my professional abilities and inspired to pursue a future where I can combine my interests in hospitality, service and community development. I’m very grateful to the donors that made this all possible – it has meant the world to me.

Katie Strohl ’26, Special Olympics North Carolina Intern & QCIG Recipient