Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cunningham Children's Home?

Cunningham Children's Home is an exemplary child welfare and educational services agency located in Urbana that provides caring support and therapeutic intervention to over 300 children, youth, young adults, and their families each year. For more information about the agency please visit the Cunningham Children's Home website.

What are the eligibility requirements for the internship program?

This is a year-long sequence. You must commit to taking both PSYC 340 (Fall) and PSYC 341 (Spring).

Eligibility Requirements & Prerequisites: 

• • Junior or Senior standing

  • Psychopathology and Problems in Living (Abnormal) Psychology (PSYC 238)

  • Child Development (PSYC 216) - highly recommended

  • Prior volunteer or work experience

  • Completion of application and interview

Course Requirements:

• • Minimum commitment of 10 hours per week at Cunningham Children's Home

  • Weekly seminar for 2 hours

  • Completion of reading assignments, oral presentations, and written assignments

What types of roles would I have?

Students will work with individuals who suffer from serious emotional and behavioral challenges that have been caused by abuse, neglect, mental illness, and more. Students' roles vary based on placement within CCH. Possible opportunities for interns include (but are not limited to):

• • Youth counselors for residential treatment

  • Teacher's aides at on-campus schools

  • Group Home intern

  • Recreational Therapist intern

  • Other placements are occasionally available at the discretion of the agency.

What if I was unable to attend the informational sessions?

While we encourage students to attend the informational sessions, we acknowledge and understand that this may not be possible for all interested students. Therefore, we made efforts to make sure interested students who are not able to come to the informational sessions have access to the information shared at the sessions. You can find the Informational Session Packet and recorded zoom session here.

How many interns will you be accepting for next year?

While we love to see that so many students are interested in working with our youth, unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate large internship cohorts. We typically accept anywhere from 12 to 18 interns each year. 

When are applications due and when will I know if I am accepted?

Applications are due by Friday, April 8th, 2023, no later than 11:59 p.m.  Late applications will not be accepted.

If invited for an interview, you will be contacted to schedule an in-person interview with the CCH internship coordinator.

If you are selected for the program, you will be notified by the CCH internship coordinator. Your information will then be sent to the Psychology Department so that you are enrolled in the seminar. 

How do I apply? 

Our application is online and can be accessed from the Application Instructions page!

I am trying to sign into the application and keep receiving an error. 

The application belongs to the UIUC G Suite, which means only individuals with Illinois email addresses can access it. Please sign in using your Illinois email address. If you still have difficulty, contact us.