Stanford programs help underclassmen find summer opportunities.

Stanford runs funding and experiential programs — including Cardinal Quarter, Sophomore College and Stanford in Government — that connect underclassmen with paid public service roles, research fellowships and immersive summer learning.

Many underclassmen are balancing winter-quarter midterms while applying for entry-level summer internships, fellowships and research positions. Stanford offers a mix of funding and experiential-learning programs to help students pursue public service, academic enrichment and policy work during the summer and across the academic year. Reporting highlights programs that emphasize mentorship, hands-on learning and paid placements. Students and program staff described application processes as approachable and said the experiences can shape academic and career interests. Program highlights: - Cardinal Quarter, administered by the Haas Center for Public Service, connects students with campus and community partners for paid public service opportunities during the summer and throughout the academic year. - A student who completed a Cardinal Quarter fellowship tutored through the Menlo-Atherton High Education Partnership, and applicants described the application as simple and interest-driven. - One current applicant secured a funded summer position with Climate Resilient Communities to work on policy recommendations and resident-led governance in the Bay Area. - Sophomore College (SoCo) is an immersive three-week program in September for rising sophomores that focuses on individualized mentorship and hands-on study in locations such as Alaska and Hawaii. - Stanford in Government (SIG) offers nine-week fellowships where students conduct policy research for publication, support executive leadership teams and assist with events and conferences involving global leaders. Summary: These programs are presented as pathways for students to gain practical experience, build networks and explore academic interests outside the classroom. Application deadlines continue through the quarter and students are finalizing summer plans.