The Ratcliffe Center of Creative Entrepreneurship is seeking partners who can offer internship experiences focused on business operations, leadership, and management skills. Opportunities may be with a startup, small business, designer, freelancer, or fine artist.
Applications are open through Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 11:59 pm. Selected partners will be notified by January 30.
E/Intern Community Partner Eligibility
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For-profit, creative venture based in the Greater Baltimore area.
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Business has demonstrated viability (been in operation for two years, secured seed funding, organized board of directors, etc.)
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Internship site location must be in a business-dedicated space (i.e., a studio, business storefront, etc.), NOT a private residence.
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Offer letter or job duty questionnaire from internship site should clearly outline student's responsibility and day-to-day tasks
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Internship supervisor is required to offer a minimum of 120 supervised working hours and complete mid-point and post evaluations
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Priority will be given to businesses that have not previously been awarded Community Partner opportunities. Businesses that are not selected can advertise an internship opportunity to the MICA Community through MICAnetwork. MICA students will be able to apply to your internship and seek E/Intern funding, though funding is not guaranteed
Internship Eligibility:
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Intern should be actively contributing to the business development of a company gaining functional skills such as sales, marketing, operations, business development, finance, product management or product development
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Students must be working directly with the company owner or founding team in the company office
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Students must complete a minimum of 120 hours at the internship site between May and August 2026 and be eligible to receive funding
E/Intern Community Partner Application Process
- Jan. 25, 2026: Community Partner application due
- Jan. 29, 2026: Partner Interviews
The RCCE will review applications and request an interview if selected to move forward
- Jan. 30, 2026: Selected Community Partners will be notified
- If selected as a 2026 E/Intern Community Partner, MICA will create a profile on MICAnetwork for you - micanetwork.com and post your internship opportunity
- Feb - Apr. 26: Applications open to students. Review applications, interview students
- Before offering the student the internship position, confirm the student's eligibility for the E/Intern award. Contact Meagan Zink Denham ([email protected]) and Aishwariya Chandrasekar ([email protected]).
- Extend internship offer to one, eligible student
- Apr. 26, 2026: Community Partners provide an offer letter to the student (required for student's funding request) no later than April 26
- May 10, 2026: Student E/Intern funding application due
About the E/Intern Fellowship in Creative Entrepreneurship
The Internship Fellowship in Creative Entrepreneurship (E/Intern) program provides MICA students with the opportunity to participate in a valuable summer business internship experience. The fellowships of up to $3,000 will be awarded to deserving students who have demonstrated interest in creative entrepreneurship and have secured an internship offer from a potential employer. The internship must have a focus on learning business operations, leadership, and management skills. The experience can be with a start-up, small business, designer, freelancer, or fine artist. The award supports living expenses and transportation costs, allowing students to seek competitive internships.
This fellowship is made possible through the generous support of the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation. To apply, click here
For questions, email [email protected].
