Reference Form

2024 CAPS Fellows Program – Faculty/Staff Reference Form

Please fill out the online reference form here to submit a reference for a student applying to the CAPS Fellows Program. All applicants are required to have at least one reference form filled out on their behalf by a Valpo faculty or staff member. In addition to securing a reference from a Valpo faculty or staff member, applicants also need to submit the online application form, an official transcript, a resume, and a personal statement.

Current sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA are eligible to apply. (Students who believe they would be a good candidate but have a GPA below 3.0 due to extenuating circumstances are eligible to apply if they submit a letter explaining their GPA accompanied by a letter from their advisor recommending their application to the program.)

References must use the online form and should not be submitted in a separate letter format.  Please reserve the highest ratings for students who are especially talented, motivated, and mature. This is a selective fellowship designed to develop both the student and the organization and to build positive relationships between Valparaiso University and organizations regionally and nationally. We rely on your expertise, judgment, and insight to identify the best students for this fellowship. After reading through this form, if you find you have insufficient knowledge of the applicant to answer these questions, please suggest that the applicant ask another faculty/staff member to fill out the reference form.

References are due by 8 AM on January 16th, 2024.

The CAPS Fellows Program, a signature offering of the Institute for Leadership and Service, helps students develop their sense of Calling And Purpose in Society by reimagining the traditional internship as a communal and reflective experience, deepening its impact on important life decisions. Fellows complete intensive summer internships that offer relevant real-world experience, accompanied by significant reflection in community with other Fellows. CAPS Fellows are placed with a broad range of regional and national organizations engaged in important forms of service and leadership, and intern with these organizations for 9-11 weeks in the summer, for a minimum of 300 hours. In Summer 2024, 15-18 CAPS Fellows will be selected and placed with organizations in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Indianapolis, Austin, and NW Indiana.

The Institute provides Fellows with orientation and debriefing, a stipend for living expenses, travel support for national placements, an alumni mentor, and cohort learning.  In addition to their internships, Fellows participate in reflective discussions with other Fellows via Google Hangout, post on the CAPS Fellows Blog, meet with an alumni mentor, and write a final reflective essay on their internship, deepening their learning and better preparing them for meaningful work in whatever field they choose.

Please contact the Institute for Leadership and Service at lead.serve@valpo.edu with any questions.