Mandel Grant

Mandel foundation logo

Mandel Grant at NOVA

The Mandel Grant at NOVA is a three-year initiative designed to establish a Humanities to Career Program. This initiative aims to integrate career-readiness skills into the Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (LASS) curriculum by offering professional skills training, work-based learning experiences, and career navigation support. The goal is to improve graduation and career outcomes for LASS majors and increase the number of students declaring humanities and social science majors.

As a recipient of the multi-year grant sponsored by the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Foundation, we are enhancing humanities and liberal arts (HLA) pathways with intentional career-based programming, which includes resources for regional employers to engage with NOVA faculty and learn more about the micro-credentialing program.

Areas of focus

Students in group study

A micro-internship is a short-term, paid, project-based, workplace experience. Micro-internships provide LASS majors with professional workforce experience, creating leverage for future endeavors. Many micro-internships are completed remotely. A micro-internship is a great way for LASS students to gain workplace skills and build their confidence and resume.

LASS Student Application Site: Micro-Internships for students and recent grads of Northern Virginia Community College

Students in library

As part of the Mandel Grant, we are thrilled to offer a career readiness series for LASS majors through our new through Career and Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI). To gain full access to workshops and training students are encouraged to join the CLRI. 

CLRI Registration

We also offer a weekly information session to support LASS majors with paid, remote micro-internships.

For more information, please visit the Canvas page.

Student on campus

A micro-credential is a short, competency-based learning experience. At NOVA, students enrolled in LASS courses may earn micro-credentials through designated course assignments. The micro-credentials are a form of recognition students may earn as they explore topics connected with a career based, durable skills.

Getting Started with the Mandel Grant Initiative

You can complete and submit one of the following forms and our team will follow up with you. If the request was submitted during normal business hours (Monday – Friday 8 AM - 5 PM), we will typically respond within 2-3 business days.

Join our Employer Partnership Network! We are building a dynamic community of employers dedicated to empowering the next generation of professionals. Partner with us to:

  • Share your expertise through small group discussions with students.
  • Inform our career readiness efforts with your insights and industry knowledge.
  • Participate in our grant-funded internship program, helping students gain valuable real-world experience.

Become a valued partner in shaping the future workforce.

  • American Sign Language to English Interpretation, A.A.S.
  • Cinema, A.F.A.
  • Graphic Design, A.A.S.
  • Graphic Design: Interactive Specialization, A.A.S.
  • Interior Design, A.A.S.
  • Liberal Arts, A.A.
  • Liberal Arts: Art History Specialization, A.A.
  • Liberal Arts: English Specialization, A.A.
  • Liberal Arts: Communication Studies Specialization, A.A.
  • Liberal Arts: International Studies Specialization, A.A.
  • Liberal Arts: Theatre, C.S.C.
  • Music, A.F.A.
  • Photography and Media, A.A.S.
  • Psychology, A.S.
  • Visual Art, A.F.A

Yes, use the following link to apply.

Please share the NOVA Micro-Internship Program link and email the employer's name to nevans@nvcc.edu.

Email Nicole Evans at nevans@nvcc.edu if you have any additional questions.

Watch the Information Session with Comments from a Regional Employer