Frequently Asked Questions
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General
The Script is an initiative of The Contingent (formerly Portland Leadership Foundation), an Oregon nonprofit organization, which has been active in scholarships for underrepresented students for more than 10 years, with a focus on empowering the underserved. Our vision is to see a transformed and strengthened community through the development of multicultural leaders.
Interns
The Script Intern Program is designed to connect talented college students of color and of lower socioeconomic status, with paid, leadership-track internships.
Our company partners agree to work toward hiring a qualified candidate from The Script as an intern at their organization for the summer. The Script recruits and supports participants, and facilitates the selection process, as well as community-building and learning opportunities throughout the summer internship. Through this strategic partnership, The Script and our partner companies are committed to strengthening and developing diverse leadership for our region.
All internships are:
- Leadership-track internships with meaningful, project-based work suited to college students/recent grads
- Paid (minimum $18/hour for 2023) by the host company
- Full time, at 30–40 hours per week
- 10–12 weeks in summer, typically running June–August
- Host company provides an individual mentor who meets regularly with the intern to offer guidance
- Intern participates in The Script programming over the summer, which includes attending professional development events, and routine reports.
The Script candidates are:
- Current college student or recent graduate who are from, studying or living in Pacific Northwest region
- Identify as a person of color (BIPOC) or are from a lower socioeconomic rural area
- Committed to investing in their growth by participating in The Script development and community-building opportunities
The Script company partners are:
- Organizations across the Pacific Northwest region
- Represent various industries, sizes, years of experience, and company cultures
- Committed to fostering leadership diversity in our region and continually working to build a more equitable and inclusive workplaces
- Agree to host an internship that meets The Script program requirements
The Script internships fall within five main industry/fields:
- Marketing & Communications
- Tech
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Operations & Projects
- People & Engagement
- Finance and Accounting
Click here to see the full list of Job Groupings and subcategories.
The Script companies choose the most appropriate job grouping and subcategory for their internship position, and intern candidates select the groupings they are seeking positions within/that best align with their field and career interests.
At this time, there is only a summer intern program.
Phase 1: Recruitment: Fall/Winter
- Companies agree to partner with The Script and to host a summer intern by signing the digital Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and submitting the program fee.
- The Script team recruits college talent in the fall and winter. Our intern application is open from November to mid-January, and includes self-reported skills, personal short essays, and a professional resume.
Phase 2: Screening: Winter
- Once committed to The Script partnership, organizations provide an internship position profile (job description), including skills needed, preferred experience, internship hours/duration/time frame, and all related information for the intern position.
- After an initial screening, we invite qualified applicants to our annual Mock Interview event held in late February/early March. At this required event, intern candidates experience a group-style behavioral interview in which The Script team performs evaluations.
Phase 3: Matching: Spring
- The Script team uses these evaluations, along with the information on the student’s application, and begins our matching process based on the information company partners provide us about their internship positions and needs. We find the best-suited candidates and supply 3 finalists to the company for each posted position.
- In April, the company arranges finalist interviews with these candidates and makes an offer or declines the applicants they do not accept. Host companies make the final hiring decision on The Script Intern by May 1 and choose a start date, usually in June.
Phase 4: Internship Cohort: Summer
- In May, The Script hosts a company orientation.
- In June, the Script hosts an intern orientation and provides pre-internship coaching for internship success.
- Internships take place in summer with periodic training events, feedback evaluations, and ongoing coaching and inspiration.
- Interns participate in a series of Professional Development (PD) workshops from June to August to expose them to leadership training and opportunities to network with professionals.
- Company partners also have the opportunity to convene to build community, learn, and share knowledge.
Associates
You will receive an email from The Script staff 2-3 weeks after the application deadline indicating whether or not you have been selected to continue in the orientation process to become a member at this time.
The Script staff will reach out to you via email to let you know the status of your application within 3-4 weeks after the application deadline.
The Script events are quarterly opportunities for all Associates and Mentors to come together. These events will have workshops with guest speakers that will present on topics within the four focus areas. There will also be opportunities to engage in subject matter related to growing as a Mentor and Member. The Script events aren’t only for personal and professional development, but also a space that will allow for connections to be made outside of Mentoring Circles throughout the wider community.
Mentors and Members commit to attending at least two Script Events each year while involved in a Circle.
Once you complete the application and orientation process, you will begin your Mentoring Circle experience:
- Engage in a 1-year commitment to Mentoring Circles
- Each Circle meets monthly with 3 mentors and 7-9 mentees
- Attend at least two quarterly Script (Intentional Networking) Events while enrolled in a Mentoring Circle
- Complete annual Social Mobility Scorecard (reporting & accountability tool)
- Complete The Script Associate Application
- Attend The Script Member Orientation & Mentee Training
- Begin Mentoring Circle experience
- Register for and attend the virtual Financial Fundamentals Course, and complete Pre + Post Course Surveys
The Script strives to connect diverse rising leaders to meaningful opportunities and share valuable information focusing on financial education, leadership development, wealth building, and civic & community engagement.
The Script is a network of historically underrepresented college graduates from communities of color and low-income rural areas in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Members are young professionals/recent college graduates, who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and commit to build wealth and grow professionally through The Script.
No. The role of the mentor is not to provide financial advice or services. Rather, mentors provide support and walk alongside Script members as they work to grow in the focus areas of financial education, professional/leadership development, wealth building and civic & community engagement.
Mentoring meetings are virtual/video meetings. Given physical/social distancing and safety guidelines and precautions, programming has been designed for a fully virtual format. The possibility of including options for in-person meetings and events at a future date exists, but there is no expectation or plan for Mentoring Circles to meet in person at this time/until further notice.
You are only asked to share information like debt, savings, how much you earn, etc., with The Script via the secure Portal and surveys/reporting tools, to track your progress and measure impact. This is to help YOU stay accountable and understand how you are moving through your social mobility experience.
Growth is a process; real change takes time. Once fully oriented as a member, you will begin a 1 year Mentoring Circle experience. (See time commitment question.) Over your first 12 months as a member, if you put in the effort, you will set strong foundations to reach your long-term goals.
After the first year, The Script members are asked to stay engaged by attending quarterly events and providing updates on their progress through surveys/reporting. There will also be other optional ways to engage in overtime based on identified needs.
We will keep up with you and support you as you reach the next stages of your wealth building and leadership journey. If you tap in, The Script community will walk alongside you as you progress in your professional and wealth building journey for years to come. We’re all in.
Following the application process, the orientation phase will require investing:
- 2 hours attending The Script Member Orientation
- Approximately 10 hours of financial education through the online financial fundamentals course (2.5 hours/month in the first 4 months of circle engagement)
During the first year of membership, you’ll commit to spend at least:
- 1-2 hours monthly participating in mentoring circle meetings
- 1-2 hours attending quarterly (intentional networking) events
- Approximately 30 minutes of surveys/reporting per quarter
Members do not need to have any finance-related background, or come from a specific industry or profession. Members and Mentors represent all fields, including but not limited to: Finance & Accounting, Business & Entrepreneurship, Marketing & Communications, People & Engagement, and Tech.
Students who hold a Bachelor’s and are currently enrolled in grad school, or have received a postgraduate degree within the last 5 years, are welcome to apply.
The Script Associate members must hold an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree at the time of application.
By our current requirements, Members should have graduated with a 2-year or a 4-year degree within the past 5 years and be 18-35 years of age; OR hold an undergraduate degree and are currently pursuing a postgraduate degree and be under 40 years of age at the time of application.
Our desire is to build a network of leaders who have a strong connection to the region; leaders who see themselves making this the place to build a career and participate in the community. As such, we currently accept applicants who have a significant connection to Oregon or Southwest Washington (such as they are from/grew up in; and/or attend(ed) high school/college in Oregon/SW Washington). We want to ensure that the leaders of Oregon and Southwest Washington reflect the people who live here.
The Script is an initiative of Oregon-based nonprofit The Contingent.
No; but all Members have a strong connection to Oregon or Southwest Washington. Our vision is to see today’s college graduates of color and low-income rural graduates close current income and wealth gaps and increase wealth and social mobility so that Oregon and SW Washington’s community leaders reflect our region’s growing and diversifying population.
The Script Associates is a network of historically underrepresented college graduates from communities of color and low-income rural areas in Oregon. Members are young professionals/recent college graduates, who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and commit to build wealth and grow professionally through The Script.
Managers
Diversity is needed at every level of every business. Through The Script, regional companies will soon gain access to the strongest and most diversified mid-level professional candidates.
The Script Manager Program is currently in development for exceptional candidates who show true leadership promise. Rising professionals will learn to sharpen their strategic and problem solving skills at regional companies that are committed to building a strong and inclusive management team.
Stay tuned for more.
Executives
Nothing shows a company’s commitment to inclusion better than diversity at its most senior levels. Following the success of Intern, Associate and Manager Programs, The Script’s fourth initiative will help local companies fill their highest, and most sought-after positions with outstanding, senior-level candidates who are as diverse as they are career driven.
Our Executive Program will be designed to transition our most promising high-level career seekers to acting leadership roles within their chosen industries.
Stay tuned for more.
Employers Seeking Interns
What is the expected length of the internship?
- Most internships run 10–12 weeks, roughly from June 1 to August 31, with scheduling flexibility to accommodate school calendars and business needs.
- Private schools are generally out at the beginning of May, public schools later in June. You may negotiate the precise start and end dates with your individual intern once accepted.
How many hours per week will each intern work?
- These are full-time internships working 40 hours/week.
- Internships with shorter work weeks (minimum 30 hours) should be identified in the job description.
What kind of support does The Script offer to interns?
- Encouragement begins at The Script interview event.
- Selected interns will attend an internship orientation.
- Interns receive ongoing coaching and tips for success. We also provide a network of support and require attendance at summer gatherings designed to support and inspire.
Do intern host companies have to be in a specific industry?
- Partner companies represent various industries, sizes, and years of experience, as well as company cultures.
- Participating organizations can be nonprofits, government, and education institutions.
- Our partners have in common a (physical) presence in the local area and a commitment to developing diverse leadership for our region.
What information do you need for each job description/position profile?
Internship position details are requested as soon as possible, but required by February 16 . We include them in our portal and invite candidates to familiarize themselves with your company and internship to prepare for the matching process.
Position profiles will include:
- PDF file with external job description/position summary.
- Description of the project or type of work you’ll assign to the intern.
- Any specific skills, experiences, languages, or certifications that a successful intern will need (e.g., Java, Python, etc., for IT roles; or Adobe Flash, Illustrator, Corel, etc., for graphic design roles).
- Expected hours per week; nearly all internships are offered as full-time, 40 hours/week positions (minimum 30).
- Hourly wage, keeping in mind that the MOU states the minimum is $18/hour.
- Anticipated internship start and end dates (can indicate flexibility) and length (typically 10–12 weeks).
- Anticipated internship format (in person, remote, hybrid).
- Any other specific requirements for each internship, such as driver’s license, background check, etc.
When will you notify companies of finalist candidates?
- We’ll let you know who your finalist candidates are by the first week of April.
Who schedules the interviews with the finalist candidates?
- As an intern host, each company is responsible for contacting their final candidates to schedule interviews, make offers, and decline applicants who aren’t accepted.
- As soon as you select your candidate, you should update The Script portal.
Who manages payroll for the intern?
- All hosting companies handle their own payroll and pay the intern directly.
- Interns should be considered company employees (W2), not contractors.
What is the transportation/remote work allowance?
- Partner companies commit to providing a $200 allowance to the intern to help with the costs of commuting to the work site if the internship is on-site and in person
- In working virtually/remote, this allowance goes to office costs (such as internet connection).
- Why the allowance? Our data shows these costs to be among the top barriers to participation for students in our program.
- The allowance may be provided in various forms, depending on internship format, intern needs, and company offerings.
What kind of engagement, if any, should my company have with The Script once our internship starts?
- We’d love feedback on your internship program experience at any time. Any positive notes, critical observations or suggestions are encouraged. We’ll also ask you to participate in our surveys and invite you to events. Employees of hosting companies are also welcome to join us as a volunteer for a number of opportunities, ranging from the mock interview event to mentoring or acting as a resume coach or guest speaker.
When is our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) due?
- January 18th is the deadline for inclusion in The Script 2024.
Why is there a program fee for each intern?
- Your company’s fee per intern helps defray the cost of running The Script program and fund website and application development; staffing and events; candidate recruitment, screening, and support; intern-to-company matching; and intern orientation, training, and professional development costs.
- The program fee is requested for each intern position posted based on the assumption that all postings are intended to be filled and placed by The Script.
- The Script annually reviews the program fee for any needed adjustments, including those related to operational costs, feedback, and program growth and improvement, while centering equity, access, and quality.
How much is the program fee to host each intern?
- You can learn more about the program fee by filling out this form.
When and to whom do we send the per-intern fee?
- This nonrefundable program fee is due at the time the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is signed.
- Payment methods available are outlined in the MOU.
- Credit card is preferred in order to expedite the process.
Why is the fee nonrefundable/nontransferable?
For our program’s stability, any fees paid to date are not refundable or transferable. These fees support The Script and our young professionals, and are an investment in the advancement and retention of diverse talent in our region. More specifically, the program fee supports student recruitment, application, and resume reviews, candidate identification and internship matching, and support during the company interview process, as well as professional development and learning workshops that happen year-round.
Are discounts for certain types of organizations or credits/deferrals offered?
- For our program’s sustainability, we are not able to provide discounts, refunds, or credits for The Script program fee payments received at this time. The program fee is an essential contribution to support The Script’s operations and is not intended to be a barrier to participation.
- It is helpful to both The Script and to your company to establish expectations up front and to fulfill the agreements made in our MOU toward successful internship placements. We see timely submission of the annual program fee as one way company partners demonstrate being prepared and equipped to host the paid internship in the summer. We want to minimize challenges for both company and intern in participating in a quality and mutually beneficial internship that meets The Script’s standards.
Is the ELI program fee a charitable contribution?
- No. While The Script is a nonprofit (an initiative of 501(c)(3) organization The Contingent), the program fee is not tax-deductible because it is a payment for services rendered.
Employers Seeking Associates
Information coming soon
Employers Seeking Managers
Information coming soon
Employers Seeking Executives
Information coming soon