The Work Exemption Program (WEP) is part of Columbia University’s enhanced financial aid program for undergraduate students in Columbia College and Columbia Engineering. Recipients receive a Columbia Grant to support their pursuit of unpaid or low-paid summer internships, research projects, and community outreach, locally, nationally, and internationally.
Similarly, the Summer Funding Programs (Columbia College Summer Funding Program and Columbia Engineering Internship Fund) provide funding to Columbia College students and Columbia Engineering undergraduate students participating in unpaid or low-paid summer internships related to their career pursuits and/or academic studies.
This spring, our In the Know blog will feature a series of posts designed to help you navigate the application process and put your best foot forward.
A key part of your application to the Summer Funding Programs is a Letter of Recommendation. During Part I of the application, you must include the name and email address of the person who will write your recommendation letter. This person will receive a link via email through which they can upload their letter, which must be received by the application deadline. The committee begins its review of candidates immediately following the deadline.
Any applications missing Letters of Recommendation (or any other parts of the application) will be withdrawn from consideration. Thus, we strongly recommend reaching out to your letter writer early on in the application process to avoid any issues with submitting your application in full by the deadline.
One of the most commonly asked questions regarding this requirement is “Who should write my letter of recommendation?” Your letter of recommendation should come from the person who knows you best; can speak well of your academic, extracurricular, and professional accomplishments; and who can comment on your character, such as a professor, advising dean, or supervisor.
Given that the Summer Funding Programs are competitive programs, with limited funding available, you want to make sure that your application is as strong as it can be. The Committee carefully reviews each application based on a number of factors including meeting our eligibility requirements and the overall strength of your application within the context of that unique applicant pool.
So, what does that mean for you? You want to be sure that you submit an application that allows you to shine. Who will write you a glowing letter of recommendation? Who is most familiar with your talents as they pertain to the opportunity for which you hope to receive funding?
While your parents or your friends might be your best champions, the Committee will not accept letters of recommendation written by family members, friends, resident hall advisors, student leaders, members of student organizations, or classmates. We also advise against asking a teacher/coach from high school to write your recommendation.
Please also note that letters of recommendation should not be written by the supervisor of your potential opportunity unless that person has already supervised you previously. We want to hear from someone who has already worked with you and can thus comment directly on your skills, abilities, and accomplishments.
Regardless of who writes the letter, it must be on official letterhead, dated, and signed. And remember: letters of recommendation must be submitted by the application deadline!
Also, please keep in mind that if you are reapplying to receive a WEP grant for an opportunity for a consecutive semester (such as summer continuing into fall; fall continuing into spring; or spring continuing into summer) you must submit a new letter of recommendation, even though your application is for the same opportunity.
We look forward to reading all about you!
Key Steps and Reminders:
- Reach out to your recommender early!
- Letters of recommendation must be received by the application deadline.
- Letters of recommendation must be on official letterhead, dated, and signed.