Pitt PRSSIM Project | Undergraduate Studies

Prism showing structure of Pitt PRSSIM Project and related student support activities, listed in text below.

The University of Pittsburgh Partners for Rural Student Success Impact & Mobility (PRSSIM) Project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education's RPED Program, takes a three-point approach to improve student success and completion rates of rural students through the scaling of recruitment and retention efforts, student success resource availability, and bolstering of technical infrastructure.

The areas of rural and regional campus student support include recruitment and pre-college programming, career and major exploration, academic workshops and skill building, financial literacy, cultural events, tutoring, internships, mentoring, and academic coaching.

Kristen Ellenberger stands in fron to fthe entry doors at the Zippo headquarters.

“This summer, I am working as a Trade Channel Coordinator Intern at Zippo. I have helped with organizing product data, tracking inventory, and supporting promotional efforts. This internship has given me hands-on experience in how a global brand operates and has really strengthened my interest in business and supply chain management.”

— Kristen Ellenberger, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Business Management, Spring 2027 graduation

Internship Funding

One of the Pitt PRSSIM Project's objectives is to increase rural student internship attainment and completion. To support this objective, internship funding is available to undergraduate students at any University of Pittsburgh campus who came from rural or small-town communities to support their completion of an internship experience that might otherwise be unpaid or underpaid.

Get started in 3 steps!

Apply for internship funding by submitting the PRSSIM Internship Application >> This application is now closed for 2025 and will reopen in 2026.
Meet with a PRSSIM Team Member
Complete the Experiential Learning Academy, which is a 4-hour, asynchronous course in Canvas meant to prepare you for entering your internship with confidence.

Once you complete the Experiential Learning Academy and the PRSSIM Internship Application linked above, you will be contacted by a project team member to learn about your work interests or about internship opportunities you may already have in mind.

The Pitt PRSSIM Project team and Regional Campus partners can guide students in:

Searching for an internship position
Preparing for an internship interview with resume writing and interviewing skills through completion of the Experiential Learning Academy
Securing an internship position
Funding internships that might otherwise be unpaid or underpaid up to $4,000 per internship

Qualifications for Application

Rural student as determined by the student's address at the time of application to the University of Pittsburgh
Undergraduate student enrolled at the Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, or Pittsburgh Campus
Completion of the Experiential Learning Academy (approx. 4 hours of training)

Internship Expectations

Secure an internship position that will provide at least 120 hours of internship experience
Submit proof of internship verification from employer (letter from the employer)
Meet with Pitt PRSSIM Project staff monthly to discuss internship progress and goals
Fulfill all obligations set by the internship employer
Maintain professionalism in the internship experience including on-time arrival to job site, appropriate attire, and respectful conduct with internship supervisor and co-workers
Complete a survey at the end of your internship experience

For more information or questions, contact Vanessa Hadley, Project Coordinator for Student Success.

Madison Scalese sits on a park bench on the Pitt-Greensburg campus.

"Thanks to the generous funding provided by PRSSIM, I have had the opportunity to accept an internship with the Latrobe Community Revitalization Program, where I am currently a member of the Blight Task Force. As a member of the Blight Task Force, I am conducting research on data that will be utilized in an upcoming program focused on promoting community revitalization and new beginnings. The support from PRSSIM has allowed me to make meaningful contributions to this project while gaining hands-on experience in community development. I am deeply grateful for their student opportunity and professional development support."

— Madison Scalese, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, Management with Finance Concentration, Fall 2025 graduation

Pitt PRSSIM Experience: Jenna Joyce

"This fall [2025], I am the Admissions Marketing Intern at the Greensburg campus. Although this is my third internship, it is my first experience with on-campus work and the PRISSM Program. Some of my responsibilities include managing the Pitt-Greensburg student workers’ TikTok account, helping plan and execute admissions events, and working to enhance materials distributed to prospective students.

The PRISSM Program has supplemented this already wonderful opportunity by providing funding to make it all possible. Aiming to bridge access gaps between main and satellite campuses, PRISSM ensured that I had a meaningful experience while being compensated for my efforts. I feel as though, through this program and others, I've been provided the same opportunities for professional development as any other Pitt student.

Through PRISSM, rural students like myself are able to graduate college with lighter financial burdens, real-world experience, and a competitive resume to enter the workforce."

— Jenna Joyce, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, Communication (Applied Research Minor), Spring 2026 graduation

Pitt PRSSIM Experience: Ryan Felesky

"During my summer internship at The Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, I was responsible for preparing various public relations and marketing materials. This included items such as press releases or memorandums of understanding. Additionally, I helped Bottle Works plan their 6th annual Folk & Arts festival, a weekend-long event featuring regional vendors and performers.

Towards the end of my internship, my supervisor tasked me with preparing a fundraiser proposal that would be implemented towards the end of the year.

Overall, I'm thankful that Bottle Works allowed me to put my theoretical knowledge of marketing and public relations in a real-world setting. I also appreciated how accommodating my supervisor, Matt Lamb, was in making sure the internship was tailored to my goals and passions."

— Ryan Felesky, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Communication, Spring 2026 graduation