Host Site Expectations
Future Host Sites
The Advocacy Exchange Program cannot exist without the support of patient advocacy organizations who are willing to spend time mentoring our undergraduate students. In return, our goal is that the student intern produces high-quality work, hopefully increasing your organizational capacity. However, we realize that it does take significant capacity to invest in the mentorship of a student. Here is what we ask of selected host sites:
- Attend a virtual program orientation in Spring 2026.
- Provide a full-time work experience (35-40 hours per week) over the 10-week period (approximately May 26-August 1, 2025).
- Treat the student as an integrated team member—assigning them meaningful, project-based work that advances your organization’s mission.
- Assign a primary supervisor to mentor and guide the student.
- Proactively establish clear expectations for communication, working hours, meeting attendance, and professional conduct at the start of the placement.
- Hold regular check-ins (at least weekly or biweekly) throughout the summer.
- Complete an end-of-program evaluation.
Traits of a Successful Host Site
We seek host organizations that are collaborative and committed to mentoring the next generation of rare disease advocates. Successful hosts provide a balance of structure, support, and meaningful work.
Ideal host organizations demonstrate:
- Meaningful work opportunities: the ability to provide a full-time, project-based experience that contributes to your organization’s mission while allowing a student to build tangible skills.
- Committed mentorship: a dedicated supervisor who is enthusiastic about guiding, coaching, and offering feedback throughout the summer.
- Clear structure and communication: established expectations for working hours, communication, and professionalism, with regular check-ins to support progress and learning.
- Collaborative spirit: a willingness to engage the student as part of the team — inviting them into meetings, discussions, and relevant organizational activities as much as possible.
- Supportive learning environment: patience and openness to mentoring a student who may be new to the rare disease space or professional settings.
- Organizational capacity: adequate staff time and resources to onboard and manage a student effectively for 10 weeks.