UNF: Caring Awards & Caring Internship

The Albert D. Ernest Jr. Caring Award

The Albert D. Ernest Caring Award was established to honor the legacy of Albert D. Ernest, Jr. who demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the community through service. During his tenure as the President and CEO of Barnett Bank here in Jacksonville, he was actively involved in the Chamber of Commerce, United Way and the Cummer Museum.

Albert’s passion inspired others like his fellow Barnett Bank colleagues Hugh Jones and Herbert Scheidel to pay it forward and in 1992 they created a permanent recognition of student service here at UNF in Albert’s name.

The Albert D. Ernest Caring Award is presented to an undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated meaningful community impact through service and exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism for which Albert was celebrated. The recipient of the Albert D. Ernest Caring Award receives a $2,000 scholarship, a donation to a non-profit organization of their choosing and a trophy whose original was created by Frank Eliscu, the designer of the famous Heisman Trophy.

Criteria

Current undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates meaningful community impact through service and exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism for which Albert D. Ernest was celebrated.

Timeline

Spring: Caring Award Application Cycle

February 15: Application posted on Engage
Students submit transcript, resume and short video reflection
April 15: Application deadline

Summer: The Selection Committee meets to review applications and select the recipient.

Fall: Caring Award will be presented at Convocation (September)

The Selection Committee

UNF Donor Engagement and Stewardship Team
UNF Alumni Association Board Representatives
UNF Office of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement

Award

$2,000 monetary grant
Albert D. Ernest Caring Award trophy (replica)
Donation made in the recipient’s name to a charity of their choosing

The Halamandaris Caring Internship / Washington, D.C.

The Halamandaris Caring Internship offers a University of North Florida undergraduate junior or senior student the opportunity to spend the summer in Washington, D.C. working with Heart of America (HOA), a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to transforming learning spaces, expanding educational opportunities, and strengthening communities across the United States. Since 1997, HOA has impacted more than 2.5 million students, transformed nearly 1,600 learning spaces, distributed over 4.5 million books, and invested nearly $17 million in educational technology to help students and families thrive

More than a traditional internship, this immersive experience provides exposure to the many ways a national nonprofit creates impact. Depending on organizational priorities and projects, interns may contribute to initiatives involving community engagement, fundraising, communications, research, partnerships, or organizational operations.

Interns may also have opportunities to visit project sites and see firsthand how Heart of America's work comes to life in schools and communities. Through meaningful projects, mentorship, and real-world experience, students develop professional skills while helping advance HOA's mission.

Internship Details:

· Organization: Heart of America

· Location: Washington, D.C.

· Duration: 8-10 weeks (May-July)

· Schedule: Full-time, primarily in-person

· Stipend: $8,500 to support housing, transportation, travel, meals, and living expenses

As a Halamandaris Caring Intern, you'll work alongside nonprofit professionals and leaders on high-impact projects that may include:

Community Impact & Program Delivery

· Support school and community transformation projects.

· Assist with volunteer engagement and event logistics.

· Help measure and communicate program impact.

Research & Strategy

· Research education, nonprofit, and philanthropic trends.

· Identify potential corporate, foundation, and community partners.

· Develop reports and recommendations to support organizational initiatives.

Fundraising & Partnerships

· Support donor engagement and stewardship efforts.

· Research prospective funders and grant opportunities.

· Assist with presentations, impact reports, and fundraising materials.

Communications & Storytelling

· Create content for newsletters, social media, and internal communications.

· Capture and share stories that highlight HOA's mission and impact.

· Support digital asset organization and communications campaigns.

Operations & Innovation

· Assist with data management and organizational improvement projects.

· Support Salesforce data quality initiatives.

· Explore technology and AI solutions that enhance nonprofit effectiveness.

The ideal candidate demonstrates the values at the heart of the Halamandaris Caring Internship: service, leadership, initiative, innovation, and a commitment to creating positive change.

What You'll Gain:

· Real-world nonprofit and social impact experience

· Exposure to nonprofit leadership and strategic decision-making

· Professional development and mentorship

· Project management, research, and communications skills

· Networking opportunities with nonprofit, corporate, and community leaders

· Experience living and working in Washington, D.C.

Who We're Looking For:

Successful candidates are:

· Passionate about service and community impact

· Strong communicators and problem-solvers

· Self-motivated, curious, and adaptable

· Organized and able to manage multiple priorities

· Interested in nonprofit leadership, education, business, communications, public service, philanthropy, or related fields

Eligibility:

Applicants must:

· Be a University of North Florida undergraduate junior or senior student in good academic standing

· Demonstrate a commitment to service and civic engagement

· Show leadership potential through academic, community, or extracurricular involvement

Application Process:

· Submit a cover letter and resume to Jesse Freeder, Director of Donor Engagement & Stewardship at j.james@unf.edu by October 31, 2026

· Selected applicants will be invited for an interview conducted by the Donor Engagement & Stewardship team and Heart of America staff.