The UICHR awards $2500 to a UI law student who has secured a rights-related summer in/externship with a local, national or international non-governmental organization or governmental agency. Funds are intended to assist with travel, housing, food, and other incidentals directly related to your ability to engage in the internship.  Funds may not be used to pay for course fees or tuition.  

The 2024 application is now open.  The deadline for the 2024 application is Friday, April 19th (5:00 CT). 

We encourage students to attend an informational session to learn about application best practices.  Students are encouraged to reach out to UICHR staff to explore the eligibility of their internships.  

The 2024 informational sessions will be held via Zoom:

• Thursday, March 28 from 3:00--3:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 3 from 3:00--3:30 p.m.

Please contact Dr. Jo Butterfield, the program administrator, to register for the session.  This request must come from a uiowa.edu email address. 

Law students are welcome to apply for both Weston and Cmiel funding.  Please complete the Weston application cover page and check the box to request that the application be considered for Cmiel funding.  Please note that the student selected to receive Weston funding will not be eligible for Cmiel funds. 

Students with internships that require international travel are subject to the University of Iowa's International Travel Policy for Students.  This requires verification that the destination does not currently have a level 3 or 4 high-risk designation.  Risk levels of this designation require special permission and will not be considered for Cmiel funding.  To check the risk rating for your internship destination visit the U.S. Department of State website.   

Individuals who wish to be considered for funding for periods other than the summer should also contact the UI Center for Human Rights at uichr@uiowa.edu. Exceptions may be made in extenuating circumstances and permitting the student’s ability to fulfill the reporting requirements.