Swarthmore Future Entrepreneurship Program (SFEP)

What is SFEP?

Career Services has a gathered listing of summer experiences at local start up companies through a partnership with Ben Franklin Technology Partners. Students (seniors and alumni are ineligible) can apply to posted opportunities and interview directly with participating start-up companies. Student will not receive any funding from the start up companies. In order to support the exposure to educational and entrepreneurial opportunities, the College will provide selected students with $6000 in summer funding support for 10 weeks. 


Important Dates

2025 deadline dates coming soon


Please follow these directions to make sure that you’re able to view all SFEP opportunities and apply to the ones you’re interested in.   

1. Log into Handshake for list of opportunities & organizations. (If this link doesn’t open up to a list of SFEP opportunities, move to step 2.)

2. In the search bar, type in “SFEP” and hit enter for a list of all experiences that are a part of this program. All SFEP experiences will have the title labeled “SFEP: ________”  A full list of opportunities is also available; you can also type in the employer name and search for the opportunity that way.

3. Apply to as many opportunities that are of interest to you. You will need a resume to apply.  If you haven’t had your application materials reviewed, please attend Career Fellow Drop-Ins (M-F 1-4:30pm) OR email cf@swarthmore.edu to get your resume reviewed.

4. Please note that Career Services does not participate in the start up companies’ selection processes in any way. The decisions of the start up companies are completely independent of Swarthmore College and do not create an employment relationship between you and the College.

$6000 is the maximum in stipends a student can receive in a given summer from the College.

Students cannot work in a JobX position while under the stipend, and vice versa. See SEO’s policy: “Please note that a student may not work in an hourly position and a stipend summer position concurrently. However, a student may work before and after the dates of their formal 8 or 10-week summer project or internship. This must be clearly documented in an email to the student so there is a formal agreement and understanding; as well as a record of the dates the student is employed in both positions.”

Please note that students who are United States citizens, Resident Aliens or have current DACA status will not have taxes withheld from the payment (nor will it be reported to the IRS); however, the IRS considers this payment income to the recipient. When filing your tax return, you must report the amount of this payment as income. If you file a FAFSA for financial aid, the payment must also be included as part of your gross income.

THE COLLEGE CANNOT OFFER ANY TAX ADVICE TO YOU RELATING TO THIS PAYMENT. IT IS RECOMMENDED, HOWEVER, THAT YOU KEEP CAREFUL RECORDS AND (SINCE INDIVIDUAL TAX LIABILITY DEPENDS ON EACH INDIVIDUAL’S CIRCUMSTANCES) YOU SHOULD CONTACT A PERSONAL TAX ADVISOR WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.

Opportunities through SFEP are available to international students with approved Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT)

If you are a current F-1/J1 international student at Swarthmore College you will need to confirm your eligibility to work before you accept any SFEP opportunities. It is strongly advised to contact the International Student Center (ISC) regarding information on eligibility for work authorization to ensure compliance with internship requirements and USCIS regulations.

Opportunities through SFEP are available to undocumented students. For further details on eligibility, please refer to Sanctuary Committee’s Policy on Experiential Learning Opportunities and Lesley Reyes Pina in the International Student Center (ISC).

Tax Information

The regulations regarding federal tax withholding and reporting are different for international students who are classified as non-resident aliens for income tax purposes. This income will be reported to the IRS as income to the recipient. As a result, if you are not a United States citizen, you will need to contact Joseph Cataldi in the Business Office (jcatald1@swarthmore.edu) to learn how you will be affected. Be advised that your funds will not be released until this step has been completed.


QUESTIONS: 

Pattie Kim-Keefer (pkim1@swarthmore.edu)