Summer Experience Award – Sample Cold Emails

Planning Summer 2026? Changes are coming in 2027. Review information about Summer 2027, as it may impact your planning.

Nonprofit – Subject: Yale Student with Funding seeking Summer Opportunity

Dear [name of person],
Currently, I am a first-year student at Yale planning to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies. This summer I’m interested in gaining experince with Organization XYZ, and I have secured funding from Yale for a summer internship to work in the non-profit sector at no cost. I am looking to secure a substantive internship this summer that will allow me to pursue my interest in climate change and improve my research skills.

I am especially interested in your organization due to the impressive work that Organization XYZ has made regarding sustainability initiatives for the environment. I am writing to see if Organization XYZ is seeking assistance this summer and if my background may be a good fit to help you fulfill this work. I have attached my resume to this email for your reference.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Full Name
Yale Email Address
Phone Number

GOVERNMENT – Subject line: Yale Student with Funding seeking Summer Opportunity

Dear [name of person],
As a Yale College sophomore pursuing a degree in [major(s)], I am reaching out as I have secured funding from Yale for a summer internship in Government and am very interested in working for your office at no cost.

I am looking to secure a substantial internship this summer that will allow me to pursue my interest in policy work and improve my research skills. I am especially interested in your office due to the impressive work that [insert name of agency/department/office] has made regarding [insert policy issues].

I am writing to see if [insert name of agency/department/office] needs help this summer and if my background may be a good fit to contribute to this work. I have attached my resume to this email for your reference. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Full Name
Yale Email Address
Phone Number

ARTS NONPROFIT – Subject line: Yale Student with Funding seeking Summer Opportunity

Dear [name of person],
As a Yale College [class] pursuing a degree in [major], I have recently secured funding from Yale to support a summer internship with an [arts/theater] non-profit. With this in mind, I am very interested in working for your organization at no cost.

I hope to secure an internship that allows me to pursue my interest in [arts/theater] [administration/
policy/development]. I am especially drawn to your organization due to the impact that your [office/
department/initiative] has had on [aspect of impact on art/theater/cultural community].

I am writing to see if [name of organization] needs help this summer and if my background may be a good fit to
contribute to this work. I have attached my resume to this email for your reference. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Full Name
Yale Email Address
Phone Number

ARTS APPRENTICESHIP – Subject line: Yale Student with Funding seeking Summer Apprenticeship/Assistant Work

Dear [name of person],
As a Yale College [class] pursuing a degree in [major], I have recently secured funding from Yale to support a summer apprenticeship serving as an assistant to a(n) [artist/writer/director/performer/etc.]. I find your work inspiring, and I am very interested in assisting you this summer, at no cost to you.

I hope to secure an apprenticeship that allows me to contextualize my professional interest in [arts discipline]. I hope to be of service in the support of your artistic practice, and am especially interested in learning from your first-hand experience with the practical realities of this profession.

I am writing to see if you, or one of your peers, might need help this summer and if my study and training may be a good fit to support your work. I have attached my resume [and portfolio if relevant] to this email for your reference. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Full Name
Yale Email Address
Phone Number

RESEARCH – Subject line: Yale Student with Funding seeking Summer Research Opportunity

Dear [name of person],
As a Yale College [class] pursuing a degree in [major], I have recently secured funding from Yale to support a summer research experience. I find your work aligns with my interests, and I am very interested in participating in this research at no cost to you.

I am writing to see if you, or one of your faculty peers, might need help this summer and if my study and training may be a good fit to support your work. I have attached my resume to this email for your reference. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Full Name
Yale Email Address
Phone Number