Support equitable access to experiential learning through the Internship Support Fund.

As a career-focused institution, we are proud that 82% of our students participate in at least one internship during their time here, with over half completing two or more. However, nearly 40% of these internships are unpaid. While unpaid internships offer valuable industry experience, they can create significant financial strain for students who rely on income to cover their tuition and/or living expenses. This financial burden forces some students to choose between gaining industry experience and supporting themselves.

To address this challenge, the Career Collaborative seeks to establish an Internship Support Fund (naming opportunity available!) to help students offset the costs associated with unpaid internships. This fund would provide financial support in the form of hourly wages for student interns, as well as assistance with rent, relocation expenses, transportation, and other essential costs. By removing financial barriers, we can ensure that all students have equitable access to the experiential learning opportunities they need to succeed.