TO THE EDITOR:
Kudos to Alice Wilder for highlighting the dilemma of unpaid internships.
Interning is a great way to gain job experience and make connections, but students too often miss out on these opportunities because they can’t afford to work for free. In cities like New York or Washington, even a paid internship can be out of reach when you add relocation costs and short-term housing.
Ideally, more employers would do exactly what Wilder says and offer a decent wage for these temporary positions. In the meantime, UNC is working to put more summer internships within reach for students who need help. Any student receiving need-based financial aid can apply for the Brown Family Internship Grant, which offers a stipend to help with summer expenses.
Funding is limited, but we’re working to expand the program so that all UNC students have access to the full college experience, including internships.
Eric Johnson
Assistant Director for Policy Analysis & Communications
Office of Scholarships & Student Aid
