- Special programs can help students from underrepresented communities find internship opportunities.
- Gaining experience through a paid internship can help a student succeed in their career.
- Many internship programs provide students with hands-on training.
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Internships offer students the training and connections needed to become the leaders of tomorrow. Moreover, boosting internship diversity can help enhance an organization’s talent pool.
Internships are especially important in fields that lack diverse representation, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). They introduce students to a potential career in those industries and open a path to entry into that career. Overall, internships help increase the number of workforce members from communities that often lack access to opportunities and vital resources.
According to 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs will exceed other jobs between 2023 and 2033. Blacks and Latinos are especially underrepresented in STEM, highlighting the importance of internships for these groups in STEM vocations.
Ahead, we discuss racial disparities in internships, internship opportunities available for Black students and philanthropist Robert F. Smith’s work to help foster new professionals.
Racial Disparities in Internships
Internships allow students to gain critical professional experience and knowledge. However, not all internships offer the same benefits — some are unpaid. Research shows that unpaid internships can deepen existing inequities.
A 2021 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that Black and Latino students are underrepresented in paid internships. Also, 2022 data from NACE found that only 24% of Latino students and 20% of Black students had paid internships. Meanwhile, 26% of Latino and Black students had unpaid internships.
Paid internships are a key pathway to job offers. These disparities place Black and Latino students at a significant disadvantage.
Internship Opportunities for Black Students
Internships are not solely about providing pathways to careers — they also play a critical role in promoting social mobility. This aspect is important to help close the racial wealth gap between Black and white Americans. This is because the economic distribution between these groups has persisted for decades.
Internships can enhance social mobility; they can also be linked to social capital. Social capital refers to the connections and relationships individuals have within networks. Many underrepresented students may lack access to crucial resources. This may include a network or mentor who will guide them in their career journey.
Several corporate, philanthropic and nonprofit organizations have launched programs to bridge this gap. They do this by connecting students from underrepresented communities with paid internship opportunities.
internXL
internXL matches leading STEM and business employers with diverse internship candidates. Specifically, the organization provides students with paid internship experiences, networking opportunities and actionable skills for future employment. The program was created by Fund II Foundation, under the leadership of Robert F. Smith. Smith proudly serves as the founding director and President.
NASCAR Diversity Internship Program
The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program is a 10-week summer internship program. The paid internship program is offered to college and graduate students from diverse backgrounds. It offers participants real-world experience, mentorship opportunities and the chance to learn from senior leadership.
SEO: Sponsors for Educational Opportunity
The SEO: Sponsors for Educational Opportunity Career program partners with world-class organizations to provide paid internship opportunities to historically excluded students. SEO offers opportunities in fields such as investment banking, technology, real estate and financial services. The organization reports that 86% of SEO interns get a full-time job offer when they complete the program.
Smith Helps Cultivate the Next Generation of Leaders
Smith understands the importance of impactful, paid internships. While he was still in high school, Smith earned a spot in the internship program at Bell Labs. Smith has remarked that his experience at Bell Labs laid the foundation for his education and career.
Smith was the top individual donor to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). To honor him, they created the Robert F. Smith Internship Program. It is a paid opportunity to cultivate the next generation of researchers, scholars and curators, in addition to other museum, library, preservation and heritage professionals.
Smith also works with the Robert F. Smith Applied Public History Fellowship for HBCU Graduates. The program provides a two-year appointment to one HBCU graduate who is looking to work in public history, museum management and more.
Many philanthropic and corporate partners strive to make significant headway in combating disparities. They also help ensure everyone has the opportunities they need to be successful in their future careers.
Stay up to date with the latest from Smith by following him on LinkedIn.
