Each year, we talk with students who are excited about the idea of a summer internship but are unsure how to make it work financially if they cannot find a paid opportunity or are interested in fields where unpaid internships are common. Unpaid internships can offer meaningful professional experience, but they also require students to balance living expenses, transportation, and other financial responsibilities. For many students, especially first-generation students, those barriers can make internships feel out of reach.
That’s exactly why the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) offers Summer Internship Stipends.
Reducing Financial Barriers to Internships
Every summer, the CCPD awards a limited number of summer internship stipends, valued at up to $6,000, to support students completing unpaid internships that build career readiness and professional experience. The goal is simple: to ensure that financial constraints don’t prevent students from pursuing opportunities that align with their academic interests and career goals.
Internships continue to be one of the most impactful forms of experiential learning. Employers consistently identify internship experience as a top factor in hiring decisions, and students who complete internships often report greater clarity about their career direction and stronger confidence heading into the job search. Stipends help shift the focus away from “Can I afford to do this?” and toward “What will help me grow?”
What to know before applying
Applications for the 2026 Summer Internship Stipend opened during 2nd week, on January 13. To be eligible, students must have secured an unpaid internship prior to applying, and the internship must last a minimum of 240 hours. Stipend award amounts are determined based on internship location and demonstrated financial need. To learn more about our funding model and to see which tier you fall into, check out the internship stipend webpage. This year, there have been updates to the types of organizations considered for funding, so students are encouraged to review the Internship Stipend Common Questions before applying.
The application deadline is Friday 8th week, February 27. If you have questions about the stipend or need help writing your essay responses, drop by the Career Studio; no appointment required. Hours are Monday – Friday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 5–7 p.m.
Summer internships shouldn’t be limited to students who can afford them. The CCPD Internship Stipend Program exists to help more students take advantage of these transformative experiences, and if you’re considering an unpaid internship this summer, we encourage you to explore whether a stipend could support you.
To apply for a stipend, click here.