On April 26th, thirty students were notified that they had been awarded a $1,500 stipend to help offset expenses associated with pursuing an internship with a Maine-based employer. These students were awarded the stipend based on a demonstration of their need financially and need for a high-quality internship opportunity. The selection process was competitive this year, as we received more than 50 applications for consideration.
Of the 30 stipend recipients, 20 identify as BIPOC, 22 as women in STEM, and 3 as first-generation college students. Of our BIPOC recipients, 9 identified as Asian, 8 as Black or African American, 1 as Hispanic/Latinx/Spanish Origin, and 2 as two or more races.
The Equity in Internships Program launched in 2021 to support racial equity and increase experiential learning opportunities for black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) students facing financial barriers to growing their career. In 2023 the program expanded to accept applications from BIPOC, first generation college, and women in STEM students. This year the stipend amount also increased by an additional $500, and we were able to award more students this stipend than in previous years.
Congratulations to everyone who received this award and best wishes for a productive and successful summer!
