New Internship Equity Fund Expands Access to Career-Building Opportunities for Otis College Students

The Fund provides financial assistance to students to support their participation in critical internship opportunities.

Otis College has launched an Internship Equity Fund to help students pursue meaningful internship experiences by reducing financial barriers. The Fund underscores the College’s commitment to ensuring that all students have access to opportunities that are central to preparing them for professional success in the creative economy.

For many aspiring artists and designers, internships play a crucial role in translating classroom assignments into real-world experiences. They can provide exceptional mentorship and hands-on learning. However, they often remain out of reach for students who cannot afford to work without a certain level of compensation. The Internship Equity Fund was created to close that gap.

More Access for More Students

“We know that internships play a vital role for our students. Student interns make connections outside of campus. They apply what they are studying directly into an external organization’s mission. Beyond that, many of our students get offered full-time jobs after completing an internship. For all of these reasons, we are excited to help even more of our students gain access to internships through this new fund,” says Executive Director of Career Services Julia Bingham.

Through the program, Otis students may receive up to $2,500 per academic year to support wages for unpaid or underpaid internships as well as transportation costs. These resources are intended to ensure that students can pursue internships that align with their career goals rather than choosing opportunities based solely on compensation.

How It Works

Career Services staff members review Internship Equity Fund applications on a rolling basis, providing students with the flexibility to seek support when needed. The structure of the Fund is designed with student realities in mind and priority is given to students with high financial need. Funding may be retroactive for up to four weeks from the date of application.

To be eligible, Otis College students must be currently enrolled and in good academic standing. Their internship must also be directly related to their program of study and future career goals. 

The Fund’s application process ensures that students articulate both the professional value of their internship and the financial challenges they are seeking to address. Applicants complete an Internship Funding Request Form that includes a job description and learning objectives, along with a statement describing financial need and how the internship will impact their academic and career goals. This information is reviewed by the Internship Equity Fund Committee, which includes representatives from Career Services, Financial Aid, the Provost’s Office, and Student Affairs.

Career Services conducts midpoint and final check-ins with both the student and employer. At the conclusion of the internship, students provide a written reflection summarizing the skills gained as well as the relevance of the experience to their studies.

By launching the Internship Equity Fund, Otis College reaffirms its commitment to removing financial barriers that prevent students from accessing critical career-development opportunities. For many emerging artists and designers, the ability to participate in an internship that offers significant learning can shape the trajectory of their professional lives. The Internship Equity Fund ensures that these opportunities are accessible to as many Otis students as possible.

Learn more about the Internship Equity Fund.

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