Internship Equity Fund

If a student’s internship is unpaid or offers less than minimum wage ($17.87/hr as of July 1, 2025 in the City of LA), students may apply to this fund to receive compensation to support their living expenses.

If there are costs related to commuting to and from the internship (public transit or Metro passes, parking fees, ride share or shuttle expenses, etc.) that are not covered by the Student Support Grant, a student may request the remaining amount from the Internship Equity Fund, within justification and with receipt of payment.

Complete the Internship Funding Request Form online.
Your application must include:

• Company/organization name, supervisor, and contact information
• Start/end dates and hours to be worked each week
• Internship job description, responsibilities, and learning outcomes
• Statement of financial need and/or impact of the internship experience on your academic and career goals (500-750 words)

Start Your Application

Career Services or faculty verifies that:

• The internship is legitimate and relevant to your academic and professional goals.
• The hours and duration are appropriate.
• The supervisor can confirm the placement.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the Internship Equity Fund Committee, which includes representatives from Career Services, Financial Aid, the Provost’s Office, and Student Affairs.

Decisions are typically made and communicated within 5–7 business days.

Priority is given to:

• Students with demonstrated financial need.
• Students from historically under-resourced or underrepresented backgrounds in their fields.
• Unpaid or minimally paid internships.

Students will receive written notification of their funding decision:

• Approved, Approved with modification, or Denied.

If approved:

• Hourly wage support is paid biweekly via payroll (students must submit time logs signed by their supervisor).
• Transportation expenses are disbursed as a check to the student (students must submit all receipts and an itemized list of total expenses).

Student Agreement
Outlines:

• Funding purpose and limits.
• End-of-term reflection or report.
• Biweekly timesheet requirements for hourly wage support.
• Receipts for transportation expenses incurred.

Employer Agreement
Outlines:

• Submission of biweekly timesheets.
• Completion of mid-term and final evaluations.

At the midpoint and end of the internship, Career Services or faculty will follow up with both the student and the employer to review progress and ensure a meaningful learning experience.

At the end of the internship, student submits a 1–2 page reflection describing:

• The skills and insights gained.
• How the Internship Equity Fund supported their success.