Internship/Apprenticeship Funding

Heinz College offers several funds to assist students who take low-paying or unpaid summer internships.

IOF (Internship Opportunity Fund)

Students who accept internships that do not qualify for funding under the Federal Work Study (FWS) program, either because the student does not have federal financial aid eligibility or because the employer and/or the job does not meet federal regulations for FWS eligibility, may apply to the Heinz College Internship Opportunity Fund (IOF) for consideration of awards to help support non-paying and low paying internships.

The IOF is a student-run group that holds various fundraising activities throughout the year to raise money that is matched by the College if the predetermined IOF fundraising goal is met. All funds are then redistributed to students taking low-paying or unpaid summer internships. Students that actively participate in the fundraising, and that have a demonstrated financial need, receive preference when the funds are distributed. The IOF is open to students in all programs who do not qualify for FWS and that have a required summer internship component, regardless of the employer’s sector.

Federal Community Service Work Study

Eligible students receiving federal financial aid may be eligible for internship wage subsidy through the Federal Community Service Work Study Program for work in eligble community service organizations. If you're enrolled in a degree program that requires an internship, you will be responsible for securing a suitable internship. Career Services will assist you in your search thru counseling, workshops and internship opportunity litings in Career Navigator.