The program provides students with work experience that will increase their competitiveness in the job market. It provides North Carolina businesses with access and exposure to an untapped, diverse talent pool. Through this initiative, we hope to increase the capacity of North Carolina’s HBCUs to connect their graduates to the private sector, thereby retaining valuable talent in North Carolina.

North Carolina is home to 13% of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). A total of 10 universities (five public and five private) participate in the program.

Internships provide employers with:

• Highly motivated students
• Quality work and new perspectives
• A pool of potential full-time employees to hire once the internship ends and the student graduates
• Increased visibility of your company, nonprofit organization, or agency on our campus

Internships provide students with:

• Work experience
• Increased competitiveness in the job market
• Potential opportunity for employment after graduation

The Program asks that a successful candidate will at least have the minimum following attributes:

• US Citizen
• Rising Junior or Senior
• GPA: 2.8 or higher
• Must be in good academic and behavior standing

Internships are the most effective way for students to gain work experience before graduation. In fact, studies show that 7 out of 10 internships turn into full-time jobs. The program, funded by the state, will provide opportunities for HBCU students to participate in paid internships in North Carolina’s top companies. These funds will cover salaries for 50 students. The student’s salary will be covered by this state appropriation. Each student will be paid $15 at 40hrs/week for eight weeks. Employers may pay an additional amount on top of the $15/hr.

The UNC System serves as the oversight agency for the program with primary responsibilities for budget oversight, compliance, assessment, and reporting. North Carolina A&T State University will receive funds for 6-10 interns (based on the budget). Funds are evenly distributed to the 10 participating campuses.