Finding a paid internship can be quite the challenge for many young Americans looking to take the next steps in their professional careers, but now there may be an opportunity for those people at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.
The White House announced on Thursday that interns will be paid for the first time in its program history beginning this fall.
"President Biden and Vice President Harris are announcing the launch of the White House Internship Program and that, for the first time in history, White House interns will be paid. The first session will commence in Fall 2022," the White House said in a statement.
According to the frequently asked questions section of the White House Internship Program website, interns will be paid $750 a week. They are expected to work full-time for a minimum of 35 hours per week, which means they'll make about $21.43 per hour.
The White House explained how the stipend payments will be paid out, and the guidelines for the program.
"Stipends are disbursed in two installments: participants will receive the first payment at or around the start of the program and the final payment after the successful completion of the program," the White House said.
"If an intern fails to complete any or part of the program (either because they are terminated or choose to withdraw), they will be required to repay in the amount equal to the uncompleted time."
Those interested in the fall internship program can begin to apply on Monday, June 6, and the applications will close on Friday, June 24. Applicants will be notified if they have been selected in the week of Aug. 8. The program runs for 14 weeks, starting on Monday, Sept. 12 and ending on Friday, Dec. 16.
The White House said in their statement that the program aims to provide "equal opportunity for low-income students and first-generation professionals" to "reflect the diversity of America."
"Too often, unpaid federal internships have been a barrier to hardworking and talented students and professionals, preventing them from contributing their talents and skills to the country and holding them back from federal career advancement opportunities," the White House said.
"This significant milestone of paying White House interns will help remove barriers to equal opportunity for low-income students and first-generation professionals at the beginnings of their careers and help to ensure that those who receive internships at the White House—and who will be a significant part of the leadership pipeline across the entire federal government—reflect the diversity of America."
This will mark the first internship program under President Joe Biden, as the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented a full group of interns to work in-person.
"The Fall 2022 session will be hosted in-person on the White House campus," the White House said. "Program leadership will continue to monitor the public health landscape related to COVID-19 and will adapt the Program’s approach in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All interns will be required to attest to their vaccination status and must adhere to any White House COVID-19 protocols."
The statement noted that the funds that will be used to pay interns come from bipartisan legislation that Biden signed in March. The bill "allocated $4.5 million toward the intern pay," according to NPR.
Those interested in the program can find the application and additional information at WH.gov/intern, and can also ask any questions by emailing the internship team at internship@who.eop.gov.
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