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Internships are more than résumé builders. They are stepping stones to meaningful careers. Beyond gaining real-world experience, internships often open doors to full-time job offers. In fact, according to the 2024 Internship and Co-Op report, over half of eligible interns transition into full-time employees.

But for many students, financial barriers stand in the way of these experiences. Scholarships for unpaid internships are critical in breaking down these barriers, ensuring students, regardless of their financial situation, can pursue the opportunities that shape their future.

At UNT, the Division of Student Affairs provides two essential resources for students:  the Unpaid Internship Scholarship and the North Texas in Washington D.C. (NTDC) Internship Program. These scholarships open doors so that students can pursue career-defining experiences without the weight of financial strain.

#1   Access to opportunity

Chemistry major Kely Juan (’25) recently completed an internship with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), where she was fortunate enough to be mentored by several forensic chemists.

During her internship, she honed skills in evidence handling, mastered the use of advanced instruments, and gained experience in annual evidence inventory, fingerprint analysis, and public speaking. She even toured the Federal Bureau of Investigation and explored different aspects of the DEA, including the Dallas Field Division and its Airwing section. For Kely, her internship became more than a learning opportunity. It was one step closer to realizing her career ambitions.

“I received invaluable guidance and support that have profoundly impacted my professional life, and I am eternally grateful for this experience,” she shared. “As the first person in my family to receive a college degree, navigating these unknown spaces with the help of mentors to talk to and share my concerns has been invaluable. With their support and the encouragement of all those who have helped me thus far, I have begun to build a solid foundation in forensic science.”

#2  Reduce financial burden

James Sessions (’25), an emergency administration and planning major, also benefited from the Unpaid Internship Scholarship. As an intern with the Town of Little Elm, James was able to focus on his career development rather than worrying about finances. He contributed to critical projects, including developing continuity of operations plans, designing training schedules, and ensuring emergency management plans complied with state standards.

“The scholarship reduced my financial burden and let me fully concentrate on my learning experience,” James said. “Without this support, I would have been more stressed about finances. I believe this assistance is crucial for interns to thrive and gain valuable experience.”

#3  Build a professional foundation

For political science major Grecia Monroy (’25), the NTDC Internship Program was life changing. She fully took advantage of the program and immersed herself in policymaking and governance during her time in Washington, D.C.

“The NTDC internship provided the most meaningful insight into a career in policymaking,” Grecia said. “It made me realize I could contribute to something far greater than myself.”

The NTDC program not only offers invaluable professional experience but also ensures that every intern’s housing costs are covered. Additionally, participants receive a stipend to offset living expenses, removing financial barriers to these opportunities.

“I am profoundly grateful for the experience,” Grecia said. “It solidified the foundation for what I hope will be a lifelong journey in public service.”

By eliminating financial obstacles, Student Affairs programs that offer internship scholarships and stipends allow students to focus on developing their professional skills and expand their networks, laying a solid foundation for future career success.