The Fund for Unpaid Internships seeks to ensure no student has to turn down an internship because of a financial barrier.  While we are unable to award everyone who applies for funding at this time, we strive to assist as many students as possible in having access to internships and other experiential learning opportunities, and we are working towards a future that fulfills our vision.  Please be sure to check the eligibility requirements below before applying for funding.
 
The spring application will open on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 9:00am.  The link will be posted here at that time.

Information for WCU Students:

If you are an undergraduate or graduate student with an offer for an internship that is unpaid, you can apply for one of the types of funding offered. Please review full details under Eligibility Requirements.  The next round of funding will be for spring internships.  When the application opens in January, an email will be sent, and the link will be posted here.  You will need a copy of your resume and proof of an unpaid internship offer.  That can be an email, screen shot, text message, or official offer letter.  You will also need to answer two essay questions; one that provides context for the financial burden an unpaid internship will have on you or your family, and the other should share what you expect to gain from this internship experience.

All students are welcome to submit an application to the Fund for Unpaid Internships.

General Timelines

Below are timelines for upcoming funding periods...

Spring 2026: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 9:00am

Summer 2026: May TBD

Fall 2026: August TBD

Eligibility Requirements 

To be eligible for funding consideration, the student must…
  • Demonstrate the existence of financial barriers to completing an unpaid internship
  • Be in good academic standing with the university
  • Not be receiving funding for the internship from another WCU program or department (please note that having another source of income unrelated to the internship, like a part-time job, is permitted)
  • Not have been previously awarded through the Fund
  • Submit the application on time, according to the deadlines provided
To be eligible for funding consideration, the internship must…
  • Be located off-campus with an organization that is not West Chester University
  • Be unpaid and in compliance with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Fact Sheet #71: Internship Programs Under The Fair Labor Standards Act
  • Not be the applicant’s family business, or have a supervisor that is the applicant’s family member
  • Be an opportunity starting or continuing during the semester that is being funded.  Internships that have already been completed are not eligible for funding.
  • Not be a pay to participate international or domestic internship program coordinated through a third party company

Types of Funding

Wage Stipend:

Payments will be deposited in your bank account approximately 3 weeks following notification of receiving a stipend.

  • You may need to consult an accountant about taxes.
  • Ideal for those who need immediate funds for rent, groceries, etc.
  • For selected candidates, the stipend awarded is up to $1,500.
Scholarship:

Funds will be applied to your tuition bill and you will receive a refund if tuition bill is paid.

  • You should not need to consult an accountant. 
  • Ideal for those who can't accept wage stipends and/or need assistance with tuition.
  • For selected candidates, the scholarship awarded is up to $1,500.
Before/After School Stipend (student teachers and social workers in school districts only):

For school activities outside of student teaching (ex - theater, reading club, jazz band)

  • You may need to consult an accountant about taxes.
  • Ideal for those who need immediate funds for rent, groceries, etc.
  • For selected candidates, the stipend awarded is up to $500.