Pay Our Interns Intern Relief Fund Grantees
Grantees we’ve awarded funds to as of June 29, 2020
One million. That’s the number of students and recent graduates whose employment plans this summer have changed due to COVID-19. For many across the country, internships are the main source of income, providing food, shelter, and ultimately a chance to secure a job in their respective fields.
As part of our #SaveInternships campaign, we have launched the Intern Relief Fund, with the goal of helping 500 interns through stipends ranging from $150 to $1500, depending on need. Your contributions will ensure America’s aspiring workforce can remain economically secure this summer while continuing to pursue opportunity.
Background: Pay Our Interns (POI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes a young adult’s socioeconomic status should not impede them from getting real-world work experience. POI spearheaded the creation of the Congressional Intern Fund which has awarded over $20 million to 6,000 interns in the past two years.
To learn more about the #SaveInternships campaign, please visit: https://saveinternships.org/
We’re excited to share some of our Intern Relief Fund Grantees! These are just a few of our grantees’ stories.

Mendoza


Escorcia


Hali describes the importance of the fund this way: “I knew I needed help, I just didn’t have much hope of receiving it until I found this fund. This fund is important to me because with it, my summer can still be about enrichment and learning new skills that go into my field of choice rather than sacrifice all of that to make ends meet. “
Smith


Dejah had an internship for the spring semester, but her hours were cut by 30% and due to COVID, the internship wasn’t extended further. This was disappointing to her and resulted in financial hardship, partly exacerbated by the financial responsibilities and mental stress of moving into a new home. Dejah has been delivering groceries to make up for the lost finances, so this grant will go to rent, groceries, and gas. In Dejah’s words, “this fund will allow me to maintain the necessities needed for my independence.” Dejah will be completing her MBA in the fall. We’re honored to support students like her.
Washington


On the value of the Intern Relief Fund, she writes, “This fund is even greater than just me, it's about hard-working young individuals who are vigorously working towards accomplishing their wildest dreams against all odds against them, still managing to find ways to support themselves in unprecedented circumstances. I’m abundantly grateful at a time where I have no other available options or resources, this fund alone could easily change my life right this moment.”
Torres
