The Public Library Association’s Inclusive Internship Initiative (III) offers paid, summer-long internships to high school students at their local public library. Over the course of the summer, each intern works with a library mentor on a community-based learning project. Through III, students from diverse backgrounds are introduced to careers in librarianship, library mentors practice leadership skills, and host libraries grow new audiences through outreach and programming.
2020 Applications to Host an Intern at Your Library.

Inclusive Internship Initiative
Applications for the 2020 Inclusive Internship Initiative will open this Monday, January 6, and will close Monday, February 3. Libraries will go through a competitive application process to be selected as a host site. Once selected, the library is responsible for recruiting an intern from a background representing the diversity of their local community. To receive a notification when the application opens, please fill out this form.

Informational Webinar
PLA is also hosting a webinar about this initiative on Tuesday, January 7, where staff will be available to answer questions and two former III mentors will share their insights and experiences. This webinar is free and open to anyone interested in learning about the program. Click here to register for this webinar.

Impact
The 2019 III evaluation showed that 96% of responses reported that interns better understood the ways that libraries positively serve their communities, 92% of responses reported that libraries increased their capacity to provide programming for diverse audiences and support diverse professionals, and 90% of responses indicated that interns view librarianship as a viable, rewarding and meaningful career path. Recently, an intern from the 2019 cohort was hired as a part-time circulation assistant. Their library shared, “The PLA Inclusive Internship was an incredible opportunity not just for mentor and intern, but for our entire team. We are so grateful to PLA for making this possible.”