Mission – The Internship Institute is a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose mission is to assure the quality, integrity and success of internships in order for individuals, organizations and economies to prosper. We are the only non-profit solely dedicated to the advancement of best practices globally through education, collaboration and advocacy.
Vision – We believe that there is no substitute for experience. This principle guides our vision for a world where internships are a practice with standards and a standardized practice across the education and workforce systems — and that The Internship Institute is the go-to source for those who share this vision.
Specifically we aim to:
- Inspire business culture in America and elsewhere to embrace experiential learning for students as historically was the case with apprenticeships.
- To earn its standing as the trusted source for best practices, leadership, innovation and advocacy throughout the realm of internships, mentoring and other forms of experiential education.
- To standardize internship practices to assure quality, promote accountability and maximize value.
- Advocate for the updating of The Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) to include more clear guidelines for employers regarding internships.
- Provide employers who hire interns with a collective voice and platform for networking, collaboration and professional development.
Our Work – We will attain goals through work in four core areas supported through sponsorships, sales of products and services and fundraising:
- Educate: Develop and provide training programs, awareness campaigns and quality solutions that serve current stakeholders and inspire new ones through ‘seeding initiatives’ that foster best practices and create opportunities for practical experience.
- Collaborate: Forge strategic partnerships and cultivate synergies with and among internship providers, educators, employers, workforce agencies, economic development leaders and other stakeholders.
- Innovate: Channel our passion and creativity to successfully promote internships and offer the methods and means to effect necessary systemic change.
- Advocate: Call attention to the “Experience Gap” and need for substantial resources and leadership to close it. Remedy that which inhibits internship quality, equality and opportunity.
