FocusMaine and Educate Maine on Thursday announced the Equity in Internships Program for students who are Black, Indigenous or people of color (BIPOC).

It aims to build on the success of the Maine Career Catalyst summer internship program by creating opportunities for students of color with the skills but not the financial means to get a running start on a future career, and to bring greater diversity to Maine’s workforce.

The Equity in Internships Program, an initiative of the Maine Career Catalyst partnership between FocusMaine and Educate Maine, was created from a $50,000 grant from the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation to reduce barriers that have prevented students of color from accessing internships that pave the way to careers.

The summer internship program targets students looking to build skills relevant to sectors including aquaculture, life sciences and the food economy, with a goal of supporting racial equity and increasing experiential learning opportunities for BIPOC students facing financial barriers to their career aspirations.

Up to 20 stipends of $1,000 each will be awarded to cover necessary out-of-pocket costs, including transportation, room and board or other internship-related costs, according to Thursday’s announcement.

“Internships and other experiential learning opportunities give students the opportunity to explore different industries and employers, and to make connections that will help them achieve their career goals,” said Kate Howell, Educate Maine’s program director, in a news release.

“Unfortunately, costs associated with participating in these programs can sometimes be a barrier to this important career building opportunity,” she added. “Our goal with this program is to level the playing field.”

Maine Career Catalyst, formerly known as the FocusMaine Internship Experience, grew out of a shared interest between FocusMaine and Educate Maine to train and retain talent in the state.

Now in its fifth year, the program has engaged more than 1,600 students and 80 employers. 

“We are focused on creating more opportunities for some of Maine’s most dynamic and growing sectors,” said FocusMaine President Kimberly Hamilton. “Ensuring that students have access to these vital and engaging learning opportunities is an important step towards creating a more diverse workforce.”

Fostering connections

The Equity in Internships Program aims to build on what Maine’s employers are already doing by providing professional development opportunities, connections to Maine business leaders across sectors and opportunities to explore Maine’s outdoor assets.

“Harvard Pilgrim believed this initiative was an excellent opportunity to connect Maine businesses with skilled young people in our state,” said Bill Whitmore, Maine market vice president for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.

“Our foundation was instrumental in ensuring that the program encouraged Black and Brown students to not only apply but also to participate in this valuable program. We enthusiastically support the [Equity in Internships] program, and we are eager to learn from and engage with the youth leaders.”

How to apply

Those interested in applying to the Equity in Internships Program may do so online through May 21. Participants will be announced on May 28.