Politics

White House will begin paying interns, Biden administration announces

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The White House has announced it will begin paying interns this fall, removing a longstanding barrier of entry, particularly for many young Americans.

“President Biden and Vice President Harris are announcing the launch of the White House Internship Program and that, for the first time in history, White House interns will be paid. The first session will commence in Fall 2022,” the White House said in a statement shared exclusively with CNN.

Interns will receive a weekly salary of $750, according to the “Frequently Asked Questions” page of the White House internship website. Interns must work a minimum of 35 hours per week, bringing the hourly rate to a maximum of $21.43 per hour, the site says.

“Stipends are disbursed in two installments: participants will receive the first payment at or around the start of the program and the final payment after the successful completion of the program,” the website states.

The White House statement to CNN called the decision to pay the interns a “significant milestone” that “will help remove barriers to equal opportunity for low-income students and first-generation professionals at the beginnings of their careers and help to ensure that those who receive internships at the White House – and who will be a significant part of the leadership pipeline across the entire federal government – reflect the diversity of America.”

The internships will be funded through the White House internship provisions in the massive government funding bill passed earlier this year. Potential candidates can begin applying on Monday and will be notified in August.

Beginning more than 18 months after President Joe Biden took office, this is the first time a White House Biden will have a full class of interns due to the challenges and restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic.

MANAGING EDITOR: CARSON CHOATE

PHOTO CREDITS: FORTUNE.COM

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