New Making Waves fund removes financial barriers to internship opportunities and opens doors to economic mobility 

For many young people, an internship can change their career and life trajectory.  

Internships help students gain real-world experiences and build confidence or clarity on their next steps. Students are able to make professional connections, learn more about their interests, and get feedback that opens doors for their long-term career and financial goals. Internships can even lead to higher salaries post-graduation. 

Yet, 70+% of first-generation college students are missing out on internships.  

That’s why Making Waves Education Foundation launched the Wave-Maker Future-Ready Fund – financial support for internships in addition to Making Waves’ career coaching and workshops that support students in finding, obtaining, and succeeding in internships. 

The funding is specifically for internships that are unpaid but help advance student career goals.  

“While we wish all internships were paid, the reality is unpaid internships exist and sometimes they are the only opportunities students can access to launch their career, especially in competitive industries,” shared Kaitlyn Endo, senior manager of career coaching at Making Waves. “It’s a systemic issue and we are equipping students with the knowledge and funding to navigate it.” 

The funding is supporting students to say “yes” to opportunities they might otherwise have to turn down due to financial barriers. It covers costs like transportation, housing, and other essentials that can make or break a student’s ability to pursue a career-advancing internship. 

The impact is immediate with several students and workplaces already benefiting. 

Better understanding California law for a future career advocating for human rights 

With funding from Making Waves, America Leon (she/her) is completing an internship this spring at Legal Services for Prisoners with Children in Oakland, California.  

“I assist with community organizing, law, policy, and administrative work,” shared America, who graduated from Making Waves Academy in 2023 as valedictorian.  

America is graduating from Contra Costa College this spring with associate’s degrees in philosophy and liberal arts. From there, America plans to earn a bachelor’s degree before attending law school. Her legal internship fits right into these plans. America is researching case law, reviewing legal information, and providing critical Spanish translations as needed.  

“This internship is helping me better understand California law and reach my future legal career goals advocating for civil and human rights,” America shared. 

The chance to focus on academics and research over worrying about financial instability 

Alejandro Martinez Santos (he/him) is using his funding from Making Waves to cover costs for an unpaid internship this spring as an undergraduate researcher at the UC Irvine Wen School of Population and Public Health.  

“Receiving internship funding through Making Waves greatly alleviates the burden of living expenses, allowing me to focus on my research and academic growth without the constant worry of financial instability,” shared Alejandro, who earned a spot in the campus’ Air Pollution Health Effects Lab. 

“I am learning the basics of biomedical research in both a practical and intellectual sense.” 

“My research is fundamental to the understanding of e-cigarette exposure and how chronic diseases like Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis may vary between males and females,” shared Alejandro, a Pittsburg High School graduate who is earning his bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine this spring. 

Alejandro said the research experience has been instrumental in helping him gain admission to UC Berkeley for an environmental health sciences graduate program on his way towards his long-term career goal of becoming a professor. 

“I am passionate about melding my love for science and mentorship,” shared Alejandro, who also volunteers teaching biology to students from low-income backgrounds in Santa Ana. 

“This work fuels my dedication as I strive to bridge the gap to higher education for students facing similar financial barriers in accessing research opportunities.” 

Gaining more confidence in future career paths 

Camila Uribe (she/her) is graduating this spring from Contra Costa College with a medical and clinical assistant associate’s degree. 

Camila used the funding from Making Waves for her unpaid medical assistant externship rotations this past winter. “My responsibilities included taking vital signs of patients, administering injections, and shadowing other professionals,” shared Camila.   

“The internship helped me learn new skills and expand my knowledge by practicing in the real world,” shared Camila, who reflected that the internship wasn’t as positive an experience as she had hoped it would be. 

“I learned that even though you’re there to learn, not everyone’s going to be helpful. Another learning experience was getting the opportunity to meet with a lot of patients and see different personalities and interactions with patients.” 

While parts of Camila’s experience were challenging, she said she’s still driven to become a medical assistant, a career choice inspired by her pediatrician. 

“My pediatrician was always so nice. She always listened and helped,” shared Camila. “Seeing her in the hospital setting and seeing how everything works was one of my biggest inspirations.” 
 
Similarly, America’s internship experience is solidifying her interest in law. 

“I have worked closely with individuals like attorneys and policy analysts who care deeply about the communities we serve and are passionate about addressing the injustices that impact them,” America shared.  

“My internship has strengthened my desire to serve under-resourced communities in my career and make justice accessible to all people.” 

Advice for future interns 

When it comes to advice for other students pursuing internships, America shared: “I would encourage students to cast a wide net by applying for local opportunities and those that may feel further out of reach.”  

“Consider applying for internships in areas that pique your curiosity,” she said. “Tailor your resume to each application by including those of your skills and prior experiences that are the most relevant to the position. Also, be genuine in your interviews – prepared but not rehearsed.” 

Reflecting on both learnings and challenges from her internship experience, Camila shared: “Don’t give up. The experience might not meet your expectations, but don’t give up.” 

“Some students are going to have really great internship experiences and other students won’t have great experiences. Try to find the people willing to help you,” shared Camila, who sought support from her Making Waves college success coach, Ilene Richards. 

“When it gets hard, you might just need someone to talk to. Then you have help from someone to come up with a solution,” shared Camila. “That’s what I did with my coach.” 

Help more students say “yes” to internships​

With your support, Making Waves can continue to ensure students like Alejandro, America, and Camila can afford to say “yes” to internships. Your generosity makes an immediate impact this spring and summer when internships are most opportunities are open. Donate today.