For students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, finding programs that not only provide professional exposure but also can showcase a diverse and inclusive experience are incredibly valuable. Whether you’re interested in professional services, consulting, technology, arts, or STEM, there are numerous opportunities designed to support and empower diverse students. Below is a list of internships for underrepresented college students in various industries.
Professional Services & Consulting Internships
These programs offer hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to careers in accounting, finance, strategy, and consulting.
1. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) – Start Internship
Who it’s for: College sophomores from underrepresented backgrounds
PwC’s Start Internship provides early career exposure to various business areas, allowing students to work on client engagements while receiving mentorship from experienced professionals.
Learn more: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/careers/entry-level/programs-events/start.html
2. Ernst & Young (EY) – Launch Internship
Who it’s for: Freshmen and sophomores from underrepresented groups
EY’s Launch Internship offers hands-on experience in tax, audit, and advisory services while emphasizing networking and leadership development.
Learn more: https://www.ey.com/en_us/careers/internships-student-programs
3. KPMG – Embark Scholars Program
Who it’s for: Freshmen and sophomores from diverse backgrounds
The Embark Scholars Program focuses on leadership development and prepares students for careers in audit, tax, and advisory services.
Learn more: https://www.kpmguscareers.com/early-career/program/
4. McKinsey & Company – Sophomore Summer Business Analyst
Who it’s for: Undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds
McKinsey’s SSBA provides a structured consulting experience, working with real clients while receiving mentorship and leadership training.
Learn more: https://www.mckinsey.com/careers/students/sophomore-summer-business-analyst
5. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) – Growing Future Leaders (GFL) Internship
Who it’s for: Students from historically underrepresented groups
BCG’s GFL Internship offers mentorship and training in strategic consulting, preparing students for careers in top-tier consulting firms.
Learn more: https://careers.bcg.com/global/en/on-campus/programs/growing-future-leaders
6. Bain & Company – BEL Program (Building Entrepreneurial Leaders)
Who it’s for: Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and Indigenous students
Bain’s BEL Program is a short-term experience designed to introduce diverse students to business and consulting through mentorship and casework exposure.
Learn more: https://www.bain.com/careers/work-with-us/internships-programs/building-entrepreneurial-leaders/
Internships in Media, Tech, & STEM
For students interested in media, technology, and STEM careers, these programs provide invaluable industry exposure.
7. 4A’s Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP)
Who it’s for: Diverse students aspiring to enter advertising & marketing
The MAIP program offers a 22-week fellowship with virtual training and a 10-week paid summer internship at top advertising agencies.
Learn more: https://foundation.aaaa.org/
8. AAAS Entry Point! Program (STEM)
Who it’s for: Students with disabilities pursuing STEM careers
The Entry Point! Program provides paid internships in STEM fields, placing students in industry-leading companies and government agencies.
Learn more: https://www.aaas.org/programs/entry-point
9. T. Howard Foundation Internship Program (Media & Entertainment)
Who it’s for: Minority students interested in media and entertainment careers
The T. Howard Foundation connects students with top media companies for summer internships in various roles.
Learn more: https://www.t-howard.org/
10. Surety and Fidelity Industry Intern and Scholarship Program
Who it’s for: Underrepresented college students
This program provides paid internships at surety and fidelity industry companies, with scholarship opportunities upon completion.
Learn more: https://surety.org/research-resources/sfaa-foundation/intern-scholarship-program/
11. Outreachy (Tech & Open Source)
Who it’s for: Women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals in tech
Outreachy provides paid, remote internships for students interested in contributing to open-source and open science projects.
Learn more: https://www.outreachy.org/
12. Ada Developers Academy (Software Development)
Who it’s for: Women and gender-expansive students in tech
A tuition-free coding school that includes six months of classroom instruction and a five-month paid internship focused on full-stack web development.
Learn more: https://adadevelopersacademy.org/
13. Zed Factor Fellowship (Aerospace)
Who it’s for: Underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students pursuing aerospace careers. The Zed Factor Fellowship provides paid internships and mentorship opportunities within top aerospace organizations.
Learn more: https://zedfactorfellowship.org/
