The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) submits this report pursuant to section 7019(e) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 (Div. F, P.L. 118-47) and House Report 118-146, which reads as follows:
Internships.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of USAID shall submit a report to the Committees on Appropriations on the feasibility of providing internship opportunities in a manner similar to the Department of State.
REPORT
In recent years, USAID has made significant strides in expanding and enhancing its internship programs, recognizing the importance of nurturing and attracting the next generation of talent. USAID is taking a proactive approach to ensure its interns are fairly compensated for their contributions. This commitment has been accompanied by a remarkable growth in USAID's internship program over the past four years, with the upcoming summer of 2024 set to host approximately 135 paid interns through various initiatives.
At the forefront of USAID's internship efforts is the Pathways Programs, which has experienced a significant expansion. From just 24 paid interns in fiscal year (FY) 2021, the program has grown exponentially, with 59 interns in FY 2022, 97 in FY 2023, and a projected 207 interns for FY 2024. This rapid growth underscores USAID's dedication to providing valuable hands-on experiences and exposure to public service careers.
In the summer of 2023, USAID launched its first Overseas Pathways summer internships, enabling interns to participate in critical overseas work. Building on this success, the Agency will send its second class of interns to Missions this summer, with the program expanding from three intern positions in FY 2023 to six this calendar year.
USAID will onboard its first class of Pathways Career interns in late FY 2024, marking a significant shift from solely seasonal short-term offerings to year-round paid employment for students. This program not only provides developmental experiences but also offers eligibility for conversion to permanent positions with the Agency, strengthening the available talent pool for early career professionals.
