Work Experience Internships: Paid vs. Unpaid

Paid Internships

Employers who provide paid internships can participate in the Work Experience Program, but paid internships do not qualify for insurance coverage through the district.

There are other benefits to paid internships, such as added oversight from our program staff to make sure that students are a good fit and contribute to the workplace.

Unpaid Internships

Government or non-profit employers who offer unpaid internships through the Work Experience Program benefit from a reduced insurance risk. Students who work in an unpaid internship and are enrolled in a Work Experience course are covered under the district's Workers' Compensation. Employers who hire unpaid interns will sign an Unpaid Internship Agreement Form during the first week of the internship.

Limitations on Insurance Coverage

Students enrolled in a WEXP 198 or WEXP 498 course only have insurance coverage while the semester is in session and not during school breaks.

If you want to take advantage of insurance coverage through the district, then we advise aligning your internship start and end dates with the semester schedule.

Semester Start and End Dates

The fall and spring semesters are typically 16 weeks. The summer semester is typically eight weeks. Semester start dates vary from year to year, but roughly match the following:

• Fall semester (full) – mid-August to mid-December
• Fall semester (shortened eight-week session) – mid-October to mid-December
• Spring semester (full) – mid-January to mid-May
• Spring semester (shortened eight-week session) – mid-March to mid-May
• Summer semester – mid-June to mid-August

You can view our academic calendars to see exact start and end dates for upcoming semesters.

Resources

Learn about Internship Programs Under The Fair Labor Standards Act.