Empire State University is committed to ensuring all students have the opportunity to gain valuable real-world career experience through participation in internships. Financial limitations should not be a barrier to participation. The Career Search and Internship Stipend Program provides financial assistance to eligible students to help defray the cost of expenses associated with career searching and/or participating in an internship such as; purchasing professional clothing, costs associated with commuting, and/or childcare.
There are three needs-based stipends with different eligibility requirements associated with each one:
The Professional Attire Stipend is designed to help students make a strong first impression during a job interview and/or internship, through providing funds to purchase professional attire. Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Current enrollment as Empire State University studentÂ
- Demonstrated financial needÂ
- Students are not eligible post-graduationÂ
- This grant does not require participation in an internship
The Travel Stipend is designed to support students participating in an in-person internship, through providing a one-time stipend to help defray the costs of commuting. Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Approved participation in an in-person, credit-bearing internship*Â
- Current enrollment as Empire State University studentÂ
- Demonstrated financial needÂ
- Students are not eligible post-graduation
The Childcare Stipend is designed to support students participating in either an in-person or remote internship, through providing a one-time stipend to help defray the costs of childcare while working in an internship. Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Approved participation in a for-credit internship*Â
- Current enrollment as Empire State University studentÂ
- Demonstrated financial needÂ
- Students are not eligible post-graduationÂ
*Students must already be selected for an internship, and have their internship approved through their academic department in order to be eligible for stipends.
Eligibility Requirements
| Professional Attire Stipend | Travel Stipend | Childcare Stipend | |
| Current matriculated student at Empire State University at the undergraduate or graduate level. Must be an Empire State University student for at least one semester. | X | X | X |
| Demonstrated financial need | X | X | X |
| Participation in a credit-bearing internship | X | X | |
| Participation in an in-person internship | X |
Application Process
Complete the application for a Career Search and Internship Support Stipend below. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You will be contacted about the status of your application with communication to your official Empire State University student email address within 5 business days of submitting your application.
Apply Career Search and Internship Support Stipend
SUNY Empire cannot guarantee funding to all students who apply as we have limited availability of funds.
Important Information About Public Benefits: This grant is intended to help defray the costs associated with your internship. In some cases, receiving additional funds may affect your eligibility for other public assistance programs. To ensure you continue to receive all benefits you qualify for, we strongly recommend you consult with your benefits counselor before accepting this grant.
