The Way Out Fund
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How are young people going to find their way out in the world when they cannot establish the networking opportunities and internship experiences that allow them to compete with students who have the financial means to engage in multiple internships with multiple companies, in cities across the country and around the world?
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I, like many students, knew a good internship was the way to a great job and ultimately an amazing career. I also knew good internships came at a price–relocation, housing, and general living expenses were just a few. Not to mention, many internships at good companies were often unpaid or minimum wage. Just like my pathway to college, it was not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘how’. This is where The Way Out Fund, and donors like you, come in.
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Internships are high-impact, pivotal educational experiences that change lives, and it is easy for people to get excited about being part of that. Since many excellent internship positions are unpaid, The Way Out Fund makes it possible for students to participate in opportunities that allow them to develop skills, expand their professional networks, and come away with greater confidence in themselves and clarity in terms of their career direction.
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I got lucky, my internship with The Resource Group provided me with a housing stipend to cover most of my expenses. In addition, the internship was a paid one which meant I didn’t have to take a second job or worry about my daily living expenses. Not all students get this lucky. Becoming a donor creates equitable opportunities for students so they can take a chance, expand their knowledge, and immerse themselves fully.
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I have a tendency to underestimate myself and quite honestly I think many students who are low-income have the same lack of confidence. The financial aid provided by Berea through debt-free tuition, The Way Out Fund, and more are ways to reduce this burden and give students like me a chance to free up mental space and think about who we are, our life goals, and how we can get there.
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Internships allow students to see a different future for themselves. In addition, internships can provide intangible benefits such as confidence, professional socialization, and autonomy. Personally, my internships gave me meaningful experiences where I was able to contextualize what working in the ‘real world’ was like, and in turn, was better prepared to succeed and improve my life post-graduation.
