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TagUs DC Fact Sheet
This fact sheet presents summaries of all research sources and data points that inspired the formulation of the TagUs DC program. It highlights the need for a more structured, accessible, and student-centered internship pathway in Washington, D.C.
1. Report: Four in 10 College Students Have Had Internship Experience
Source: Gallup (2023) Summary: This national survey revealed that only 40% of undergraduate students complete an internship before graduation. It underscores a critical access gap that can limit career readiness and widen equity challenges across higher education. Read The Report 2. Report The Class of 2023: Inequity Continues to Underpin Internship Participation and Pay Status Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 2023 Summary: This report reveals that students from wealthier backgrounds are significantly more likely to access paid internships. It emphasizes that race, socioeconomic status, and institutional prestige remain barriers to equal internship opportunity. Read The Report 3. Report: Building Better Internships: NSCI Descriptive Report Source: Strada Education Foundation/National Survey of College Internships (2024) Summary: This report presents a comprehensive breakdown of internship quality, equity, and effectiveness across U.S. colleges. It highlights the importance of structured programs and points to widespread confusion among students regarding where and how to find meaningful internships. Read The Report 4. Report: It’s Suddenly a Lot Harder to Snag the Lowest Rung on the Washington Ladder Source: Politico Magazine (2024) Summary: This article explores the tightening of the D.C. internship pipeline, noting fewer available placements in federal offices and a shift toward unpaid or unstructured roles. It reinforces the urgent need for new access points and student-facing support models. Read The Article 5. Report: Why Unpaid Internships Still Exist Despite Hardships for Young Workers Source: PBS NewsHour (2023) Summary: This investigative segment discusses why unpaid internships persist and how they disproportionately affect young workers without financial support. It stresses the need for structural reform and employer accountability. Read The Segment |