The One Club has announced its new DEI workplace equity initiative: the Paid Internship Pledge. Internships are an important first step in a career, but too often are unpaid and not a realistic option for diverse students and other young creatives from disadvantaged backgrounds who need an income to help pay for college or living expenses. The resulting experience gap is often impossible for them to overcome.
The One Club calls on agencies, studios, brands, ad schools and other industry organizations to sign the pledge and commit to leveling the playing field for the next generation of talent.
The initiative launches with a number of founding signees already on board: Cartwright, COLLINS, The Community, Design Army, Edelman, FCB Worldwide, Goodby Silverstein & Partners, The Martin Agency, School of Visual Arts, R/GA, Sid Lee, Wieden+Kennedy, as well as The One Club itself.
"Agencies, brands and other industry organizations are in a unique position to help level the career playing field for thousands of young people looking to break into the industry," commented Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club. "We call on them to sign the pledge to only offer paid internships, and support our drive to provide more equitable opportunities for economically disadvantaged and diverse candidates."
Upon signing the form, agencies and brands can upload their logos to be displayed on the page on The One Club website, and provide a link to paid internships they currently offer.
more: oneclub.org (76)