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Applications are now open for the 2025 Internship Challenge program.

Eligibility and Evaluation

The Internship Challenge connects employers with college students and recent graduates through an online platform and reimburses eligible organizations (companies with 100 or fewer employees in Massachusetts; no more than 250 globally) for intern stipends.

Internships can be part- or full-time and can take place any time during the Program Year, which runs from May 1 through April 30. Candidates submit an online application, which includes their resume and cover letter, to be posted in the MLSC’s application database (candidates do not apply to a particular organization or for a specific position). There is no application deadline since internship placements are rolling, however, funding is allocated to host organizations on a first-come first-served basis.

Intern Eligibility:

1. Must meet at least one of the following:
2. Must meet one of the following:
Please Note:

How to Apply:

Prospective interns must first create an account in our application portal and submit an application. 

Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Interns

What is the Internship Challenge?

The Internship Challenge is a workforce development program focused on enhancing the talent pipeline for Massachusetts organizations engaged in the life sciences. The program creates hundreds of new paid internships each year for college students and recent graduates interested in life sciences careers. Through an online platform, the program offers employers access to a searchable resume database to help them connect with qualified candidates from across Massachusetts. The program also enables eligible organizations to pay their interns by subsidizing wages up to $9,600 per intern (based on $20 per hour for 12 weeks).

The program seeks to build a robust and diverse workforce pipeline for the state’s life sciences ecosystem by:

  • Creating new paid internship opportunities that may not have otherwise existed by enabling eligible organizations to host interns.
  • Providing college students with hands-on real-world experience and direct exposure to the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem.
  • Helping students build a professional network in the life sciences industry and gain relevant work experience needed to enter the workforce.
  • Connecting companies with diverse talent and incentivize them to hire underrepresented/underserved students.
  • Supporting the growth of smaller life sciences companies by providing/subsidizing human capital and allowing them to “test-drive” future employees.
  • Encouraging life sciences careers and talent retention in Massachusetts.

Students or recent graduates looking for internships in the life sciences industry first complete an online application, which includes their resume and cover letter. Applications are accepted year‐round but expire after six months if not updated.

Representatives from organizations looking to host interns submit an online application, and once approved, are given access to a searchable database of applications. They review applications, interview candidates, and select interns with the qualifications that are most suited to their needs. Internships can be part or full time and can take place throughout the Program Year, which runs from May 1st through April 30.

The MLSC will reimburse eligible host organizations for pay rates of up to $20 per hour for a total reimbursement of no more than $9,600 per intern at the conclusion of the internship.

The MLSC accepts applications through its website year‐round – there is no application deadline. Applications will only be accepted online and must include a resume and cover letter (in pdf format).

Once submitted and approved, applications are made available to organizations reviewing candidates and will remain in our database for up to six months. Applicants have the ability to log in at any time to withdraw or update/renew their application.

The names of participating organizations are not shared or posted. The program is designed so that organizations review applications and contact applicants directly if they are interested in arranging an interview.

The MLSC anticipates supporting up to 500 interns during the Program Year.

Interns will have to satisfy all paperwork requirements as requested by their employer (which can vary). Interns are not required to execute an Agreement with the MLSC. However, all applicants are required to upload eligibility verification documentation as part of their application (such as a transcript or college ID, or proof of Massachusetts residency if enrolled out-of-state).

Interns are also asked to complete a survey about their experience upon completion of their internship.

The MLSC expects that interns maintain a professional demeanor throughout their internship and comply with all host organization policies. It is also expected that interns complete all hours of their internship as initially agreed upon. If an intern cannot fulfill their commitment to the internship, providing sufficient advanced notice to their supervisor is required. Organizations reserve the right to terminate the internship at any time and for any reason.

Interns are to be hired and paid directly by their host organization. The pay rate should be set forth in the offer letter and agreed to prior to accepting the offer. The MLSC will commit to reimburse organizations for pay rates between $18 and $20 per hour for a total amount of up to $9,600. That said, organizations are welcome to pay interns at a higher rate with the understanding that any amounts paid over the hourly maximum are not subsidized by the MLSC. Organizations are required to pay their interns at a frequency that is in accordance with Chapter 149, Section 148 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as amended, and any other applicable law and include in each payment all applicable employment taxes in accordance with state and federal law. 

Connect with us to learn more

If you have further questions regarding the application process, please email: internship@masslifesciences.com.
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