The Subsidizing Unpaid Interns Program (SUIP) SUIP provides eligible UCDC students who participate in an unpaid internship with a $1,000 scholarship paid through their campus financial aid office.  

Students whose internships provide less than $1,000 in compensation may be eligible for an award equal to the difference. For example, a student receiving a $350 travel stipend from their employer may be eligible for up to $650 in SUIP funding.

SUIP is only offered during the academic year (fall, winter, and spring quarters/semesters).

SUIP is only offered during the fall, winter, and spring terms. The program is not available during the summer. Students may be eligible if they: 

• Participate in an unpaid internship, or an internship that provides less than $1,000 in renumeration.  
• Secure an internship that meets UCDC internship requirements; and  
• Submit the required Internship Offer Form and the Work Plan by Friday of the second week of the term.

Students are not automatically awarded SUIP solely because their internship is unpaid. Students must complete the requirements for SUIP.  

To receive a SUIP award, students must:

1. Submit the Internship Offer Form via Symplicity. See the step-by-step instructions below on how to submit the form. (Access Symplicity here).
2. Complete the Work Plan/Learning Agreement Form, during the first week of the internship and no later than Friday of the second week of the term. The Work Plan is available here and on the UCDC Canvas page as an assignment. The form asks students to report if they are receiving compensation, and if so, the amount.  

What will UCDC staff do? 

1. Review your Offer Form and Work Plan/Learning Agreement forms and determine whether your internship meets SUIP requirements.
2. Calculate your maximum potential SUIP award based on the compensation you report.  
3. Share your eligibility information and maximum potential award with your campus financial aid office.  
4. Email your UC account confirming that these steps have been completed.  

What will the campus financial aid office do? 

1. Review your financial aid package and determine whether the SUIP award can be accepted and disbursed.
2. If approved by the campus, the scholarship is typically applied within two to three weeks, although the timing and the form of disbursement may vary. Depending on your circumstances, SUIP funds may:
   1. Be issued as a refund;
   2. Be applied to an outstanding balance or obligation on your student account;
   3. Be disbursed in a future term because of financial aid timing; or  
   4. Be affected by other financial aid considerations.  
3. In rare cases, a student may not be able to receive SUIP funds. If this occurs, your campus financial aid office will be able to provide more information.  

Please contact SUIP@ucdc.edu or connect with your UCDC Internship Advisor if you have any additional questions.