We the undersigned Guild members call on the Inquirer to reinstate internships as part of the company's DEI commitment to attract, train and retain employees of color. 

Full-time employees hired after an internship are up to 20% more likely to stay with the organization, compared to non-intern hires, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Some of the Inquirer’s most talented and loyal employees began their careers here as interns. 

Further, internships must go beyond only those underwritten by wealthy, private universities. Consistent with our DEI initiative, we need to recruit — and compensate — interns from HBCUs and public universities, especially those from our region.