Save the Internships NY

Save the Internships NY is a public relations and communications initiative based in New York, United States. Founded in 2020, the organization focuses on connecting talented, diverse interns and entry-level graduates with advertising agencies, marketing firms, design studios, PR agencies, brands, and industry organizations. Its core mission is to bridge the gap between underrepresented talent and opportunities in the communications sector, particularly during economic downturns like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Services for Public Relations and Communications

Save the Internships NY provides a range of services tailored to the public relations and communications industry. While the organization’s primary offering is talent placement, its work supports the entire ecosystem of communications firms. Services include:

• Internship placement for diverse candidates in PR and communications agencies
• Entry-level job placement for recent graduates in communications roles
• Virtual internship coordination for remote work environments
• Candidate screening and interview facilitation for agencies and brands
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consulting for hiring practices
• Partnership development with industry organizations and educational institutions
• Career readiness training and mentorship for interns

Methodology and Impact

Save the Internships NY was born out of necessity when COVID-19 disrupted traditional internship programs. Founder Rebecca Rivera, an advertising professor and former ad professional, challenged industry leaders to maintain commitments to diverse hiring. The organization specifically works with students from CUNY public colleges and universities in New York City, who represent a spectrum of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, and physical abilities. Since its launch in May 2020, Save the Internships NY has placed 20 students and recent graduates in paid internships, with four securing full-time positions. The program emphasizes paid opportunities, recognizing that many students lost jobs supporting their families during the pandemic.

Location and Community Focus

Headquartered in New York, New York, Save the Internships NY operates within the vibrant communications landscape of the United States’ media capital. The organization’s New York base allows it to tap into a dense network of agencies, brands, and industry organizations. By focusing on local public university students, Save the Internships NY addresses systemic inequities in hiring while strengthening the city’s talent pipeline. Its work is particularly relevant for New York-based PR and communications agencies seeking to diversify their workforce and build long-term relationships with emerging professionals.

Ideal Clients

Save the Internships NY is best suited for public relations and communications agencies in New York and the broader United States that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in their hiring. It is also a strong fit for brands and industry organizations looking to create meaningful internship programs or fill entry-level roles with motivated, well-trained candidates. Agencies seeking to align their talent acquisition with community impact will find Save the Internships NY a practical and mission-driven partner.