USC Press Fall Interns to Receive New $1,500 Stipend Amount

September 8, 2026 | by uscpress

Columbia, SC – September 8, 2026

Starting this fall, University of South Carolina Press will give its interns a $1,500 stipend, up from $1,000, thanks to generous donations received during Give 4 Garnet 2026. USC Press’s longstanding internship program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to get hands-on experience in book publishing while providing essential contributions to the press’s daily operations.

USC Press launched its paid internship program in January 2025 to help eliminate barriers for students who want to gain valuable internship experience but cannot forgo an hourly wage. Thirteen interns from a variety of backgrounds have received the stipend so far, and two interns will receive the stipend at the increased amount this fall.

According to a 2023 Gallup poll, 20% of college students who want an internship miss out on having the opportunity because they cannot afford to have one at low or no pay.

“As a former low-income and first-generation student, I'm really proud that USC Press has worked so hard to give all students at the University of South Carolina an opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of publishing,” said Dianne Wade, marketing assistant and intern mentor.

To make its internship program accessible to an even greater number of students, USC Press plans on raising the stipend incrementally as funds permit, up to $2,100, the equivalent of $15 per hour and the University of South Carolina’s minimum wage. Former USC Press interns who have landed a job in book publishing after graduation point to their experience with the press for giving them the knowledge and skills to stand out as an applicant.

Learn more about how USC Press is increasing access to career opportunities for undergraduate students through its paid internship program.

About the University of South Carolina Press
University of South Carolina Press, established in 1944, is one of the oldest, most distinguished publishers in the American South. Through its publications, USC Press extends the mission of its university by publishing premier scholarship and authentic stories that initiate important conversations and positively impact communities. For more information, visit uscpress.com.