Council debates unpaid New Castle County summer internship proposal; members flag pay, selection and supervision concerns

Council President Monique Jones presented a proposed New Castle County Council summer internship program at the Executive Committee meeting on June 10, describing a 6–7 week unpaid internship involving two student interns who would work roughly 8 hours per week and assist with legislative research, constituent engagement and council communications.

The proposal, which Jones said would partner with Delaware State University, the University of Delaware and Wilmington University, drew extensive discussion rather than immediate approval. Council members raised questions about unpaid internships, selection criteria, supervision, cybersecurity, timing around the council’s August recess and equitable access for students from all districts.

Jones described the program as an opportunity for “students to gain hands on experience in council related communications, legislative support, and constituent engagement.” She said the program would start in July 2025, select two interns for council workdays (Wednesdays and Thursdays), require a minimum 3.0 grade-point average for applicants, be unpaid but provide parking reimbursement paid from her office budget (she estimated $112 per student for the session), and use existing volunteer policy and background checks. She also said orientation would begin June 24, 2025, followed by a background check.

Several council members urged a slower, more structured rollout. Councilman Carter said he had mentored more than a hundred interns and warned that “the time span, I don't think the goals can be met in 6 weeks,” and that successful internships require clear job descriptions, a needs assessment and staff involvement. Councilwoman Durham noted national controversy over unpaid internships and said, “most organizations now actually pay interns,” adding that paying interns would have budget implications and require further discussion. Councilman Cartier and others raised concerns about supervision expectations when many council members work remotely, and about how interns’ access to county systems and devices would be handled.

Members suggested next steps rather than final approval. Councilman Toole proposed referring the internship proposal to the personnel subcommittee for further analysis; multiple members said the proposal needed a recruitment plan, clearer oversight and alignment with existing county youth or summer programs before moving forward. Jones acknowledged the concerns and said she had discussed the program with the executive office and county attorney and would return with additional detail.

No formal vote to adopt the internship program was taken at the June 10 meeting; the item remained under discussion with multiple council members offering to help develop a more detailed program structure.