Amherst College paid interns help nonprofits

AMHERST, Mass. (AP) -- Amherst College is paying nearly 200 students to work as summer interns, giving them much-needed money and job experience.

The program, endowed by alumni, spends about $500,000 a year. Internships include setting up literacy programs worldwide, researching the most effective nonprofits, and joining community development projects in India and elsewhere.

As college students face massive debt for school loans and the worst job market in decades, the internships provide some pay and experience that could help students land a job. Students receive up to $3,500 depending on whether they live at home or travel abroad.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers says money for paid internships typically comes from employers, not colleges. A little more than half of college student interns last year were paid.