Illinois Internship Programs under State and Federal Law Illinois Internship Programs are designed to provide students with practical work experience in their chosen field of study. These programs are regulated by both state and federal laws to ensure that interns are given proper protections and opportunities for learning. State and federal laws define the criteria that determine whether an internship can be classified as paid or unpaid. Unpaid internships are subject to stricter regulations to prevent exploitation of interns. The following are the different types of Internship Programs recognized under State and Federal Law in Illinois: 1. Paid Internships: These internships are offered by employers who provide compensation to interns for their work. According to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLEA), paid interns are classified as employees and must be compensated at least the minimum wage for the work performed. 2. Unpaid Internships: Unpaid internships can be legal under certain circumstances, as defined by the FLEA. To qualify as a legitimate unpaid internship, the program must meet the following criteria: a. The internship is primarily for the benefit of the intern by providing hands-on, educational experience. b. The intern is not displacing paid employees and the employer derives no immediate advantage from the intern's work. c. The intern does not necessarily have a guarantee of employment at the end of the program. d. Both the intern and the employer understand that the intern is not entitled to wages during the internship. 3. Academic Internships: These internships are typically arranged through educational institutions and are aimed at providing students with practical, real-world experience related to their field of study. Academic internships often have specific requirements and may grant academic credit towards the completion of a degree. 4. Government Internships: The state and federal government agencies often offer internships to students who are interested in gaining experience in public service. These internships can be paid or unpaid depending on the agency and the program. 5. Non-Profit Internships: Non-profit organizations may offer internships to help students develop skills in the non-profit sector. Non-profit internships can be paid or unpaid, depending on the organization's resources and policies. It is important for both employers and interns to be familiar with the applicable state and federal laws governing internships in Illinois. Adhering to these laws ensures that internships are structured in a fair and educational manner while providing interns with valuable learning experiences.