Through the generosity of the Nord family, Pratt Institute announces the Eric and Jane Nord Family Endowed Internship Fund, a $5 million endowment that will provide stipends to students who wish to pursue otherwise unpaid or underpaid internship experiences in their chosen fields. The sustainable resource stream will be the first of its kind at Pratt. The Eric and Jane Nord Family Endowed Internship Fund will be open to student applicants from all degree fields and majors to support internship opportunities across all industries.
“The Eric and Jane Nord Family Endowed Internship Fund significantly broadens the pathway for students to pursue valuable opportunities for real-world learning and professional experiences in their field beyond the classroom and studio,” said Pratt President Frances Bronet. “We are incredibly grateful to Pratt alumna Jane B. Nord and the Nord family for their continued generosity, passion for education, and enduring support of the Institute. This transformative fund will help our students get an important head start on their careers, and will have a profound and lasting impact on their lives.”
This new endowment marks an exciting continuation of the Nord family’s steadfast support of Pratt Institute. Esteemed alumna and former faculty member Jane B. Nord received her art and design certificate from Pratt in 1945, and has been an active supporter of her alma mater for many decades. In 2022, she established the Jane B. Nord Professor of Fashion Design, Pratt’s first named academic position. Pratt also celebrated September 19, 2020, as Jane B. Nord Day in honor of her ongoing commitment to the Institute.
“Mother is an inspiration to the entire Nord family, and she remembers her time as a student and faculty member so fondly,” said Virginia Barbato, daughter of Jane Nord. “We know that careers in art, design, and architecture are as meaningful as the humanities, and we are so honored as a family to be able to help Pratt students build their creative careers.”
Internships provide students with critical hands-on work experience opportunities outside of the classroom. However, many internships, particularly in competitive fields, remain unpaid or offer minimal compensation. This poses a dilemma for students who must balance the need for income with the desire to gain real-world experience. By providing stipends, the fund will expand students’ professional possibilities and help them chart their career paths more confidently.
Administered by the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD), the $5 million commitment will provide continually increasing support as part of Pratt’s endowment. Each year, the fund’s impact will grow, ultimately resulting in support for more than 100 students.
“Students who complete paid internships are more employable and more likely to have higher salaries than those who do not complete internships,” said CCPD Director Marisa Lobianco. “We are thrilled to offer this valuable opportunity to Pratt students and set them up for long-term career success.”
For more information on the Eric and Jane Nord Family Endowed Internship Fund, please email Pratt CCPD at career@pratt.edu or Marisa Lobianco at mlobian5@pratt.edu, or call 718.636.3506. Learn more about the Center for Career and Professional Development.