The 10,000 Interns Foundation

The 10,000 Interns Foundation is dedicated to championing underrepresented talent across UK sectors, with a focus on creating equitable opportunities for Black students and graduates. Originally founded in 2020 as the 100 Black Interns initiative by Jonathan Sorrell, Michael Barrington-Hibbert, Dawid Konotey-Ahulu, and Wol Kolade, our mission is to tackle the underrepresentation of Black talent in the workplace and support individuals to thrive in their careers. Through our paid internship programme, we increase access to meaningful opportunities while driving change in how organisations attract, engage, and retain diverse talent. We support Black students and graduates with tailored training, mentoring, and a powerful network of professionals and industry leaders. Alongside this, we use data-driven insights rooted in lived experience to shape bold, practical interventions. In just five years, we have created over 10,000 paid internship opportunities in partnership with more than 1,300 employers across 35 sectors. Our work has reached thousands of students and graduates, 71% of whom are now in full-time employment, a third retained by their internship employer and 89% reporting increased confidence and career readiness. The 10,000 Interns Foundation is more than a programme - it’s a movement. We are unlocking potential, transforming workplaces, and reimagining what’s possible when diverse talent is given the space to thrive.