See How Duck Interns Are Helping Portland Thrive
Ducks have been making a difference in Portland since the 1880s. Back then, the University of Oregon opened a downtown law school that drew passionate scholars to the Rose City. Today, that legacy continues with the launch of UO’s new Portland campus. This long-standing relationship with Oregon’s largest city is what drives the Portland Internship Experience (PIE).
By placing skilled and motivated interns in mission-driven businesses and organizations, PIE strengthens the social and economic fabric of the community. More than a professional development program for students, it’s an investment in Portland itself.
Investing in Students and the City
Launched in 2021 with donor support, PIE was designed to support the Portland region with students eager to contribute to purpose-driven environments. Most host sites have no financial obligation; instead, interns receive a philanthropically funded $7,000 stipend and direct support from the university. In summer 2025 alone, twenty interns at nineteen host sites each contributed nearly 400 hours of service over the course of ten weeks. Among them was Anna Park, class of 2026 (political science), who worked with Catholic Charities of Oregon as an immigration legal services intern. The nonprofit provides critical social and legal services, a mission that deeply resonates with Anna.
"I come from a family of immigrants and want to pursue law down the road,” said Anna at the PIE Welcome to the City event. “Immigration legal services is something I’m really passionate about and I’m excited that I get to have a direct experience and hopefully make an impact.”
Hands-On Impact in the Community
Sarah Van Horn, class of 2026 (accounting and marketing), spent her summer as a food waste prevention intern at Lift UP, a nonprofit fighting food insecurity. Her work was as hands-on as it was heartwarming. On harvest days, she walked the rows of Verdier Farm, filling bins with organic produce bound for families in need. She then delivered the bounty to a free food pantry in Northwest Portland, connecting directly with the community members who benefited from her efforts—a full-circle experience.
Her contributions were recognized immediately at Lift UP, where she provided much-needed capacity relief for the small nonprofit. “There have been a couple of specific projects that we’ve been wanting to work on as an organization that we haven’t had the space to take on,” said Fiona Conneely, Lift UP’s systems, data, and impact specialist. “Sarah has been able to lead some of that work, which has made exciting progress that we’re able to move forward.”
Preserving History and Creating Stories
Aside the Willamette River at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, retired educator Roger Woehl now serves as vice president of the foundation, which is dedicated to preserving Portland’s historic locomotives. This summer, the center welcomed two PIE interns, and Woehl was deeply impressed by their contributions to the team. “What always amazes me is the skills, the integrity, and the abilities that these interns bring,” Woehl says. “It gives me a lot of confidence in the young people coming in today’s world of work and what they’re going to bring to our society.”
One of the interns, Chloe Mills, class of 2026 (product design), is drawing on her digital design background to create an exhibit (scheduled to open later this year) showcasing the untold stories of women in the railroad industry. She says the project is not only meaningful but also pushing her beyond her comfort zone.
“To know that I’m going to have an actual product and a full exhibit opening for a lot of people to see—I’ve never had something to this scale,” Chloe said. “So, it’s kind of overwhelming but in the best way possible. I’m so happy to have this opportunity.”
Building Confidence and Career Pathways
While the roles vary, one thing remains consistent: PIE interns leave with greater confidence and clarity about their futures. Whether they’re acquiring new skills, building relationships with business leaders, or embracing new challenges, each student grows in ways that prepare them for meaningful careers and lasting impact. “Internships are powerful,” says Elizabeth Gillingham, program coordinator for PIE. “They open doors, allow students to put theory into practice, and demystify the workplace and professional norms.”
For Ducks with roots in Portland, PIE offers a chance to reconnect with their home city while gaining career-shaping experience. For others hoping to build their future in Oregon, it provides the same pathway: hands-on learning, valuable connections, and a head start on making a local impact. Acting as a bridge from classroom to career, PIE helps students develop meaningful roles and relationships that can anchor them in Portland after graduation. Supported by more than 48,000 Portland-based alumni, the program sustains a lasting cycle of mentorship, service, and innovation.
Now wrapping up its fifth year, PIE is building toward a future rooted in its core values: access, learning, and service to the community. By expanding opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, fostering meaningful learning experiences, and strengthening partnerships with mission-focused businesses and organizations, PIE continues to shape a more equitable and connected Portland. With growing alumni support and donor engagement, the program is poised to remain a lasting force for both students and the city itself while trying to meet its demand.
“Our PIE network is continually growing, with more student and host sites applying each year, so we know the interest is there,” Gillingham says. “Now, our goal is to increase the number of internships we offer while ensuring these valuable opportunities remain accessible to the students and the site partners who need them most.”
Support Ducks Like These
If you’re a Portland business or nonprofit interested in hosting a PIE intern, learn more on the program’s website. You can also support PIE through a gift, helping ensure students can pursue these opportunities with their living costs covered and their skills recognized. Where some say, “Keep Portland Weird,” we like to say, “Keep Portland Philanthropic.”