ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NCUA has announced that beginning in April, it will accept grant applications from credit unions for the college student internship program. This year, the agency has increased funding for the program to $75,000, up $12,500 from last year for 30 internships at $2,500 each. The program helps offset the cost of hosting a college intern at low-income designated credit unions. The awards will be distributed by application date with the first qualifying credit unions receiving the awards. Applications will be accepted from April 1 through May 28, 2004. “The internship program has been a success, and we are pleased to once again sponsor this initiative with additional funding,” NCUA Chairman Dennis Dollar said in a statement. “Utilizing the talents of these young people, credit unions may further extend economic empowerment in their communities, and expose the students to career opportunities in the credit union industry.” The program has funded more than $363,000 in grants for 148 students since its start in 1997.