June 23, 2015 (New York, New York) – SCBWI, the largest international professional organization for writers and illustrators, has partnered with WNDB to provide free one year SCBWI memberships for the five interns selected for the first WNDB internship grants.

The WNDB Internship Program is designed to open up the children’s book publishing industry to talented job-seekers from diverse backgrounds, giving them an invaluable opportunity to learn about the industry through professional guidance and hands-on experience. Membership in SCBWI will provide these first five interns with broad networking opportunities within the publishing industry. SCBWI regional, national, and international conferences bring together a who’s who of publishing including bestselling and aspiring authors, editors, and agents.

“We want to support this internship effort wholeheartedly,” said SCBWI President Lin Oliver. “Anything the SCBWI can do to enhance and promote diversity in our field, we are glad to do.”

WNDB president Ellen Oh said, “SCBWI has given these interns a wonderful opportunity. We’re thrilled to partner with an organization that has meant so much to the children’s book community.”

The WNDB Internship Program, chaired by award-winning author Linda Sue Park, recently announced the first five recipients of their inaugural Internship Grants: Julie Jarema (Simon & Schuster); Feather Flores (HarperCollins); Kandace Coston (Lee & Low); Esther Cajahuaringa (Hachette); Yananisai Makuwa (Macmillan).

SCBWI joins the Children’s Book Council as a supporting partner of the Internship Program.