June 10, 2026
Paige Frank, a rising senior at Pitt’s School of Computing and Information (SCI) and Stamps Scholar, was recently selected for the 2026–27 Doris Carson Williams Internship. A competitive academic program at Pitt, the internship connects undergraduate students with community organizations and public agencies dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses. Eager to support community initiatives, Frank will use technology to help growing organizations and businesses broaden their reach.
Frank, an information science major, credits the field's unique blend of technology and human-centered problem-solving for shaping her academic and professional interests.
“Information science stood out to me because it combines technical skills with understanding how technology can be designed and used to help people solve real-world problems. I’m especially interested in cloud computing, software development, and technology that creates social impact,” she explained.
Having always envisioned a career centered around helping others, Frank was particularly drawn to the Doris Carson Williams Internship. The opportunity's focus on supporting local communities and small businesses aligned closely with her passion for combining creativity, communication, and technical problem-solving to make a meaningful impact.
As a black woman in tech, Frank looks forward to honoring Doris Carson Williams’ legacy of leadership, advocacy, and empowerment within the Pittsburgh community.
“Being selected means a lot to me because it represents an opportunity to contribute to work that creates meaningful impact while continuing to grow professionally,” she said. “Being able to contribute to an organization that supports Black businesses and economic empowerment makes the opportunity even more meaningful to me.”
However, the Doris Carson Williams internship will not be the first time that Frank serves others through technology and communication support. Throughout her time at Pitt, Frank has also held a software engineering internship at Amazon, worked as a Pitt IT Student Consultant, and contributed to SCI community as a Peer Advisor, SCI Ambassador, and UBelong Mentor. According to Frank, these roles, while each different from the next, served as stepping stones that strengthened her passion for building stronger communities through service and mentorship.
With one year left in her undergraduate studies, Frank is eager to continue exploring opportunities that align with her passion for service and innovation. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a career where she can use her technical skills to create meaningful solutions for others, particularly within education, mentorship, and underserved communities.
“I hope this internship helps me continue exploring careers that combine technology, leadership, communication, and community impact,” Frank said.