The Democratic National Committee will begin a paid internship program next year in an effort to expand its applicant pool. The DNC previously offered internships on an unpaid, volunteer basis.

“As part of the new DNC, [Chairman] Tom Perez Thomas Edward PerezClinton’s top five vice presidential picks Government social programs: Triumph of hope over evidence Labor’s 'wasteful spending and mismanagement” at Workers’ Comp MORE believes it's critical that we establish a process to provide paid internships in order to give the young voices in our party the opportunity to grow and become the next generation of Democratic leaders," DNC spokesman Xochitl Hinojosa told The Hill.

The DNC's new intern program will begin in January 2018 and will allow congressional interns to apply for stipends of up to $3,000 per semester. The application for stipends will begin after the intern has accepted an offer from the committee, as first reported by HuffPost.

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The DNC's website now reads: "A limited number of stipends are available for full- and part-time interns. Stipends are granted based on a simple application, which will be sent after an intern has accepted an offer."

Perez, who was elected chairman earlier this year after serving as the secretary of Labor under former President Barack Obama Barack Hussein ObamaMichelle Obama and Jennifer Lopez exchange Ginsburg memories Pence defends Trump's 'obligation' to nominate new Supreme Court justice The militia menace MORE, had previously promised to provide paid internships as a way to engage more millennials in the Democratic Party and to compete with Republicans, whose governing body offers some paid opportunities. Unpaid internships are also often criticized for excluding lower-income applicants.

"It is important that young Democrats have a seat at the table and paid internships will ensure that we select the most qualified and diverse individuals regardless of financial background," DNC's spokesman said.