As the one-year mark approaches since COVID-19 arrived in North Texas, Richardson leaders believe it’s more critical than ever that local teens receive life-changing summer employment opportunities.

With the support of local businesses and nonprofits, Richardson Mayor Paul Voelker is kicking off another year of the Richardson Mayor’s Summer Internship Program. The program, presented by the City of Richardson, Richardson ISD and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, runs June 3-Aug. 6. The deadline for businesses to sign up is April 8.

Entering its fourth year, the program will offer full- and part-time internships – remote, onsite or a combination of both – paying a minimum of $10 per hour to qualifying high school juniors who attend Richardson ISD or live in the City of Richardson.

Mayor Voelker hopes to recruit new businesses so that more students can benefit from this invaluable experience. Interns will learn crucial soft skills – from workplace etiquette (including how to navigate a virtual environment) to teamwork and adaptability – while businesses and nonprofits benefit from the fresh perspective of our future workforce.

In addition to hosting students at their workplace or virtually, businesses can also sponsor an intern at a participating nonprofit, where students will likely engage with frontline workers providing critical services during the pandemic. 

Also, student applications are being accepted through March 12. The program is open to high school juniors who attend Richardson ISD or live in the City of Richardson; have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and a solid attendance record; are 16 years of age by June 3, 2021; and are eligible to work in the U.S. In addition, students must submit a letter of recommendation from campus leadership and are required to attend one of two workforce trainings.

There are four steps to the student application process:

1. Complete the online application at rmsip.org by March 12. Students must meet qualifications.
2. Attend one of two virtual workforce trainings on March 27 or March 31.
3. Interview with representatives from some of the area’s top companies and nonprofits at the virtual job fair on April 29.
4. Be notified if they are selected for a position by mid to late May, once the selection process is finalized.

To sign up and learn more, go to rmsip.org. For details, contact Angela Shellene at ashellene@thereedsprc.com or 214-871-0783.