Connecting teens to a successful future, the Richardson Mayor’s Summer Internship Program is accepting student applications now through Thursday, March 17. In its fifth year, the program immerses current high school juniors who attend Richardson ISD or live in Richardson into the professional workplace with internships at coveted businesses, nonprofits and government agencies. The program, which runs June 6-Aug. 5, is presented by Mayor Paul Voelker and the City of Richardson, Richardson ISD and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce. Businesses are also being recruited to provide internships; the deadline is April 1.
“As we enter the fifth year of the Richardson Mayor’s Summer Internship Program, our mission is for the majority of our students to receive an internship before they graduate high school,” said Mayor Voelker. “The value of an internship is immeasurable. Many of these internships rival those at the college level, giving our students an amazing head start as they embark on their college and career journeys.”
New this year, the program will offer paid and unpaid internships, providing more opportunities for students to experience first-hand a career they want to explore. The internships – available in technology, manufacturing, communications, professional services, architecture, construction, philanthropy and more – will range from 10-to-40 hours per week.
Interns will gain an invaluable peek inside a professional workplace, one rarely seen by most 16- and 17-year-olds. Importantly, students who take advantage of these eight-week placements walk away with a broadened and more sophisticated perspective, new capabilities, important connections and a definite jumpstart as they pursue their college and career goals.
Interns will learn crucial soft skills – such as social etiquette in the office, teamwork and adaptability. They’ll also gain exposure to myriad careers, while businesses and nonprofits benefit by tapping into the up-and-coming workforce. Depending on the internship, students might get to see the day-to-day operations of a major corporation, network with various departments, help coordinate events, create social media content, manage projects and much more.
In addition to hosting students at their workplace, businesses can sponsor an intern – or several – at a participating nonprofit, where students can learn about the important role nonprofits play in keeping a community vibrant and healthy. Additionally, interns’ eyes are opened to rewarding nonprofit careers that contribute to the common good.
The deadline for students to apply is March 17. The program is open to current high school juniors who attend Richardson ISD or live in the City of Richardson; have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA; are 16 years of age by June 1, 2022; and are eligible to work in the U.S. In addition, students are required to attend one of two workforce skills training days on Saturday, March 26, from 8:30 a.m.-noon or Tuesday, March 29, from 4:30-8:15 p.m., as well as the job fair on Tuesday, April 26, at the Eisemann Center. (If hired, interns must attend two days of intern work-readiness training on June 1-2.)
To apply and learn more, go to RichardsonMayorsInternships.org. Businesses can sign up now through April 1 by contacting Angela Shellene at ashellene@thereedsprc.com or 214-871-0783.