Opportunity Internship Program
Five Washington communities are helping students gain internship and pre-apprenticeship experience as part of a six-month program building work readiness, school and employment success.
Some 250 students are receiving work experience this spring and summer in paid and unpaid internships targeted to in-demand industries. The students are also receiving career guidance and assistance filling out college financial aid forms such as the FAFSA. In some cases, students may be able to use their work experience as their senior project.
See student success stories
The Opportunity Internship Program began in 2009. This current piece of the program started in January 2012 and runs through June. For many students, the program not only provides their first job but is a first step in building a resume that leads to more work, further education and a possible career pathway that lifts them out of poverty.
Workforce Board administers project
The Workforce Board is administering the $500,000 project through a contract with the state's Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. All told, nearly 1,000 students have been served by the Opportunity Internship Program since 2009. The program is also included in the 2011 PASS Act, aimed at dropout prevention, among other goals. This year’s participants include:
Participating organizations include:
- Northwest Workforce Development Council-Skagit, Island, Whatcom, San Juan counties
- Olympic Workforce Development Council-Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson counties
- REACH Tacoma-A non-profit youth-focused community organization
- Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council-Cowlitz, Clark and Wahkiakum counties
- Spokane Area Workforce Development Council
Each
student will receive at least 90 hours in an internship or pre-apprenticeship.
Students who enroll in an eligible training or education program within a year
of graduating high school may be eligible for the State Need Grant program.
Those
students who go on to complete a postsecondary program are guaranteed an
employer interview, where they will be expected to be on time, dress
appropriately and answer questions. The program targets high demand
occupations with a starting wage of $30,000 or more annually.
Contact: Mike Brennan, mbrennan@wtb.wa.gov, (360) 709-4616
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