Applications are now available for Plano ISD sophomores and juniors interested in serving as interns in the Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Program. Students with at least a 3.0 GPA can apply now through March 1 (by 5 p.m.) for the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program. A “learn-and-earn” opportunity, the program teaches essential workforce skills and provides connections to some of the area’s top corporations and nonprofits. The eight-week paid internship program runs June 10-August 2, and students can earn a minimum of $10 per hour working 20-to-40 hour weeks.

Pictured are the 2018 Plano Mayor's Summer Interns and Teacher Externs at the July, 2018 luncheon.

Marking the sixth year of the program, Mayor LaRosiliere reports that students benefit from real-life experiences in the workplace, meaningful assignments and opportunities to shadow executives. Interns get to observe company operations, network with upper-level management, and gain exposure to a wide array of careers. Participating companies from past years include Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano, JCPenney, JPMorgan Chase, PepsiCo/Frito-Lay, Toyota Motors of North America, Capital One, NTT DATA Services, Ericsson, Hilti, Inc., and McAfee. Nonprofits included the Boys & Girls Club of Collin County, Children’s Health and My Possibilities.

Students also benefit from the rigorous internship prep training, the highly competitive Job Fair and other enrichment opportunities.

To qualify, students must complete an online application, which includes a short essay. Additionally, applicants must be enrolled as sophomores or juniors (seniors are not eligible) at a Plano ISD high school; have a 3.0 GPA (minimum); be 16 years of age by June 10, 2019; and be eligible to work in the United States.

In addition, a mandatory Internship Prep training will be held Saturday, March 23, focusing on resume development and interviewing, business communication, professional dress and personal goal planning.

Plano students at the 2018 Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Job Fair.

Once those requirements are met, employers will interview intern candidates at the highly competitive Job Fair slated for Friday, April 26, from 3-7 p.m. at the Plano Event Center. Selected students will receive a formal job offer in May. If chosen, students will then complete two days of Intern Enrichment and Orientation on Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6, when business soft skills, networking, teambuilding and work-readiness topics will be addressed. New this year is a Community Service Day to be held June 14 at North Texas Food Bank, when interns come together and give back in a meaningful way.

The program culminates each summer with Mayor LaRosiliere hosting a luncheon honoring the interns and employers on Monday, July 29, at the Hilton Granite Park. 

Details and online application. For questions, contact Mary Peltier at mary.peltier@vwaitgroup.com.