The Internship Program has the potential to change the lives of participating high school students. For some, an internship results in a job offer. Others meet and network with people who can provide career guidance. And sometimes the money from the internship becomes a key component of their family’s income.
The program started as a pilot in 2019, funded by Martha Holden Jennings Foundation and partnering with several Rural Action program areas, Project RISE, Building Bridges to Careers, and several local school districts. The five internships in that pilot program had grown to 24 in the summer of 2020.
How It Works
Rural Action works with Building Bridges to Careers to offer paid internships to local businesses and high school students in 9th – 12th grades.
The student identifies the type of organization, field, or industry they are interested in interning with, and we help match them with a business who who asked to apply. An internship can run for a semester, a summer, or a year. Internships provide:
- A professional supervisor who mentors and oversees the intern’s work
- Professional experience in a specific field of interest for the student
- A hands-on learning opportunity that provides students with resume-building work
- An opportunity for local businesses and organizations to inspire students to join their fields and industries and engage high school students in professional work to benefit all
The program is open to students in Williamstown, WV and Appalachian Ohio counties including Washington, Vinton, Tuscarawas, Ross, Pike, Pickaway, Perry, Noble, Muskingum, Morgan, Monroe, Meigs, Lawrence, Jefferson, Jackson, Hocking, Highland, Harrison, Guernsey, Gallia, Belmont, and Athens.
Interesting in hosting an intern? Let us know by filling out this form.
For more information about paid internships for high school students, contact Rural Action Environmental Education Director Dan Vorisek.
