The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin are calling on metro Atlanta companies to provide summer internships for this year’s class of graduating seniors in Atlanta Public Schools.
The internship project is in partnership with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and ajcjobs.
“Next Step... The Atlanta Promise is designed to provide students first-hand assistance in planning for their dreams... whether it’s college, technical school, military or the workforce,” said Mayor Franklin. “These internships will help students make wise decisions, receive important life skills and provide a meaningful work experience as they strive to reach their goals.”
Internships would run from June 5 through July 28. Companies are asked to provide 35-40 hours of work per week and pay $8 to $12 per hour.
“Nothing is more important to the prosperity of our region than a well-educated, well-trained workforce,” said Michael D. Garrett, 2006 Chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and president and CEO of Georgia Power. “Atlanta companies have an opportunity to give our students a summer they’ll never forget – one that will open their eyes to the excellent career choices right here in their own backyard.”
Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Beverly Hall said internships offer students the real-world experience and career connections they need to succeed.
“Atlanta Public Schools is fortunate to have the strong support of the business community,” Dr. Hall added. “Business leaders continue to step forward to provide our students with the opportunity to participate in internships and learn more about the workforce and potential career paths. This real world experience is invaluable to these young adults.”
This internship initiative is part of Mayor Franklin’s Next Step…The Atlanta Promise program, which helps Atlanta Public School graduating seniors map out a plan for success after high school. The Next Step…The Atlanta Promise Youth Programs are administered out of the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA). AWDA assists students with unmet needs that may hinder their entrance to the training and/or institution of their choice. The Chamber has been involved with public schools for decades through the Atlanta Partners for Education, a joint venture of the Chamber and Atlanta Public Schools.
Companies interested in supplying internships are asked to consider whether their location is conducive to students who rely on public transportation for their commute. The structure of the internship is determined by the hiring company, but should include exposure to an office environment. All eligible students have been pre-screened and accepted to two- or four-year colleges or technical schools this Fall.
For more information and/or to register for this program, go to www.ajcjobs.com/nextstepinterns or contact Brooke Havice at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, 404.586.8429 or bhavice@macoc.com.