DALLAS (1080 KRLD)- The Cities of Dallas and Richardson have started recruiting companies and students to participate in their summer internship programs. Last year, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson says 1,261 kids participated in "Dallas Works."
He says that was a record number.
"That's something we can build on and we are going to build on as we seek to raise the bar again this year," Johnson says.
Johnson says 92% of the companies that participated last year said they would return.
"As the mayor of this great city, it's critical to me that we focus on building a city that thrives both today and in the future," he says. "Our young people are central to that effort."
Dallas Works is open to children and young adults ages 15 to 24 who live in the City of Dallas. Details are available at DallasSummerJobs.org.
Johnson says the program can help "change the direction of" kids' lives.
"Because this was my first internship, I was glad to have been provided with advisers to talk to," says Iksha Subba, a student at Irma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School who completed an internship with an engineering firm last year. "The training and workshops we had to attend helped me prepare for my interview and how to act in the office setting."
Lisette Galvan, a student at Lassiter Early College High School, says the internships can help minorities and low income students prepare for their future. She says the program can also raise awareness for social and emotional learning.
"I have met some great mentors who continue to help me achieve my career goals," she says.
The City of Richardson is also taking applications for its Mayor's Summer Internship program. Students can apply through March 22; businesses can sign up to provide internships through April 13.
Richardson's program provides full and part-time internships in programs including construction, education, engineering, architecture and technology. The city says interns will make at least $12 an hour.
“The Richardson Mayor’s Summer Internship Program is an incredible opportunity for students to connect with some of the area’s most esteemed organizations and pick up invaluable skills – from the art of communicating and teamwork to technical skills, office etiquette and more. These on-the-job experiences will carry these up-and-comers as they begin their college and career journeys, giving them the know-how and confidence to achieve their dreams," Mayor Paul Voelker wrote in a statement.
The Richardson Chamber of Commerce says the program teaches "soft skills" including communication, teamwork and office protocols.
"This is a unique and tangible way for the business community to connect with its future workforce. We are proud to support Mayor Voelker, Richardson ISD and the Richardson Mayor’s Summer Internship Program as we strive to lift up our youth. We are always impressed with the caliber of students and look forward to bringing new interns on board this summer," says Kim Quirk, president and CEO of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce.
The deadline for students to apply in Richardson is March 22. Students there must be at least 16 years old and have a 2.5 GPA.
Students and businesses can apply at RichardsonMayorsInternships.org.
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