Capital One today announced it is accepting applications from nonprofits serving the East Plano population interested in employing local high school students as interns this summer. The internships will be part of the inaugural Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship program, the first program of its kind available to Plano students.

Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, in partnership with the Plano Independent School District, Capital One, and the Hendrick Scholarship Foundation, announced the program during a March 17 press conference. The internship program combines Plano’s vibrant business community and nationally recognized school district by connecting the city’s motivated high school students with exceptional local companies and organizations.

Capital One has committed $12,000 to fund internships for four separate nonprofits that serve the East Plano population. The four nonprofits will be selected through an application process. The internships will be eight weeks, starting on June 16 and ending on Aug. 8. Each of the interns will work between 30 and 40 hours a week.

“Nonprofits do a tremendous amount of good for Plano residents and businesses, By funding these internships Capital One is pleased to provide four area nonprofits with added resources for summer programming and capacity,” said Haufler. “At the same time, the students who serve as summer interns at these four nonprofits will gain real-world job experience and learn how effectively managed organizations operate. Plus they’ll be paid for their work during the eight-week internship.”

In April, grants of $3,000 will be awarded by Capital One to four nonprofits. Applications for the grants can be obtained at www.cybergrants.com/capitalone/interngrant. Eligible nonprofits must complete and return the application by Wednesday, April 16.

The four nonprofits will be selected based on the creativity and impact they describe in their plans for the internship. To be eligible for consideration, the applicants must:

• Be a nonprofit 501c3
• Operate or provide services in East Plano
• Offer a full-time internship: 30-40 hours/week
• Participate in a Job Fair on May 9, 2014 to interview/select intern
• Meet requirements of the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program; intern will observe operation of the organization, “job shadow” an executive, and have one-on-one conversations with managers and executives regarding college and career prospects in the industry
• Provide a significant experience for the intern
• Assign a supervisor for the intern who is a full-time paid employee of the nonprofit
• Assume responsibility and liability for the intern
• Manage the intern during eight-week internship
• Ensure that the intern has direct involvement with the audience the nonprofit serves.