Student registration opens Monday, Feb. 6, for the competitive Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program, a “learn-and-earn” program that places qualifying Plano sophomores and juniors at some of the area’s top corporations and nonprofits. Presented by founding sponsor Capital One, the program taps students from Plano’s award-winning and nationally recognized school district, connecting them with dozens of organizations, from national headquarters and government entities to small businesses, local charities and nonprofits. The deadline to apply is March 6.
In its 10th year, the eight-week paid internship program – offering remote and on-site placements (or a combination of both) – runs June 12-Aug. 4 (although some start dates are flexible). Students earn a minimum of $12 per hour working 20-40 hours per week. Only the first 400 applications will be considered, so students are encouraged to apply early.
Led by Plano Mayor John Muns, the program prepares the future workforce for a successful transition into college and their life-long careers. Since former Mayor Harry LaRosiliere’s launch of the program in 2014, approximately 780 students have received summer internships, reaping invaluable benefits from being immersed in a professional workplace.
With internships rivaling those at the college level, students get a wealth of experience – from networking with upper-level management, coordinating events and managing social media campaigns, to budgeting, banking and collaborating on projects. They will work in exciting fields such as hospitality, technology and aviation operations, education, logistics, nonprofits, marketing, medicine and more.
Once again, Mayor Muns has made it a priority to increase the number of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) students in the program, as well as students who will be first-generation college students.
To qualify, students must complete an online application, which includes short essays. Additionally, applicants must be a rising junior or senior at a Plano public high school OR a rising junior or senior at Hebron High School and reside in the City of Plano; have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (minimum) and solid attendance record; be 16 years of age by June 12, 2023; be eligible to work in the United States; and be able to work the entire eight weeks of the internship from June 12-Aug. 4 (or dates determined by the employer).
In addition, students must attend the Intern Prep virtual event (Saturday, March 18) – focusing on resume development, interviewing, business communication, professional dress and personal goal planning – to be eligible for the Job Fair (Friday, April 21), which attracts dozens of employers. Selected students will receive a formal job offer via email in May. If chosen, students will then complete Intern Orientation and Enrichment training on Wednesday, June 7, when business soft skills, networking, teambuilding and work-readiness topics will be addressed. Also, Community Service Day will be held in June, when interns come together to volunteer at a local nonprofit.
The program culminates with Mayor Muns hosting an end-of-summer luncheon to honor the interns, employers, partners and sponsors on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at Plano Event Center.
Deadline for businesses and nonprofits to sign up is April 1
Businesses and nonprofits of all sizes are encouraged to sign up and hire one or more interns. Businesses may also underwrite an intern to work at a nonprofit or government agency or become a program sponsor. Companies pay a $500 program fee for each intern that covers training and enrichment activities, the Job Fair and onboarding and administrative costs.
Details and the online application are available at planomayorsinterns.org. For student-related questions, contact Mary Peltier at mary.peltier@vwaitgroup.com. Companies interested in signing up may contact Vicki Wait at vicki@vwaitgroup.com.
