Applications are now being accepted from high school students living in Richardson or attending Richardson ISD who are interested in an eight-week, paid summer internship program.

The Richardson Mayor's Summer Internship Program launched in 2018 as a partnership between the city of Richardson, Richardson ISD and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce and gives rising high school seniors workforce experience through an internship at an area business. Each participant works between 20-40 hours per week between June 10-Aug. 2 and earns a minimum of $10 per hour, according to the release.

"Our first class of interns gained incredible experiences in the workplace, explored new careers and learned new skills,” Mayor Voelker said in a press release. “Best of all, they finished the summer with a boost in confidence, connection to mentors and a more concrete, optimistic outlook as they approach college and their careers.”

Employers interview students—who have been preselected from the program’s online resume portal—at an April 25 job fair. Once internships are secured, students not only gain real-world career experience but also shadow top executives, learn to network and benefit from mentoring relationships, according to the release.

The deadline for students to apply is March 22. Eligible students must be high school juniors, have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and be eligible to work in the U.S.

Area businesses are also encouraged to participate. Each employer is asked to provide at least one paid internship by placing the intern on their payroll for eight weeks. The cost for businesses is $500 per intern, which covers their participation in workforce and work-readiness training, the job fair, a community service day and other expenses, according to the release.

"We strongly encourage Richardson business leaders to make a life-changing difference in our youth by sponsoring interns at their workplace or at a nonprofit,” chamber President Bill Sproull said.

The deadline for businesses to apply is April 1.

Mayor Paul Voelker is also seeing program sponsors for the job fair, student workforce trainings, community service projects and luncheons. For more information, visit this link.