PrepareRI internship applications now available

PROVIDENCE — Applications for the second year of the Prepare Rhode Island (PrepareRI) Internship Program are now available and will be accepted through Feb. 1, 2019. Launched in the summer of 2018, the PrepareRI Internship Program provides paid summer internships to rising high school seniors, who also have the opportunity to earn up to six college credits at no cost.

Students can apply online on the PrepareRI website.

In its first year, 162 students participated, working at 46 partner companies and organizations statewide. PrepareRI Internship employers represent a diverse array of industries, from health care and finance to technology and public policy, including some of the state’s leading businesses, such as Amgen, Bank of America, CVS, Citizen’s Bank, FM Global, Hasbro, and Lifespan.

“The first year of the PrepareRI Internship Program was a tremendous success, with students earning money, gaining critical work skills, and making connections that will help them as they move forward in their career paths,” said Gov. Gina M. Raimondo. “These kinds of handson, work-based experiences make learning come alive, helping to support students be successful in the classroom, in college, and in the workforce.”

Learn more about the internship program and the experiences of last year’s participants through this short video featuring student testimonials.

The internship program is one component of PrepareRI, a statewide initiative aligned to industry to prepare all Rhode Island youth with the skills they need for highwage, high-growth careers. This comprehensive statewide strategy also includes dual and concurrent enrollment early college opportunities, career and technical education, Advanced Placement and the Advanced Course Network, among others.

The initiative represents a strategic partnership between Rhode Island government, private industry leaders, the public education system, universities, and non-profits across the state. The Governor’s Workforce Board (GWB) is one of the agencies helping to coordinate the PrepareRI work overall, and they are the lead agency for the PrepareRI Internship.