Hampton City Schools kicks off internship program for 2024-2025

Hampton City Schools is excited to announce the launch of the Academies of Hampton Internship Program for 2024-2025, in partnership with the Hampton Roads Workforce Council - Hampton NextGen Internship Program. This program offers students ages 16-21 a unique opportunity to gain real-world work experience with local businesses. Designed to immerse students in a 60-hour internship, it allows them to explore various career paths while developing essential workplace skills.

 

As the program unfolds, students will work alongside local employers, gaining valuable experience and insights into workplace expectations and dynamics. This immersive experience not only will prepare them for future careers but also deepen their understanding of their community and the opportunities within it.

 

The Academies of Hampton Internship Program kicked off on October 5, 2024. The goal of the program is to engage students in internships throughout the school year and during the summer months. The program strives to place students in permanent positions, bridging the gap between education and employment. Each participant will be paired with a coach from the Hampton Roads Workforce Council for guidance and support, addressing challenges such as transportation and scheduling needs to ensure equitable access to the program. The Academies of Hampton Work-Based Learning specialists will provide ongoing mentorship to help students navigate their work-based learning journey, participate in skill development opportunities, and gain valuable insights into their chosen career path.

 

In addition to hands-on internship experience, participants will complete up to 16 hours of mandatory training focused on soft skills and workplace readiness. The Hampton Roads Workforce Council will lead this training, helping students build critical skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving - areas essential for thriving in the modern workforce and in a global society.

 

Internships are powerful tools for students, employers, and the community. For students, on-the-job learning connects classroom education with real-world needs and opportunities, giving them critical 21st-century skills like communication, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving. Employers promote current and emerging career opportunities within their industries while helping to strengthen the skills of students preparing to fill the future talent pipeline. A young person’s academic success and employment readiness, along with Hampton’s economic development, are intricately linked, as the community’s prosperity depends on a highly skilled and prepared workforce.