SummerWorks is looking for University of Michigan departments to provide internships and mentorships to local young adults this summer.
The program has offered young adults in Washtenaw County ages 16-24 a leg up in local employment opportunities for the last nine years. It offers paid internships, weekly professional development and mentoring.
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U-M is a partner in facilitating SummerWorks along with Michigan Works! Southeast, Washtenaw County’s Office of Community and Economic Development and Michigan Rehabilitation Services.
The mission is simple: build relationships among youth, local employers and the broader Washtenaw County community to promote equity through youth empowerment, professional growth and workforce development.
SummerWorks internships span 10 weeks from June through August, and young adults are paid $15 per hour if they have yet to receive a high school diploma or equivalent, and $17 per hour with a high school diploma or equivalent. Depending on their high school completion status, hosting an intern will cost $3,000-$3,400.
Departments interested in hosting an intern may contact the SummerWorks team at mail@summerworks.info to discuss subsidization opportunities.
The time commitment for mentoring ranges from 30 minutes to an hour weekly. The mentor and mentee discuss a schedule that is best suited for both parties, taking place in a virtual format (phone calls, Zoom, etc). All mentors must undergo a background check and participate in Children on Campus training. The mentor-mentee relationship has the option to extend beyond the summer.
To learn more about being an employer or a mentor, RSVP for an upcoming hybrid info session. The remaining dates are 9-10:30 a.m. March 7, and 5-6:30 p.m. March 13. March 17 is the deadline to complete an interest form to be a SummerWorks employer, and internship descriptions are due by April 7.
Last year, 115 young adults successfully completed their internships. In addition to a paid internship, young adults participate in weekly professional development sessions facilitated by SummerWorks staff and community members, which cover topics like career exploration, resumes, interviewing, professional communication, social identities in the workplace and financial planning. At the end of the summer, each young adult completes a professional portfolio, including a resume, LinkedIn profile and cover letter.
Diversity, equity and inclusion is an integral part of the SummerWorks program. Hosting a SummerWorks intern can contribute to a department’s DEI initiatives by giving back to the local community, continuing to promote positive social relationships, and upholding a supportive environment for a young adult entering the workforce.
