The SummerWorks program is inviting University of Michigan offices and departments to host a local intern for SummerWorks 2026.
SummerWorks internships are 10 weeks, from June 15 through Aug. 21. Youth who participate in SummerWorks range in age from 16-24 and must live or go to school in Washtenaw County.
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U-M is a key partner in running the summer youth employment program, along with Michigan Works! Southeast and Washtenaw County’s Office of Community and Economic Development.
“SummerWorks strives to ensure all young adults in Washtenaw County have access to a supportive environment as they begin their careers,” said Kathleen Clancey, SummerWorks program manager. “As the largest employer in the county, U-M has an important role to play in shaping the next generation of the workforce. Last year, 13 U-M departments hosted interns, and we hope to place even more interns on campus this summer.”
In 2025, Summer Works celebrated 10 years of workforce development and placed 96 young adults in paid internships. Young adults are paid between $15 and $17 per hour, depending on if they have a high school diploma or equivalent. Internships must offer at least 16 hours of work per week. Depending on their high school completion status, hosting an intern will cost each U-M unit approximately $3,000-$3,400 for the 10-week period.
“The benefits of having a SummerWorks intern are immeasurable,” said one 2025 employer. “You have youth from diverse backgrounds, and it’s fun having young folks in the office. There are people who have been here for a long time. Young people and our interns are fresh; they bring a fresh perspective, and remind me why I do what I do.”
When asked about their experience, one participant with a U-M internship said, “SummerWorks is an excellent program that teaches skills we are able to use in a professional environment. We learn how to build a resume, a professional LinkedIn profile, and more about professionalism and different types of workplace attire. Everything is helping us build skills for the future.”
In addition to hosting an intern, U-M employees also can get involved as mentors for SummerWorks youth. Mentors give as little as one hour a week to mentorship and receive ongoing support and guidance from SummerWorks staff.
In-person and virtual informational sessions have been scheduled from Feb. 13 through March 11. Contact SummerWorks staff at [email protected] with any questions.
“Connecting young adults to the University of Michigan is just the beginning,” said Morgan Cox, program coordinator. “Through internships and mentorship, we are investing in local youth and talent. We are helping prepare them to step into a diverse workforce with the confidence, skills and purpose that it takes to thrive.”
The Summer Youth Employment Program was created in 2016 by the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development and operated by MichiganWorks! Southeast to create equity in access to quality employment opportunities and improve job trajectories for local youth.
Since 2017, the program has worked in close partnership with U-M’s Poverty Solutions to provide professional development, paid internships, and professional networking opportunities for youth. The program also partners with Michigan Rehabilitation services to ensure enhanced accessibility to those who need it.
