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1. What’s in it for business?

Hosting an intern is a low-cost/ high reward opportunity by which businesses can realize benefits including provision of additional help for projects and fill in for employees on vacation. Hosting an intern can also allow for the contribution of new ideas and energy, provision of additional staff support and cultivation of talent and skill sets to address pending retirements. Not only this, but it can also build and shap the workforce through providing important job and career skills.

An investment in the Durham YouthWork Internship Program is vital to help develop youth and enhance our educational and workforce development systems. A better educated and more highly skilled community means a better community in which to live, work and play. A better place to live, work and play is a better place to do business.

2. What is the approximate cost to your business?

YouthWork can work with individual businesses to tailor the internship to meet the needs of the business. The cost for businesses to serve as an internship host site can range from $1,400 - $2,400 depending on the number of weeks and hours worked by the intern. Internships are typically 30 hours a week for 6-8 weeks. Businesses can also sponsor an intern to be placed at another organization if they are not able to host the intern at their organization.

Previous summer opportunities have been funded by contributions from Duke University and Duke University Medical Centers, Biogen Idec, Durham Coca-Cola, Chick-Fil-A, Kimley Horn, Hadenstanziale, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, American Safety Products, NC Mutual Life and Cormetech.

3. How does a business get matched with an intern?

YouthWork reviews youth applications, interviews applicants, and recommends internship matches. Businesses also have the option of reviewing applications and interviewing potential interns. YouthWork also provides interns a pre-employment job skills workshop led by Durham Public Schools featuring professionals from local businesses and organizations.Interns and businesses are supported by YouthWork staff throughout the internship.

4. How does your business sign up to participate?

Businesses and organizations interested in hiring youth for the summer and/or afterschool internships should email Malinda Todd? or call 919-560-4965, ext.15220.

Businesses can also sign up by completing the Position Request Form.