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Contact: Morgan Cox, mail@summerworks.info 

WASHTENAW COUNTY – Over the past decade, SummerWorks has secured paid internships for over 600 young adults, and Washtenaw County employers are needed to continue the program this summer. 

Applications are open for local employers who would like to host an intern between the ages of 16 and 24 for a 10-week summer internship. SummerWorks matches youth with internships that match their skills and interests, and the program provides professional development to help youth succeed in the workplace. SummerWorks also hosts optional sessions for employers on how to attract and retain Generation Z workers. 

In 2024, SummerWorks placed 143 youth in internships with 59 employers. The young adults reported the greatest gains in understanding how to write cover letters, how to prepare for a job interview, and how to write a resume by the end of the program. 

“The nature of work has shifted dramatically in the 10 years that SummerWorks has been operating. We aim to build relationships between youth, local employers, and the broader Washtenaw County community to promote youth empowerment, professional growth, and development of the future workforce,” said Morgan Cox, SummerWorks program coordinator. 

SummerWorks is run by Michigan Works! Southeast, University of Michigan, Washtenaw County’s Office of Community and Economic Development, and Michigan Rehabilitation Services.

The deadline to apply to host a SummerWorks intern or be a mentor is March 16. Potential employers and mentors who want to learn more about the program can register for an upcoming informational session, which include virtual and in-person options between Feb. 7 and March 12. 

Young adults are paid $15 to $17 an hour during their internships, depending on high school completion status. Employers from all fields are welcome to host an intern, as youth have varied interests. Local employers who want to host a SummerWorks internship will need to commit $3,000 to $3,400 to fund the position. Employers can apply for financial support to subsidize a SummerWorks internship. 

In addition to internships and professional development, SummerWorks also facilitates mentorships for youth who are interested. Local professionals can apply to be a mentor to help youth explore career opportunities, build their professional networks, and develop job and leadership skills. 

Mentors should commit to meeting with their mentee once a week for the duration of the summer program. Meetings can be virtual, and SummerWorks would like to attract a diverse group of mentors from a variety of professional, educational, and personal backgrounds. SummerWorks also provides support and guidance for mentors on how to facilitate the mentorship relationship. 

Young adults who reside in and/or attend school in Washtenaw County can apply to SummerWorks by March 23. The application should take between 10-15 minutes to complete, and the link and more information can be found at Summerworks.info