PrepareRI Internship Program

 

Background

The PrepareRI Internship Program places Rhode Island high school juniors in paid summer internships with the state’s top employers in a range of industries.  

PrepareRI Internships benefit both students and industry. For students, the internships prepare youth with the skills they need to pursue meaningful, fulfilling futures through professional skills training, on-the-job experience, and connections to adult mentors who can help them achieve their career goals. For employers, the internships help diversify their workforce and build a strong pipeline of young, skilled workers who can keep RI’s future economy vibrant and strong.

Summer 2018 was the pilot year for PrepareRI Internships, when 162 students were placed in high-quality internships; the program has since grown and served over 1200 students. The program is funded by the RI Governor's Workforce Board with support from The Partnership RI, and is managed by Skills for Rhode Island’s Future.   

PrepareRI Internships are part of PrepareRI's goal of having work-based learning in every high school in the state.

 

Key facts

  • The PrepareRI Internship program provides paid summer internships for high school students

  • Eligible students must be at least 16 years old and current juniors attending a RI public high school

  • Internships are paid and students also earn college credit

  • Internships will last 6-8 weeks (20-35 hours per week)

  • Skills for Rhode Island’s Future will help select students and will match them with employers based on student interests, skills, and preparedness

 

Timeline

Dates subject to change

Phase 1: Application

  • January 13, 2021: Application goes Live

  • February 15, 2021: Application due by 11:59 pm.
    Incomplete or late applications will NOT BE CONSIDERED

  • February 22, 2021: Decisions for Phase 2 advancement

Phase 2: Orientations & School Interviews

  • February 24– March 20, 2021: Mandatory student-parent/guardian orientation virtual sessions. Notices with dates will be sent to all eligible applicants

  • March 8 – April 2, 2021: Virtual interviews with SkillsRI

  • April 9, 2021: Decisions for Phase 3 advancement

Phase 3: Final Selection & Corporate Assignment

  • May 15 – May 28, 2021: Student corporation assignments

  • April 19 – June 30, 2021: Student Career Enhancement (I.e.: Virtual Internships, Virtual Meeting Etiquette, Microsoft, etc.)

  • May 15, 2021: Final Decisions

  • May 17 – June 30, 2021: Student Onboarding

Phase 4: Virtual Internship

  • July 12 – July 16, 2021: Virtual Work-Readiness Bootcamp

  • July 19 – Aug 20, 2021: Virtual Problem Statement/ Corporation Work

  • Aug 23- 25, 2021 Pitch Competition

 

application information

The application period for the 2021 PrepareRI Internship program is now available and will close February 15, 2021 at 11:59PM. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Visit www.skillsforri.com/prepareri for the application and more information.

 

Employer partners

Employer recruitment is in progress, and below is a list of current partners. Employers will be located across the state and in multiple industries.  Skills for Rhode Island’s Future will match interns with employers based on student interests and skills.  Not every student will be able to be matched with their top industry of interest, but SkillsRI will take those preferences into account during the matching process.

Learn more