PrepareRI Internship Program

Information for Students  

What is the Prepare ri internship program?

The PrepareRI Internship Program provides paid summer internships for high school juniors in Rhode Island.  An outside organization, Skills for Rhode Island’s Future, will match students with internship placements based on fit, preparedness, and skill. 

Why should I apply?

  • Jumpstart your career. Build your resume with experience in a future career field.

  • Get real-work experience. Build important workplace experience and on-the-job skills.

  • Make good money and earn college credit. Be paid a competitive wage for the summer while kick-starting your college education.

  • Build your network. Connect with adult professionals who can help you get on the path to a great career.

  • Unlock your potential. Discover your strength and improve industry knowledge, academic skills, and professional skills.

 

Timeline

Dates subject to change

Phase 1: Application

  • October 15, 2021: Application goes Live

  • January 14, 2022: Application due by 11:59 pm.
    Incomplete or late applications will NOT BE CONSIDERED

  • January 31, 2022: Decisions for Phase 2 advancement

Phase 2: Orientations & School Interviews

  • January 24– February 28, 2022: Mandatory student-parent/guardian orientation sessions. Notices with dates will be sent to all eligible applicants

  • February 7, 2022 – March 22, 2022: Interviews with SkillsRI

  • March 23, 2022 - March 29, 2022: Decisions for Phase 3 advancement

Phase 3: Final Selection & Corporate Assignment

  • April 18, 2022 – Ongoing: Student Career Enhancement (I.e.: Internships, Meeting Etiquette, Microsoft, etc.)

  • May 31, 2022: Final Decisions

Phase 4: Internship

  • June 27, 2022 – July 1, 2022: Work-Readiness Bootcamp

  • July 11, 2022: Internship Start

  • July 13, 2022 - August 15, 2022: Employer Site-Visits

  • August 19, 2022: Internship End

  • August 19, 2022: Graduation Dinner

Who can Apply?

To be eligible you must:

  • be a current high school junior attending a public high school in Rhode Island

  • be 16 years of age or older

  • live in Rhode Island

  • be eligible to work in the US and have proper documentation

  • complete the online application

  • be available to work a minimum of 32 hours per week in the summer

WHAT IS THE COMMITMENT?

In order to participate in the PrepareRI Internship program, you must commit to the following:

  1. Apply. Students must apply online between now and January 14, 2022.  Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

  2. Attend an Orientation.  Students who advance past the application will be invited to attend a scheduled orientation session with a parent or guardian. Every effort will be made to accommodate your and your parent/guardian schedules.

  3. In-School Interview.  Students who complete step 1 and step 2 will be invited to a virtual interview with Skills for RI’s Future.

  4. Employer Matching.  Students who advance past the in-school interview will be invited to interview with employers. Some employers may not require an interview and Skills for Rhode Island’s Future will match students to these opportunities.

  5. Attend the Work Readiness Boot Camp.  Students must complete a 40-hour work-readiness “boot camp” before the beginning of their internship.

  6. Complete the Summer Internship.  The program will be held over 6 weeks, 32 hours per week from July 11 – August 19, 2022.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a cost to the PrepareRI Internship Program?

No. PrepareRI Internships are free for schools and students. PrepareRI and the Governor's Workforce Board cover the cost.

Does this replace existing summer youth employment, such as the opportunities available through other nonprofits?

No. The PrepareRI Internship Program was created to provide students with more internship opportunities; it does not replace any existing opportunities. Students interested in a PrepareRI Internship are also encouraged to apply to other programs, including summer youth employment run by local community-based organizations.

When will the student application be available?

The application period for the 2022 PrepareRI Internship program is now available and will close February 15, 2022 at 11:59PM. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Visit www.skillsforri.com/prepareri for the application and more information.

Have more questions?

If you have more questions, ask a Career Coordinator or administrator at your school. You can find out more information at www.skillsforri.com/prepareri or by contacting Skills for Rhode Island’s Future at prepareri@skillsforri.com or 401-680-5960.