General FAQs
What are DC Public Schools (DCPS) Career Ready Internships?
The DCPS Career Ready Internship program is a unique collaboration between DCPS and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) to provide select students with high level, 6 week summer internship placements at host employers that align with our students’ career aspirations.
When do the Career Ready Internships take place?
Internships will be held during the summer for a 6 week time frame, typically between June and August.
Who is qualified to apply for an Career Ready Internship?
DCPS students age 15 – 21 who are currently receiving, or have completed, employability skills training at their school. All Career Ready Internship applicants must receive a recommendation from their employability skills instructor.
How are interns selected to participate in a Career Ready Internship?
To be selected, students must:
- Participate in employability training courses at their school
- Register with the Summer Youth Employment Program through DOES
- Apply for a Career Ready Internship through this website
- Participate in an interview process
- Attend a mandatory orientation prior to June 24
Applicants that are able to demonstrate poise, initiative and tenacity throughout the application process will be considered for an internship placement.
What types of internships are available?
During the 2019 Program year, DCPS Career Ready Internships will include the following career fields:
- Information Technology
- Engineering
- Construction
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Business
- Government
- Culinary Arts
- Health Sciences
- Public Safety
What skills will interns learn through the employability skills training?
- Employment Introduction and Self-Awareness: Employer Skill Expectations, Emotional Intelligence, Employment Types
- Poise: First Impressions/Positive Attitude, Professional Dress, Personal Branding, Effective Communication, Workplace Etiquette, Netiquette, Professional Writing, Diversity Awareness & Self-Advocacy, Coping with Conflict
- Initiative: Decision Making, Organization, Time Management, Smart Money Management, Resume Writing, Cover Letter Writing
- Tenacity: Exploring Career Options, Public Speaking, Networking, Interviewing.