HARTFORD, CT, February 15, 2019 One hundred and fifty Hartford Public High School students will be receiving internships from area employers through a $200,000 Partnership grant to Capital Workforce Partners from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.  This investment coupled with a $75,000 grant from the Travelers Foundation supports the Hartford Student Internship Program (HSIP), which is in its fifth year.

The program’s unique partnership leverages the resources and skills from Capital Workforce Partners, Hartford Public Schools,

City of Hartford, the Center for Latino Progress and other community-based organizations and private industry to advance local youth workforce development.  The program is also broadening its efforts to reach out to students who have been experiencing some disconnection from school, with the goal to reengage students in successful school and career pathways.

According to Alex Johnson, President and CEO of Capital Workforce Partners, “One of the highest priorities of area employers is to support the future talent development in the Hartford area, and this program provides a great set of opportunities for Hartford students to gain critical career competencies.”

According to Tamara Mitchell-Davis, Assistant Director of Outreach, Family Engagement & Community Partnerships, career development opportunities such as internships are a win-win for both employers and students.  I know first-hand the impact of having an internship during high school.  It was during my high school years that I applied to the STAG Leadership Program with The Hartford Insurance Company and was able to intern there during my junior and senior year.  Not only did I have the opportunity to develop my skill set and learn about the industry but I also learned valuable skills such as the importance of networking, communication, time management and how to budget my money.  As a Weaver High School graduate, I always share with the interns “my story” so they can understand I once sat where they are now.  Internships can teach you two things about your career and future:  what you want to do when you grow up and what you don’t want to do.  Internships give you the opportunity to explore career possibilities while being supported by mentors and caring adults without a long-term commitment.  At the end of the internship experience, students should have additional tools for their toolbox, which makes them more informed about college and career possibilities.

“The Hartford Foundation welcomes extending internship opportunities to students with different profiles, including students who have become disconnected from school,” said Hartford Foundation Director of Grants and Partnership Investments Judy McBride.  We want to test whether allowing those students to see firsthand that the skills they are developing in school are needed to be successful in earning a living will help motivate them to stay in school.  We recognize that all students need these learning opportunities.”

“The economic growth of the 8th oldest State depends on the future generation of workers; most of them are youth of color residing in the inner cities.  HSIP is an investment in them; the youth that will power the economy, and who will help business and community to thrive.  The Center is pleased to be a critical partner in building the strength, vitality, and potential of our young community”.    Said Yanil Terón, Executive Director of Center for Latino Progress

The funding will support project-based learning, career readiness, and work-based learning for a diverse group of students. The program gives rising juniors and seniors as well as opportunity youth direct access to local employers.  Additional support and coordination with Hartford Public Schools will be provided through the Center for Latino Progress and other community providers.

The continued support of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for the Hartford Student Internship Program is critical in developing the future talent that Hartford area businesses and organizations need to foster economic development and continued growth. The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has been a lead investor in this effort, along with The Travelers Corporation, City of Hartford, and Hartford Public Schools.