Chamber seeks students, firms for internship program

By Elizabeth Marie Himchak
August 11, 2009

High school and college-age students can gain work experience leading to a career, starting next month.

High school and college-age students can gain work experience leading to a career, starting next month.

Applications are available at http://www.sdnef.org for up to 20 spots in San Diego North Educational Foundation’s inaugural internship session. Spots will be filled on a first-come basis. The foundation, launched on June 28, is associated with San Diego North Chamber of Commerce.
The foundation will offer three sessions annually, said Debra Rosen, SDNCC president and CEO. Students can apply to participate in multiple sessions, with the first set for Sept. 15 to Dec. 15. The first two 2010 sessions will be Feb. 15 to May 15 and June 1 to Sept. 1.
The program consists of unpaid internships with chamber member businesses and a non-traditional scholarship program. Scholarships of about $2,000 each will be awarded to four students who complete the program each year. Judging criteria will include completing a project associated with the internship, Rosen said.
Participating students can be seeking careers that require a college degree and those for which technical training is sufficient.
“(This) differentiates us from the normal education track,” said Alicia Gwynn, the foundation’s chairwoman. “This foundaiton (is investing) in those students who may not go to a four-year university, but who still have a future and an interest.”
“(We’re) giving students a preview into the working world ... and different industries,” Rosen said.
During an internship, high school juniors and seniors will be required to work four hours per week. College students and recent graduates will have to complete 10 to 12 hours weekly, Rosen said, adding college students will have an opportunity to earn academic credit.
Rosen said businesses are being asked to consider mentoring an intern, which can help the companies find dedicated future employees. Businesses selected to participate will vary each session, since the foundation will attempt to recruit businesses based on the students’ interests. All participating businesses must be San Diego North chamber members.
Prior to receiving an assignment, students must complete two, two-hour courses, one in resume writing and another in interview skills, Rosen said.
“Today, too many students graduate with little knowledge about the multitude of possibilities for them,” Gwynn said. “It is our goal to give them that insight at an early age.
“We want to encourage students to find a career path they truly want to follow, not just go through the motions,” Gwynn said.
The program will be funded through fundraisers the foundation holds throughout the year, Rosen said, adding there will be no fees for the students or businesses.
Program details and student and business participant applications are available at http://www.sdnef.org or by calling the chamber at 858-487-1767.