Who are our participants?
Our participants are high school students between the ages of 16-18.
How are our participants selected?
Ladders for Leaders participants are selected through a rigorous application, interview, and job training process.
When are the applications due?
Check the Programs page for current dates.
Do the participants have work/ volunteer experience?
It varies, we do not require prior experience but some students will have volunteered or worked before.
How long is the summer internship?
The program typically starts in June and runs through July. Participants work approximately 20 hours per week but it varies per company.
Are the internships paid?
We offer paid and volunteer internships. If we have sufficient funding, the interns will be paid a minimum of $12 per hour unless a separate agreement is reached with the business partner for a specific internship. Some interns will be paid by Ladders for Leaders and others will be paid directly by the employer.
What training is provided for the selected Interns?
LFL will provide job readiness training prior to the start of the internship as well as continual guidance and training throughout the internship.
How are interns paid?
A timesheet will be completed by the intern and signed by the site supervisor. It will need to be emailed to the LFL staff by COB every Friday. The intern’s check will be mailed every two weeks.
Can Interns work overtime?
Interns who are compensated by Ladders for Leaders cannot work more than 20 hour/week. Inters compensated by our business partners will be handled on a case by case basis.
Do employers have the opportunity to interview your participants?
Yes, employers will interviews students prior to selecting their intern.
How can your business support Ladders for Leaders?
• Providing structured summer internship opportunities for high school students
• Donating funds to support program costs
• Provide volunteers to assist with programming
How have other employers developed their internship program for our participants?
Our partners can provide interns with meaningful and supervised work experiences. While they can help with administrative tasks such as scanning, filing, faxing, etc., we would rather that not be their primary role. Some examples of meaningful activities include:
• Incorporating interns into existing summer internship programs
• Assign a special project that must be completed by the end of the internship
• Exposing their interns to client meetings, participating in department-wide activities, field trips, and team-building opportunities
• Provide opportunities for interns to hold informational interviews with Senior Managers
• Provide administrative support to their assigned departments
• Researching best practices
• Creating a marketing plan
• Creating a curriculum
What are the responsibilities of a site supervisor?
Each Partner must have a designated site-supervisor, who will be responsible for assigning a project, checking in with the intern regularly, and supporting the intern throughout their 6-week internship.
How do I sign up?
Complete the sign-up form and you will be set! You can find the form by accessing the following link:
(PARTNER SIGNUP FORM)
Once your application is submitted you will receive a receipt acknowledging your application was received. You should then expect to receive further communication from one of our staff members.