A MODEL OF service These funds provide the wages for many of the summer internships, which achieve several noteworthy accomplishments. First, the program reduces barriers for internship sponsors through the intern compensation model. In Miami-Dade, the county provides direct wages to the student interns rather than the internship sponsor, reducing liabilities and costs incurred by the employer. Ultimately, increasing the number of businesses willing to participate in offering these summer internships.
MIAMI-DADE SCHOOL DISTRICT PARTNERS WITH COMMUNITY FOR SUMMER YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM By Lee Chips-Walton
Another noteworthy mention of the program model, participating students increase their financial literacy through a partnership with the South Florida Educational Federal Credit Union (SFEFCU). SFEFCU opens accounts for all students participating in internships to help manage the $1,400 stipend. The funds direct deposit into the provided accounts, affording students an opportunity to build credit and gain the skills necessary for future financial independence.
As one of the largest school districts in the nation, Miami-Dade Public Schools thinks big when it comes to work-based learning, and they have the numbers to prove it. During summer 2020, they worked nearly 325,000 hours to support: • 2,072 students; • 1,263 (61%) virtual internships • 331 (16%) hybrid internships • 1378 (67%) students qualified for free/ reduced lunch • 237 (11%) students were youth with disabilities • 57 schools; • 70 teachers, including ESE certified teachers who supervise ESE interns; and • 594 employers.
As a bonus, Miami-Dade Public Schools uniquely partners with Miami-Dade College and Florida International University whereby, if the students meet eligibility requirements, they can dual enroll and receive college credit for their participation. 174 students received college credit for their workbased learning in 2020. Miami-Dade Public Schools demonstrates the value in community partnership, investing locally to best serve students through work-based learning programs such as internships. To learn more about Miami-Dade’s summer internship program, please visit www.ctemiami.net/internships-2021/ .
The District partnered with several regional organizations to create an internship fund of over $4 million. Contributors include EdFed, formerly the Educational Federal Credit Union, CareerSource South Florida, the Children’s Trust, Miami-Dade County and the Foundation for New Education Initiatives. 8
