Nex-Generation intern program impacts 68 students
Fifty-six businesses across northwest and north central Kansas hosted 68 high school and college interns through this summer’s Nex-Generation Student Internship Program. Participating students received an opportunity of a lifetime, preparing them for any future career path they choose.
“Each summer, our interns receive hands-on instruction from local, business professionals in their hometowns or nearby communities,” states Nex-Generation’s Executive Director Jacque Beckman. “Unlike many internships, each intern in the Nex-Gen program is paid a base wage of at least $10 per hour.”
If students are looking to gain skills that will set them apart from their peers – experiences that most do not achieve until after college - they need to apply.
The Nex-Generation Student Internship Program offers a variety of technical and non-technical career experiences. This year’s “graduating class” experienced careers in agriculture, non-profit, economic development, civic engagement, automotive restoration, retail, communications, marketing, graphic design, medical, social media, heating and air conditioning, computer technology, construction, art, banking, news writing, editing, photography, administrative, physical fitness and training, customer service, culinary arts, therapy, legal, travel and tourism, and more!
“One of our main objectives is to expose students to northwest and north central Kansas workforce opportunities at an early age and encourage them to look for jobs right here at home,” said Mendi Anschutz, Nex-Tech’s Economic Development/Networking Specialist. “We launched this program through Nex-Tech in 2011 with 6 interns. Three years ago, we opened up the program to local businesses, and a true culture shift has begun. Already we are seeing students remain in the area as soon as they graduate from college. One reason is their experience interning with a business right in their own county.”