Program would place 1,000 students in internships across Doña Ana County
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LAS CRUCES ― Las Cruces businesses and organizations can apply to host interns at no cost to themselves through a program which offers students an opportunity to earn summer wages.
Anita Skipper, chief public information officer for Doña Ana County, said the goal is to place over 1,000 students in internships across the county.
Who pays the interns' wages?
The program, in its third year, allows the County to pay wages to the interns via funds from the New Mexico Public Education Department.
Student interns earn $15 per hour and can work 200 hours total. That means participating students have the chance to earn up to $3,000 during their internship. The hourly wage did go up from 2022 by $2.
The part-time internship averages 20 hours a week.
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How do I become an intern?
Students who are 15 or older, including graduating seniors, are eligible to become interns.
Students who are 15 must have a work permit.
Students interested in applying can do so online at www.donaanacounty.org/summerintern.
Officials said the students will work with coordinators - positions also open to applicants - who will help administer the program and work with the students.
According to a news release from the County, students will begin their internship May 22 with an orientation hosted by the County.
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How do I apply to employ an intern?
"It is critical that we develop placements in a short period of time," County Manager Fernando R. Macias said.
He encouraged community members to support the program by applying to host interns for the summer at www.donaanacounty.org/summerintern.
Interns, according to the new release, are given job assignments based on how their interests align with the needs of applying businesses and organizations.
"Interns will have a the opportunity to learn, grow and develop their skills alongside industry professionals, and gain experience that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional careers," Board of County Commissioners Chair Susana Chaparro said.
Jessica Onsurez can be reached at jonsurez@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @JussGREAT.
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This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Las Cruces students available for internships
