Students looking for an internship this spring and summer should explore opportunities available in county government. Dawson County is currently offering internships in the finance, government and community affairs, emergency services and community development departments through the Georgia County Internship Program.
The Georgia County Internship Program was developed through a partnership between the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education to provide college, graduate and technical school students with opportunities to work in counties, allowing the students to gain valuable work experience, while learning about local government operations.
More than 100 paid spring and summer internships are currently available through the program in locations throughout the state.
Interested students can view internship opportunities at: www.GeorgiaCountyInternships.org.
“In addition to developing a skilled workforce through practical internship experiences, the Georgia County Internship Program is promoting civic engagement,” said ACCG Executive Director Ross King. “We are not only connecting students with opportunities in county government; we’re connecting county government with tomorrow’s leaders.”
Last year, ACCG received a $250,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Labor to fund paid internships. The grant has been extended to fund additional internship opportunities through June 30, 2011.
To date, the program has funded internships in 49 counties for 139 students.
“This program is an example of the kind of unique opportunity that can be created through partnership,” said ARCHE President Michael A. Gerber.
“Colleges and universities have come together with county governments so that our students get great, real world work experiences. In return, counties get the services of the best talent the state has to offer.”
For more information on the internship program in Dawson County, contact Cathy Brooks at (706) 344-3501, Ext. 255 or cbrooks@dawsoncounty.org.