The Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP) has spent the past ten years transforming summer breaks into life-changing opportunities for high school students. Launched in 2016, this five-week program gives teens invaluable work experience, a financial boost, and hands-on learning that prepares them for life beyond high school.

Since its inception, nearly 23,000 students have participated in this paid internship program, partnering with over 900 companies and organizations across a wide range of industries. Students earn not only a paycheck but also high school honors credit and, in some cases, dual-enrollment college credit, making this a perfect blend of academic and professional growth.

SYIP is a collaboration that brings together Miami-Dade County Public Schools, CareerSource South Florida, The Children’s Trust, Miami-Dade County, the EdFed Educational Federal Credit Union, and the Foundation for New Education Initiatives. This powerful partnership has created a program that reaches out to students and puts them on the path for success after the classroom.

The program has grown in popularity and in the breadth of experiences and learning it provides participants. In 2023, SYIP rolled out a state-accredited workforce preparation course, teaching students essential skills before they even start their internships. This proactive approach includes lessons in financial literacy, where students open EdFed Credit Union accounts to receive their stipends via direct deposit—giving them a practical introduction to managing money. The program also expanded to include charter school students, ensuring more young people could benefit from this unique experience.

For many students, the SYIP isn’t just about building résumés; it’s about discovering passions, gaining confidence, and developing a sense of responsibility. Participants are matched with companies that align with their interests, whether it’s tech, health care, business, or the arts. This personalized experience allows students to see the real-world applications of what they learn in the classroom while contributing meaningfully to the organizations that host them.

The benefits extend far beyond the students themselves. By providing structured internships, SYIP helps local businesses tap into a pool of eager, young talent. The program also strengthens the local economy, reduces juvenile crime rates, and fosters a sense of community pride. Employers frequently praise the professionalism and dedication of their interns, often noting how these young workers bring fresh perspectives and energy to the workplace.

Families benefit as well. The internship provides safe environments where students can learn, while the stipend eases financial pressures, especially for those who might otherwise struggle to balance work and family commitments. Parents appreciate knowing their teens are in a structured, supportive environment that sets them up for future success.

As SYIP celebrates its tenth year, the program has become so much more than a summer job. It’s a launchpad for students to explore career paths, gain practical skills, and build confidence. For Miami-Dade County, it’s an investment in its future—a commitment to empowering the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in life and work.

For more information on how to sign up your child or how business and organizations can become part of SYIP, visit https://miami.getmyinterns.org/ .