This week, I had the privilege of attending the 10th Annual Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP) Kickoff, an inspiring event celebrating a decade of impact in preparing Miami-Dade high school students for the workforce. This initiative, powered by Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Career and Technical Education Department, CareerSource South Florida, The Children’s Trust, EdFed, Miami Dade College, and key civic leaders, has become a cornerstone in shaping the career paths of thousands of young professionals.
It was an honor to speak on behalf of employers who have hired interns through this program and to share firsthand how work-based learning benefits both businesses and students. Providing high school students with meaningful, real-world experiences helps them build essential skills, explore career opportunities, and enter the workforce with confidence. In turn, employers gain motivated young talent, fresh perspectives, and a chance to shape the future workforce
Hearing from Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Superintendent Dr. Jose Dotres, Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega, and CareerSource South Florida’s Rick Beasley, among others, reinforced how critical this program is to our community’s economic growth. The stories shared by past interns were a testament to the life-changing opportunities SYIP provides.
Why Employers Should Get Involved
If you’re an employer in Miami-Dade County, now is the time to join the movement and invest in the next generation of talent. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Hire a High School Intern – Provide hands-on experience and mentorship.
- Offer Work-Based Learning Opportunities – Give students real-world projects that build skills.
- Partner with Workforce Development Programs – Strengthen Miami’s talent pipeline for the future.
This program is more than just an internship—it’s a stepping stone toward economic mobility and career success. If you’re ready to make an impact and bring fresh energy to your business, get involved today!
📢 Interested in becoming a partner or hiring an intern? Visit https://miami.getmyinterns.org.
Together, let’s empower the next generation of Miami’s workforce!
