Summer Youth Internship Program: 10 Years of Impact
This week, I had the privilege of attending the 10th Annual Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP) Kickoff—a celebration of a decade-long effort to prepare Miami-Dade students for future careers. Hosted by Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), CareerSource South Florida, The Children’s Trust, EdFed, and Miami Dade College, this initiative is a proven success in building career pathways for thousands of young professionals.
🔗 Learn more about how we connect students to opportunities at Workforce.Miami
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 Join the Summer Youth Internship Program
If you’re an employer in Miami-Dade, now is the time to take part. Here’s how you can make a difference:
✅ Hire a High School Intern – Offer mentorship and real-world experience.
✅ Provide Work-Based Learning – Create projects that build real skills.
✅ Partner with Workforce Development Programs – Help strengthen Miami’s future talent pipeline.
Port of Miami jobs are a great example of how industries like logistics and maritime services are creating long-term career opportunities for those looking to grow in dynamic fields.
Industries like logistics, healthcare, hospitality, and maritime services (such as PortMiami) show how internships can open doors to long-term careers.
