The New Mexico Public Education Department – College and Career Readiness Bureau is now in its sixth year of sparking greater participation in summer jobs statewide by providing funds and resources to communities that seek to place students in summer work experiences. The Summer Enrichment Internship Program has provided more than 10,000 students with summer jobs to date with more to come this summer.
The funds cover the wages of high school students who work up to 20 hours a week over an eight-week period, as well as to compensating coordinators who work between the school districts and the employers to set up and monitor the students’ work experiences.
From its inception in 2021, Doña Ana County embraced the opportunity and worked in partnership with the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, city government, and other local entities, to identify hundreds of employers and students who wanted to participate. The program grew from just over 500 student placements in its first year to 1,100 in its third, and the program continues today.
At the end of Summer 2023, students and employers were surveyed about their experiences, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, proving the power of work-based learning in helping students prepare for their futures. Following is just a few of the questions and their comments.
What was the best thing about your summer job?
Three answers dominated the responses:
- Relationships with co-workers and other interns
- Gaining valuable work experience
- Money
Other answers specifically mentioned ”soft skills” they gained through the experience and gaining real-world experience in a field they are interested in.
What would you say is the most important or beneficial thing you learned in your summer job?
- Interpersonal skills
- How to choose a career and work environment that suits them
- Employability skills (hard work, teamwork, communication, networking, customer service, professionalism)
- Financial management
- Career-specific skills
- Responsibility/time management/independence
- How to apply for a job
- Ask questions
- Real-world job expectations
The overwhelming majority of students felt they had made a significant contribution to the organizations where they interned, and 90% of employers surveyed agreed. One employer said, “The students were very helpful, creative, and supportive of the business goal in mind.” Additionally, 88% said they would consider hiring their students, and in fact, some did hire their interns at the end of the summer.
Employers provided constructive feedback on what students needed to learn in a work environment relative to cell phone use, need for better communication with employers, and work ethic.
When asked what the best thing about their participation in the program was, one employer said, “Giving the student an opportunity to work in the ‘real world’ and provide helpful steps to become leaders in our community.” Another said, “It’s a great feeling seeing young minds. Some shy, quiet, and nervous and then watching them leave with confidence and out of their shell. Always a pleasure working with them.”
The Summer Enrichment Internship Program is a great Work-Based Learning opportunity integral for meeting the requirements of Early College High Schools. Summer jobs for high school students are truly a win-win for communities: increasing exposure to local business and industry for local talent, building relationships that can turn into job opportunities, and helping lay a strong foundation for students’ future career success.