Apprenticeships & Internships
Our plans for supported placement with experienced mentors at local businesses and organizations
Coming Soon...
We're focused on building strong workshop and community of practice programs first. Once those are established, we'll launch the apprenticeship and internship program. This page describes our plans for when we get there.
The Vision
When we launch this program, students who have proven themselves through Community of Practice work will become eligible for supported work opportunities with local businesses and organizations. This is where learning becomes earning, guided by experienced mentors who help students navigate professional work.
Students won't be thrown into the deep end alone. They'll be paired with mentors - either within the tech companies they join, through Institute staff on internal projects, or via ongoing support for community placements. By the time students reach this stage, they'll have demonstrated capability, and they'll get the guidance to apply it professionally.
Three Models
We have three different models for apprenticeship and internship placements, depending on students' interests, the needs of their community, and what resources are available in their area.
Supported Internal Projects
Students take on client-funded work through the Institute with direct mentorship from experienced staff. Building websites, developing custom tools, or providing IT support - all with hands-on guidance and support throughout.
Best for: Students ready for paid work who benefit from close day-to-day mentorship and direct access to experienced developers.
- Direct mentorship from Institute staff
- Flexible scheduling
- Varied project types
- Lower pressure than external placements
Tech Company Apprenticeships
Students join local IT firms and software development shops as apprentices, paired with experienced developers who serve as mentors. Work alongside professional teams, contribute to real projects, and learn industry practices with built-in guidance.
Best for: Students interested in software development careers who want to learn from established teams in professional environments.
- Learn from experienced development teams
- Professional development environment
- Exposure to larger codebases and systems
- Strong resume credential
Supported Community Placements
Students work with small businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations with ongoing support from Institute mentors. You're the tech person for the organization, but you're not alone - mentors are available when you need backup or encounter unfamiliar challenges.
Best for: Students who want autonomy and variety while maintaining a safety net of experienced mentors to call on.
- High autonomy and responsibility
- Direct relationship with organization
- Broad technical exposure
- Mirrors how many careers actually start
How It Works
For Students
- Demonstrate Readiness: Complete significant Community of Practice work and show you're ready for professional responsibilities
- Browse Opportunities: See posted opportunities from organizations looking for student interns
- Apply Directly: Submit applications for positions that interest you (we can help with resume/cover letter)
- Interview & Accept: The hiring process is between you and the organization
- Get Support: Access ongoing mentorship through open lab sessions even while working
For Organizations
- Post Opportunity: Describe what you need and what skills you're looking for
- We Verify Alignment: We ensure postings are clear, appropriate, and aligned with our mission
- Review Applications: Students apply directly; you review and select candidates
- Hire & Onboard: Work directly with the student you select
- We Provide Backup: Students have access to ongoing support for challenges beyond their experience
We're the Connection, Not the Middleman
The Institute facilitates connections and provides ongoing support, but internships are direct relationships between students and organizations. You negotiate terms, set schedules, and work together - we're just here to ensure both parties have what they need to succeed.
Ongoing Support
Students aren't on their own once they're placed. We provide ongoing support to ensure success.
Open Lab Sessions
Regular times where students can drop in with questions, work through challenges, or get help with unfamiliar technologies. Experienced mentors are available to provide guidance and troubleshoot issues.
This is especially critical for students placed in organizations without other technical staff - they're not out there alone. Stuck on something? Come to lab hours and get unstuck.
Online Community
Access to the same communication channels as Community of Practice members. Ask questions, share what you're learning, get feedback from peers and mentors.
You're still part of the Institute community even while working with an external organization. That network of support doesn't go away.
Why This Model Works
For Students
- Real professional experience
- Paid work while still learning
- References from actual employers
- Portfolio of professional work
- Network of local connections
- Option to stay in community
For Organizations
- Access to motivated, trained talent
- Reasonable rates for quality work
- Students who understand local context
- Ongoing relationship with Institute
- Support when students need help
- Investment in community capacity
For Communities
- Technical capacity stays local
- Money circulates in community
- Lasting relationships form
- Next generation has opportunities
- Skills and knowledge accumulate
- Less dependence on distant contractors
What Happens Next
Successful placements often lead to ongoing relationships - both between students and their employers, and between those organizations and the Institute as they continue to invest in developing local talent.
Some students stay
Internships turn into part-time jobs, which turn into full-time positions after high school or college. Organizations find talent they can develop long-term. Students find careers they can build in their communities.
Some move on
Students use internships as stepping stones to other opportunities - college, larger companies, different cities. Organizations get quality work for a period and build relationships with the Institute for future placements.
Both outcomes are valuable. Some students staying means communities build technical capacity. Some moving on means we're preparing young people for whatever path they choose. The model works either way.
Costs & Expectations
For Organizations
Organizations pay a modest fee to list opportunities (reduced rates for nonprofits and community organizations). This helps support the infrastructure that makes placements successful - vetting students, providing ongoing support, and maintaining the network.
You also pay the student directly for their work at rates you negotiate. We can provide guidance on appropriate rates based on skill level and responsibility.
For Students
No fees. This is paid work - you should be earning money, not spending it. The annual membership fee you pay for workshops and Community of Practice access continues to cover lab sessions and ongoing support.
If you've proven yourself through Community of Practice work, internship opportunities are open to you regardless of your ability to pay.
Ready to Get Started?
Students: Focus on doing great work in the Community of Practice. When you're ready, opportunities will be waiting.
Organizations: If you're interested in posting an opportunity or learning more about how internship placements work, get in touch.