Mayor Dan Kemp announced today the City has begun accepting applications for the fifth round of summer internships.  “Over the last four summers, nearly two dozen young people have contributed to several programs involving city government including the Summer in the City Internship,” said Mayor Kemp.  “We are proud to offer local students the opportunity to gain worthwhile workplace experience while helping to bolster their résumés and college applications.”

For those who successfully complete the three-week program held in June, the internship features a $500 Mayor’s Scholars stipend, a letter of recommendation, and the opportunity to learn about city government while gaining valuable career experience.

Launched in 2007 in cooperation with local high schools, the Summer in the City Internship Program seeks to offer students the opportunity to work in areas such as municipal government, journalism, information technology, law, history, tourism, public speaking, and archiving.  Interns also receive workplace readiness and interview technique training, conduct research, and provide administrative support. 

Since its inauguration, twelve youth have completed the Summer in the City Internship program.  Last year’s interns included Clay Ahart (Heritage Christian Academy), Alaina Carneyhan (Christian County High School), Jacie Haltiwanger (Hopkinsville High School), and Christian Watson (Hopkinsville High School).  Thanks to significant initiative displayed last year by two students involved with the Upward Bound program administered through Hopkinsville City College, the city’s Administration Department benefited from the service of two additional interns last year.  Upward Bound shadow participants included Krislin Gray (Christian County High School) and Kendall Owen (Christian County High School).

In addition to job shadowing and Summer in the City, the City of Hopkinsville has also hosted students through the Summer Works Program, as City Council pages, and as legal interns.

“This year up to four interns will be selected to participate in the Summer in the City Internship Program after undergoing a competitive application and interview process,” said program coordinator Nikki Radford.  To be eligible for the program, applicants must be high school juniors or seniors at the time of selection, Christian County residents, and 16 years of age by June 1, 2011. 

Program application forms may be picked up from the Lackey Municipal Building, Christian County High School, Heritage Christian Academy, Hopkinsville High School, University Heights Academy, the YMCA, Challenge Houses #1, #2 or #3, and the Boys & Girls Club of Hopkinsville-Christian County.  Applications are also available for download from the city’s website at www.hopkinsvilleky.us/summer.   

Completed application packages must be received no later than Monday, May 16, 2011, at the City of Hopkinsville, Mayor’s Office, Attention: Summer in the City Internship Program, P.O. Box 707, Hopkinsville, KY 42241. 

Any questions related to the Summer in the City Internship Program should be directed to Nikki Radford by e-mail at nradford@hopkinsvilleky.us or by phone at 890-0215.