CFI's internship program equips vulnerable youth with entry-level experience through project management training, hands-on work in two departments at CFI, planning and putting on events at CFI, and job skill training. The first year of the program provides 10 high school graduates with a broad range of experience, while the second year allows 1-2 interns to dig deeper into a technical area of their choice, identify an area of need, and design a project to meet that need.
Youth lack experience for entry level positions and employers struggle to find qualified candidates. Vulnerable students in rural areas are often the first in their family to pursue higher education or professional work. They lack financial access, understanding of expectations, and previous experience to thrive in these environments. On the other hand, employers have few qualified applicants and the youth that apply often lack basic communication, problem-solving and analytical skills.
CFI's internship prioritizes self-reflection, foundational employment skills, and varied real work experiences to foster a year of professional learning. The second year fosters in-depth self-directed technical skill development. This uniquely prepare interns for a wide range of private and public sector work opportunities. Instead of assigning interns busy work, CFI supports growth through experiential learning and requires weekly group reflection and problem solving.
CFI equips students to pursue professional careers that can help improve the futures of both themselves and their families. Since 2017, 77% of interns have entered permanent employment following their internship. As an employer, CFI has hired previous interns in 73% of our open positions in the past year because they demonstrated greater critical thinking, exemplified CFI values, and understanding of the work - often out-performing external candidates with more years of experience.
