• Alliance Internship Fund

    Talent Development La Plata Economic Alliance

Internship Funding for La Plata County

The La Plata Economic Development Alliance Internship Fund helps local employers create paid internship opportunities for the region’s emerging workforce. By supporting hands-on work experience and professional development, the program strengthens talent pipelines and connects students and early-career professionals to meaningful opportunities in La Plata County.

The program supports internships for college students and other post-secondary learners, including Fort Lewis College students, community college students, and similar candidates preparing to enter the workforce.

For questions or additional information, contact Libby@yeslpc.com

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Program Overview

The Alliance Internship Fund creates paid internship opportunities that support the development of the region’s emerging workforce. Awards are available up to $3,000 per internship, with a minimum commitment of 100 hours. The Alliance provides funding directly to host organizations to help offset internship wages.

The Alliance reviews applications on a rolling basis. Eligible applicants include businesses, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and other organizations located in or serving La Plata County that are prepared to host and supervise an intern. Host organizations must provide a clear job description, hourly wage, and measurable outcomes for the internship experience.

At the conclusion of the internship, interns present their work and share their experience with the Alliance’s Board of Directors and/or at an Alliance Investor Member Meeting. This opportunity connects interns with local community leaders and highlights the value of investing in local talent.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria for Funding

Organizations applying to the Internship Program must be located in or serve La Plata County and be prepared to provide a meaningful, supervised internship experience with defined learning outcomes.

Internships in this program must offer competitive wages, generally at or above $20 per hour, and include a minimum commitment of 100 hours. Host organizations must identify the intended intern hire at the time of application.

Applications are evaluated on:

• Professional Development Value
• Supervision & Mentorship
• Compensation ($20+/hour)
• Internship Duration (100+ Hours)
• Role Clarity & Responsibilities
• Potential for Long-Term Employment

Alliance staff review all applications, and the Alliance Board of Directors approves final awards.

The program supports both the development of the regional workforce and the capacity of local employers to recruit and retain emerging talent. Through this work, the Alliance advances its priorities in Building Business Capacity and Workforce Development. The Internship Program is funded by the Alliance and made possible through the continued support of our Investor Members.

Terms

The Alliance provides funding upfront once it approves the internship application and confirms the intern. The Alliance issues payment directly to the host organization at the mailing address provided in the application.

Host organizations are responsible for compensating the intern and ensuring the internship meets program expectations, including the agreed-upon hours and wage.

At the conclusion of the internship, interns present their work and experience to the Alliance’s Board of Directors and/or at an Alliance Investor Member Meeting.

Applications Open