Grand Island Celebrates National Internship Month

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — The Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce and Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation are reminding businesses that April is National Internship Awareness Month. This annual event spotlights the benefits that internships offer students and employers by playing a key role in developing future talent.

Grand Island is one of Nebraska’s top communities for internships thanks to the city’s rapidly expanding economy and high quality of life. In recent years, Grand Island and its business community have dedicated significant resources to attract and retain young professionals — an initiative that is paying dividends as Grand Island’s median age is under 35.

For young adults, Grand Island’s Railside district offers one of the Midwest’s most popular locations to shop, dine, and gather, especially since it is the site of Nebraska’s largest outdoor summer concert series. Meanwhile, new development in other areas of the city have brought more career opportunities for both white-collar professionals and skilled labor.

Throughout April, the Chamber and Economic Development Corporation will call attention to two
key programs that seek to grow the area’s workforce:

• Grand Island Career Scholars Program: In 2021, a partnership was formed between Wayne
State College and Grow Grand Island to meet the challenges of growing the area’s professional
workforce. Called the Grand Island Career Scholars Program, this workforce initiative educates
students for three years on the Wayne State College campus, then concludes with year-long
internship at a Grand Island employer. The first class of 15 interns will arrive in Grand Island in
autumn 2025 to conduct their two-semester internship. Watch this video to learn more about the
program — or to have your business participate, email Tim Krupicka at tikrupi1@wsc.edu.

• Central Community College Registered Apprenticeships: Central Community College has
developed an intern-to-apprentice pathway that not only secures long-term hires for area
employers, but also invests in the future success and sustainability of businesses while
providing students with hands-on experience. By offering internships and transitioning interns
into registered apprentices, CCC is fostering career awareness while equipping individuals with
skills. In the Grand Island area, the program is being utilized by employers such as Chief
Industries, Standard Iron, CNH, McCain Foods, and CCC’s IT department. Learn more about
CCC’s apprenticeship program at https://www.cccneb.edu/apprenticeship-program.

For interns, apprentices, and other young professionals who want to see what Grand Island offers,
visit the Chamber’s “Picture Yourself Here” site and the Economic Development Corporation’s “Call
Grand Island Home.”

Intern-seekers and jobseekers can submit their resume to the Chamber. Or for more information,
email the Chamber at info@gichamber.com.