Internship Program
Applications for the 2025 Y.O.U. Internship Program are now closed. To get a head start for summer 2026, fill out our Intern Interest Form (available year-round).
And stay tuned for the 2026 applications, opening Feb. 1, 2026!
If you have questions, please email internships@youcle.org.
Y.O.U. Internship Program
The Y.O.U. Internship Program is a selective program offered to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors throughout Cuyahoga County. Applicants who are interested in gaining professional skills and hands-on career exploration experience while earning a stipend and networking in a career field of their interest are encouraged to apply!
This career exploration internship program offers:
120-hour internship in the career field of your interest
Professional skills trainings (occurring May through August)
Networking opportunities. Participants interact with industry professionals and their peers regularly.
Earn stipends for the internship and attending trainings
High School Internship Opportunities
Internships through Y.O.U. are designed for motivated high school students who want to build skills, explore careers, and make an impact. Most internships take place during the summer months but fall, winter, and spring opportunities may also become available based on employer need and program budget.
How it works:
Start by filling out our Intern Interest Form (available year-round).
If your interests and academic profile align with the program, staff will reach out — and in some cases, you may have the chance to meet with staff or even interview before the application window officially opens.
The full application for summer internships is available and accepted February 1 – April 1 each year.
Submit the Intern Interest Form anytime. That way, you’re in our system, you can learn about opportunities early and be ready when the application window opens!
Internship Tracks
When you submit an Intern Interest Form, you’ll be asked which type of internship you’re most interested in. You can choose one or both:
Career-Matching Internships – These pair you with a mentor or project in a field that matches your interests and career goals. For current 10th–12th graders with a 3.0+ GPA. Requires transcript, recommendation survey, 8 short-answer questionnaire, and interview.
Foundational Skills Internships – These help you build essential workplace skills (like communication, teamwork, and professionalism) that will prepare you for any career. Open to all high school grade levels. Requires 2–3 recommendation surveys, short-answer on career plans, and interview.
EMPLOYERS: Please contact Mark Zeller and fill out the mentor interest form to express your interest in becoming a 2025 internship mentor.
For more information
